LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Shumla Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Shumla Falls
Shumla Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in New York, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Details about the trail leading to Shumla Falls are not well-documented. The area may involve unmarked paths or require off-trail navigation.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and natural environment with the sound of cascading water. The falls may vary in flow depending on the season.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Shumla Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Shumla Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential for unmarked trails. Always inform someone of your plans before visiting remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Canadaway Creek, 5.3 miles away, not on Shumla Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
8 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
1.91 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 CANADAWAY CREEK AT FREDONIA NY (9 km away).
Today
Moderate
9 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
9 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
7 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
8 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
8 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
9 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
9 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late March, peaking in March.
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 Cassadaga hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Shumla Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Shumla Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 9 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 89 feet of descent through Shumla Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 996 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 175 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 51 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and 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
- 996 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 89 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
Specific directions to Shumla Falls are not widely documented. It is recommended to consult local maps or guides for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking areas near the falls.
Elevation
994 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.385530° N, -79.294354° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location may be difficult to find. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
The White Inn
Quality Inn Dunkirk
Cattaraugus, Home sweet home!
Cattaraugus, Small town get-away!
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
Other natural attractions in New York may be nearby, but specific recommendations are not documented.
Wildlife
The area may host typical wildlife found in New York forests, such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Shumla Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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