The Cascades
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 The Cascades
The Cascades is a picturesque waterfall located in the Adirondack region of New York. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers due to its serene surroundings and cascading water over rocky terrain. The waterfall is part of a larger natural area, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.
The Setting
The Cascades sits at 1,220 feet along the Onondaga Creek, in the foothills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Pratts Falls (137 ft) lies 5.9 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Tinker Falls (50 ft, 5.6 mi) and Brickyard Falls (20 ft, 9.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to The Cascades is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It follows a well-trodden path through a wooded area, leading directly to the waterfall. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
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 The Cascades?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Cascades?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is 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
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery. Exercise caution when approaching the water. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the Adirondacks.
Current Water Conditions
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
1.52 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher 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 ONONDAGA CREEK AT DORWIN AVENUE, SYRACUSE NY (15 km away).
Today
Strong
22 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
23 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
26 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
24 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
24 cfs
8/10Mon
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tue
Strong
24 cfs
10/10Best window: Sat — strong flow, mostly 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 Nedrow 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 ground through the falls loses about 201 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,214 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 90 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 161 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,214 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 196 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Cascades is located near Keene Valley in the Adirondack Mountains. It is accessible via Route 73, with a small pull-off area for parking nearby.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited roadside parking is available along Route 73. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,220 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.861734° N, -76.062979° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Westcott Suite Apartments
Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
Holiday Inn Express Syracuse-Fairgrounds by IHG
Collegian Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 nearby attractions include Roaring Brook Falls, Chapel Pond, and the High Peaks hiking trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near The Cascades
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named The Cascades
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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