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 cascade tucked into the Grass River Wild Forest in New York, a land unit managed and owned by SDC with a designation of SCA. Sunlight catching the mist from the falls often produces the vivid rainbow effect that gives the site its name, making it a favorite spot for photographers and hikers seeking a scenic payoff without a lengthy commitment. The falls are reached via a moderately paced out-and-back hike that rewards visitors with close-up views of the drop and the surrounding forested gorge. Because the trail and surrounding land are overseen by SDC within the Grass River Wild Forest, visitors should follow posted signs and land-unit rules while enjoying this scenic feature.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 1,171 feet within Grass River Wild Forest, fed by the Oswegatchie River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the trail is rated moderate. Expect a relatively short hike that climbs steadily to reach viewpoints of Rainbow Falls — plan for a round trip of approximately 2.4 miles and allow time at the falls for photography and to enjoy the mist.
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
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Rainbow Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The area near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the chasm.
Current Water Conditions
141 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.03 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 OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (11 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
141 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
152 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
153 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
182 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
179 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
184 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March 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 Star Lake 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 60 feet of drop through Rainbow Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,168 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 11 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 1,168 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 60 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
Rainbow Falls is located near the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondack region of New York. It is accessible via Route 9 and is close to 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
1,171 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.306729° N, -74.999085° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls may be wet and slippery.
Where to Stay
Camp Lake Bear
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
Windjammer Lodge
Best Western University Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Ausable Chasm, High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Mountain
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other wildlife typical of the Adirondack region.
Cities near Rainbow Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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