Twin Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 139 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Twin Falls

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Grass River Wild Forest SCA · SDC
Photo Credits (5)
1.
Daniel Mennerich CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Daniel Mennerich CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
3.
Daniel Mennerich CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
4.
Daniel Mennerich CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Daniel Mennerich CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a peaceful, scenic waterfall tucked inside the Grass River Wild Forest in New York. The site lies on land owned and managed by SDC and is designated SCA, offering a quiet, forested setting that rewards hikers looking for a shorter outing without leaving the Adirondack region’s backcountry character. The falls and surrounding gorge make a lovely spot for photography, picnics, or a relaxed nature stop during a day hike. Access to Twin Falls is straightforward for most outdoor enthusiasts: a well-worn trail leads through mixed hardwoods and stands of conifer, with seasonal wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Managed by SDC within the Grass River Wild Forest, the area is maintained for low-impact recreation and feels private and restorative compared with busier state sites.

The Setting

Twin Falls sits at 958 feet within Grass River Wild Forest, fed by the Oswegatchie River, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 2.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The route follows a single-track forest trail through mostly natural tread with roots and occasional rocks; expect some uneven footing and sections that can be muddy or slippery after rain. No USFS trail number is listed for this route; trailhead is managed by SDC as part of the Grass River Wild Forest SCA.

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 Twin Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

139 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

2.02 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 04262000
8 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 259 sq mi
Altitude: 1,016 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (13 km away).

Moderate confidence
Barely Flowing right now
139 cfs
→ Holding steady
0812481212TodayTomorrowMonTueWedThuFri

Today

Barely Flowing

139 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

140 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

167 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

164 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

163 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

175 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

183 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March 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 Star 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 49 feet through Twin Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 957 feet.

The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 1 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Twin Falls near Star Lake, New York, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twin Falls near Star Lake, New York, showing about 49 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
957 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 49 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northwest
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

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

Twin Falls is located within a forested area in New York. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a short hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the specific location of the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

958 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.332562° N, -75.026587° W

Land Management

Grass River Wild Forest SCA

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven or muddy. Arrive early during weekends to secure parking. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other nearby attractions may include additional hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and local parks.

Wildlife

The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and other forest wildlife. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.

Cities near Twin Falls

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