LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Spicer Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Spicer Falls
Spicer Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in the Adirondack region of New York. It is surrounded by dense forest and offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The falls cascade over a series of rocky ledges, creating a beautiful natural feature.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Spicer Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, difficulty, and condition are unclear. Visitors should be prepared for potentially rugged terrain and bring appropriate gear.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be remote, and the trail could be challenging to navigate due to limited information.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Spicer Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Spicer 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 at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail to Spicer Falls may be rugged and poorly marked. Visitors should exercise caution, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tioughnioga River, 13.6 miles away, not on Spicer Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
404 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
3.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 TIOUGHNIOGA RIVER AT CORTLAND NY (22 km away).
Today
Strong
436 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
400 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
398 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
405 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
380 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
444 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
486 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 McGraw hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Spicer Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Spicer Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 33°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 441 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 98 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,307 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 61 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 83 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,307 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 98 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Spicer Falls is located in the Adirondack region of New York. Access details are not widely documented, so visitors should research local maps and trail guides for the most accurate directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated trailheads in the area.
Elevation
1,306 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.739512° N, -75.967977° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check local conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express - Cortland by IHG
3BR/2BA Lakehouse 10 min to town
Benn Conger Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cortland
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
The Adirondack region offers numerous hiking trails, lakes, and other waterfalls to explore.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be aware of potential encounters with bears and take appropriate precautions.
Cities near Spicer Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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