Twin Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (5)
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 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
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
139 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
140 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
167 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
164 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
163 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
175 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
183 cfs
4/10Best 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.
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.
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 MapsParking
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
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.
Where to Stay
Camp Lake Bear
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
Windjammer Lodge
Best Western University 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
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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
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Twin Falls
21 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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