Rainbow Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Ausable Chasm area of the Adirondacks in New York. Known for its stunning cascades and vibrant surroundings, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Rainbow Falls is short and easy, with minimal elevation gain. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk from the parking area to the falls, which are located near the Ausable Chasm. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is strongest. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks may be slippery. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little Ausable River, 5.2 miles away, not on Rainbow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
16 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 35 years of record
1.23 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 LITTLE AUSABLE RIVER NEAR VALCOUR NY (8 km away).
Today
Moderate
17 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
17 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
18 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
19 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
19 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
18 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
18 cfs
8/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late 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 Keeseville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rainbow Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Rainbow Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 16 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 99 feet of descent through Rainbow Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 267 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 97 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 267 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 99 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rainbow Falls is located near the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. It can be accessed via Route 9, and the falls are visible near the Ausable Chasm Visitor Center.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Ausable Chasm Visitor Center, which serves as the main access point for Rainbow Falls.
Elevation
266 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.523659° N, -73.460412° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the area around the falls may be wet and slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express - Plattsburgh by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Hampton Inn Burlington - Colchester
Best Western Plus Plattsburgh
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
Ausable Chasm, High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other Adirondack wildlife.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
CC
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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