Pratts Falls
New York • 137 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.3 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Pratts Falls
Pratt's Falls is a dramatic 137-foot (42 m) ribbon/cascade waterfall tucked into Pratt's Falls Park in Pompey, New York. The falls and surrounding woodlands are part of the Onondaga County Parks system, managed by Onondaga County (CNTY), and the park has welcomed the public since it opened on July 3, 1934. The setting combines a classic gorge viewpoint with easy access, making it a favorite for photographers, families, and casual hikers seeking a quick nature escape.
The Setting
Pratts Falls sits at 1,243 feet within Onondaga County Land, in the foothills of New York. At 137 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 137 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Chittenango Falls (167 ft) lies 8.4 miles to the east. Also nearby: Brickyard Falls (20 ft, 3.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.3-mile loop trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The main loop to Pratt's Falls is a well-maintained 1.3-mile (2.1 km) loop with about 150 feet (46 m) of elevation gain and is rated easy. The trail type is a loop and includes gentle inclines and some stairs as it approaches the gorge and viewing areas, providing short, scenic viewpoints of the 137-foot ribbon/cascade. Trails and facilities are those of a county park (Onondaga County Land), so expect maintained tread and clear signage suited to most visitors.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 137 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pratts Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $2.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pratts Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Pratts Falls, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a chance to see the waterfall partially frozen.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall and on wet or slippery trails. Stay on marked paths to avoid hazardous areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Onondaga Creek, 8.7 miles away, not on Pratts Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
21 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 74 years of record
1.51 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ONONDAGA CREEK AT DORWIN AVENUE, SYRACUSE NY (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
21 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
22 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
25 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
27 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
27 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
27 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
25 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Fayetteville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 144 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. It lines up with the 137 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 1,243 feet.
Water arrives on almost flat ground and leaves through a ravine that loses about 119 feet in the first 500 feet below the falls. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,243 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 144 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pratts Falls Park is located at 7671 Pratts Falls Road, Manlius, NY 13104. It is easily accessible by car and well-marked with signs leading to the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area within Pratts Falls Park, close to the trailhead and picnic areas.
Elevation
1,243 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.931178° N, -75.994087° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Arrive early during weekends to avoid crowds.
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This easy 1.3 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Westcott Suite Apartments
Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse
Hotel Concord Syracuse, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Green Lakes State Park and Chittenango Falls State Park, both offering additional hiking and scenic views.
Wildlife
The park is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit.
Cities near Pratts Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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