Stark Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Stark Falls
Stark Falls is a scenic waterfall located along the Raquette River in the Adirondack region of New York. It is a roadside waterfall, making it easily accessible for visitors. The falls are part of a series of cascades in the area and are known for their picturesque views and the surrounding natural beauty.
The Setting
Stark Falls sits at 1,306 feet along the Raquette River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Stark Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Stark Falls as it is a roadside waterfall. Visitors can enjoy the view from the pull-off area or walk a short distance along the road for a better perspective.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Stark Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Stark Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Stark Falls due to higher water levels from snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution when parking along the roadside and avoid getting too close to the water's edge, as the rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of traffic when walking near the road.
Current Water Conditions
467 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RAQUETTE RIVER AT SOUTH COLTON NY (11 km away).
Today
Moderate
130 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
118 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
140 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
151 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
140 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
140 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
153 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, 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 Cranberry 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 40 feet through Stark Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,314 feet.
The ground changes about 40 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 14 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,314 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 40 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Stark Falls is located along Route 56 in the Adirondack Park. The falls are visible from the road, and there is a small pull-off area nearby for parking.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small roadside pull-off area near the falls where visitors can park. Parking may be limited during busy times.
Elevation
1,306 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.451571° N, -74.766877° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Be cautious when parking along the roadside, as traffic may be present.
Where to Stay
Camp Lake Bear
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
White Pine Camp
Best Western Potsdam University Park 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
Other waterfalls along the Raquette River, such as Jamestown Falls and Moody Falls. The Adirondack Park also offers numerous hiking trails and scenic drives.
Wildlife
The area around Stark Falls is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and other bird species near the river.
Cities near Stark Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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