Tompkins Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Tompkins Falls
Tompkins Falls tumbles along Barkaboom Stream southwest of the small hamlet of Arena in Delaware County, New York. Nestled within the Delaware Wild Forest SCA and managed by SDC, the falls sit in a quiet, forested pocket of the region and are best appreciated up close where mossy ledges and layered bedrock shape the stream into a series of intimate cascades. The setting is especially appealing to photographers and hikers looking for a peaceful woodland waterfall rather than a large, crowded attraction. Access to the falls is straightforward but rewarding: the route is a short outing through mixed hardwoods and is commonly done as a half-day hike. The site’s location and management by SDC within the Delaware Wild Forest mean visitors should follow posted signs and land-unit rules; the falls’ placement on Barkaboom Stream and its setting southwest of Arena are noted on broader references such as Wikipedia for those researching the area in advance.
The Setting
Tompkins Falls sits at 1,490 feet within Delaware Wild Forest, fed by the Mill Brook, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Tompkins Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The route winds through wooded terrain in the Delaware Wild Forest SCA (landowner/manager SDC) and includes some moderate climbs before opening onto the stream and waterfall. No official USFS trail name/number or formal surface/grade/class data is available for this route, so hikers should be prepared for typical forest-path conditions and brief uphill sections on a moderate-length hike.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tompkins Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tompkins Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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 area around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked trails. Be aware of ticks and other wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
21 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 89 years of record
3.05 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MILL BROOK NEAR DUNRAVEN NY (4 km away).
Today
Roaring
21 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
23 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
23 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Margaretville 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 133 feet through Tompkins Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,523 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 79 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 118 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,523 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 133 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tompkins Falls is located near the town of Haines Falls in Greene County, New York. It is accessible via Route 23A, which runs through the Catskill Mountains.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,490 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.075366° N, -74.764880° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Postcard Cabins Western Catskills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Eastwind Hotel Oliverea Valley
The Yarra
Catskill Cabin Hummingbird Suite 2
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
Nearby attractions include Kaaterskill Falls, North-South Lake Campground, and the Catskill Mountain House site.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Tompkins Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Tompkins Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.