Are there fees or permits required for Watauga Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Watauga Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Watauga Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Watauga Falls.

Live Conditions · 106 ft³/s · About average

Watauga Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Watauga Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Watauga Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Watauga Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Watauga Falls

Watauga Falls sits in Delaware County, New York, northeast of Delhi on Falls Creek, and rewards visitors with a quietly scenic cascade framed by forest. Historic accounts from 1898 describe the falls as a three-tiered drop — the lowest tier about 55 feet (17 m), the middle 42 feet (13 m), and the top 38 feet (12 m) — creating a series of dramatic curtains of water that make for excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful riverside stop. The hike to the falls feels remote without being difficult: a 2.4-mile out-and-back that climbs roughly 350 feet and is typically rated moderate. The trail threads through shady woods and along creekside stretches, so bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for muddy or slippery conditions after rain. The nearest developed campground is East Sidney Dam Recreation Area, about 26.3 km away, so plan overnight stays accordingly.

The Setting

Watauga Falls sits at 1,506 feet along the West Branch Delaware River Upstream From Delhi Ny, in the hills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail is an unpaved forest footpath that follows Falls Creek toward Watauga Falls, with a generally moderate grade (longer uphill sections rather than steep technical scrambling). Surfaces are natural dirt and leaf litter and can become muddy or slippery after rain, so expect uneven footing and wear appropriate shoes. There is no USFS trail number provided in the available data.

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 Watauga Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Watauga Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Watauga Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls if they are partially frozen.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall. Stay on marked paths to avoid accidents.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

106 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

12 17 125 404

Based on 63 years of record

2.53 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

WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER UPSTREAM FROM DELHI NY

USGS 01421900

1.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 134 sq mi

Altitude: 1,350 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER UPSTREAM FROM DELHI NY (2 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

106 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

106 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

92 cfs

8/10

Wed

Roaring

111 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

138 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

137 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

137 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

128 cfs

6/10

Best window: Wed — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early 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 Bloomville 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 158 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,511 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 75 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 78 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Watauga Falls near Bloomville, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Watauga Falls near Bloomville, New York, showing about 158 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,511 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 158 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Watauga Falls is located near the town of Halcott in Greene County, New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps for precise directions as signage may be limited.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but it may be limited. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during weekends or peak seasons.

Elevation

1,506 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.300362° N, -74.905716° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail can be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.