Tinker Falls
New York • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Tinker Falls
Tinker Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Labrador Hollow Unique Area in New York. It features a 50-foot cascade that flows over a rock ledge, creating a stunning curtain of water. Visitors can walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.
The Setting
Tinker Falls sits at 1,398 feet within Labrador Hollow Unique Area, fed by the Grout Brook, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Tinker Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads to the base of the falls, with an optional steep climb to a ledge behind the waterfall for a closer view. The trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. 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 Tinker Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tinker Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall also offers vibrant foliage, enhancing the scenery.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution when climbing to the ledge behind the falls, as it is steep and may be hazardous. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
2.04 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 GROUT BROOK NEAR FAIR HAVEN NY (20 km away).
Today
Strong
6 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
6 cfs
9/10Wed
Strong
7 cfs
10/10Thu
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 McGraw 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 229 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 50 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,421 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 268 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 126 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,421 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 229 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tinker Falls is located in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area, near Tully, New York. It is accessible via Tinker Falls Trail, which starts from the parking area off NY-91.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available near the trailhead on NY-91. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,398 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.783285° N, -76.032642° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy or slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, especially in the fall.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
3BR/2BA Lakehouse 10 min to town
Benn Conger Inn
Hidden LakeFront Retreat
Westcott Suite Apartments
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
Nearby attractions include Labrador Pond, which offers birdwatching and kayaking opportunities, and the Finger Lakes Trail for extended hiking.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, including herons and songbirds, as well as small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks.
Cities near Tinker Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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