Are there fees or permits required for Singing Waters Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Singing Waters Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Singing Waters Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Singing Waters Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Singing Waters Falls near Lyons Falls, New York, showing about 67 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 34 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Singing Waters Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Singing Waters Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Singing Waters Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Lewis County Lands LCA · CNTY

About Singing Waters Falls

Singing Waters Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall tucked into Lewis County, New York, offering a quiet, restorative spot away from busier parks. Nestled within Lewis County Lands and designated LCA, the falls and surrounding woods are owned and managed by the county (CNTY), which helps keep this a low-key local destination for hikers and nature lovers. The setting is intimate and peaceful—ideal for a short escape to listen to water over rock and enjoy the seasonal changes in the forest. Access to the falls is best approached as a short hike rather than a drive-up attraction. The route into the site is a moderately paced out-and-back that rewards visitors with a secluded feel; expect fewer crowds than at more famous waterfalls in the region. Because the area is managed at the county level, services and markings can be minimal, so plan accordingly with water, sturdy footwear, and a sense of self-reliance for a pleasant visit.

The Setting

Singing Waters Falls sits at 997 feet within Lewis County Lands, fed by the Independence River, in the foothills of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Agers Falls (18 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the south.

Agers Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The route to Singing Waters Falls is an out-and-back trail totaling about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Official surface, grade, and trail class are not documented in the provided county data, so hikers should anticipate typical natural-footpath conditions—roots, rocks and uneven tread—and prepare with supportive shoes and trekking poles if desired. There is no USFS trail number associated with this access; the trail is managed locally by Lewis County (CNTY).

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with the sound of flowing water. The area may be surrounded by forest, offering opportunities for nature observation.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Singing Waters Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Singing Waters Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain. Always stay on marked paths and avoid venturing too close to the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 34 minutes ago Low

34 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

33 48 167 348

Based on 83 years of record

3.22 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.

INDEPENDENCE RIVER AT DONNATTSBURG NY

USGS 04256000

5.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 89 sq mi

Altitude: 972 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge INDEPENDENCE RIVER AT DONNATTSBURG NY (9 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

34 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

34 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

37 cfs

5/10

Wed

Low

37 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

46 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

43 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

47 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

53 cfs

4/10

Best window: Wed — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Lyons Falls 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 bare-earth surface loses about 67 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 998 feet above sea level.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 102 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Singing Waters Falls near Lyons Falls, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 998 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 67 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Singing Waters Falls is located near the town of Old Forge, New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should check maps or GPS for the most accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may be located along the roadside or at a small nearby lot. Visitors should plan accordingly.

Elevation

997 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.662910° N, -75.322740° W

Land Management

Lewis County Lands LCA

Managed by CNTY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared for potentially muddy or uneven paths. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain may make access more challenging.