There’s definitely something awe-inspiring about a waterfall. The rush of the water. The power. The natural beauty. With its many streams and rivers winding through the region, the Adirondacks are blessed with waterfalls. And springtime in the Adirondacks is the season to enjoy them when water flows are high with seasonal run-off.
Spring is the perfect time to hike, explore, and visit some of our spectacular waterfalls. Here are our suggestions for waterfalls to visit by area.
Lake Placid
High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge is a 22-acre, privately-owned nature park. Open since the 1890s, the park provides safe trail access for all ages to an otherwise inaccessible, narrow, granite-walled gorge with four spectacular waterfalls. Steel bridges, walkways, and groomed walking trails provide beautiful views.
Located on Highway 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington.
Cascade Falls
This large and picturesque cascading waterfall drops over 100 feet from Cascade Mountain.
From Lake Placid, take Route 73 towards Keene. You’ll see Upper Cascade Lake on your right, and continue past it until you see a parking area between Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes. Hike 0.3 miles (approximately 15-20 minutes) from the parking area to the bottom of the falls. The trail originates with a bridge near the parking area and continues into the woods.
Long Lake
Buttermilk Falls
The trail to Buttermilk Falls is only about 0.1 miles. This destination is a popular all-around spot that’s ideal for everyone, no matter their age, physical ability, or experience.
Above the falls there is a canoe launch and several rock outcroppings. Below the falls there are picnic spots and swimming areas. The rocky falls are not recommended for climbing or diving.
From Long Lake, head south on Routes 30 and 28N. Take North Point Road to the right (also known as CR 3), for just over 2 miles until you see a sign on the right indicating a parking area. Once you park, follow an easy trail approximately 350 feet down and you’ll see the falls.
Tupper Lake
Bog River Falls
This roadside attraction is also a popular spot for fishing and swimming.
To find Bog River Falls, follow Route 30 out of Tupper Lake toward Long Lake, then take Route 421 (which is about eight miles out of town), follow it just over a half-mile to the stone bridge, and park on the other side.
The falls can be seen from the back of the parking lot, the bridge, or by following a path to the top of the falls. The base of the lower falls leads right into Tupper Lake.
Raquette Falls
This set of waterfalls can be reached by a hiking trail of 4.2 miles. Take Corey’s Road off Route 3 and follow to the Raquette Falls trailhead on the right just past the bridge over Stony Creek.
It is a very easy hike through a mixed forest. Along the way, you see views of the Raquette River, and you can take a break at Hemlock Hill Lean-to. You will eventually get to a DEC Interior Outpost, where the river is very scenic. The lower falls are a bit further up the trail and the upper falls are not far beyond that.
Remember, the round-trip distance is over eight miles, so be sure to leave enough time to enjoy all the hike has to offer.
Death Falls (AKA Secret Falls)
Death Falls can be accessed by a flat trail that circles around a flooded area.
Follow Route 28/30 from the intersection of the two routes in Long Lake and head toward Blue Mountain Lake. Once you’re in Blue Mountain Lake, follow Route 28 toward Raquette Lake. You’ll reach the trailhead in less than 10 miles. It will be on your left approximately 0.3 miles past the Golden Beach Campground entrance. A metal gate across a dirt access road is your best visual cue.
Park your car and pass the gate. Follow the access road, and when it forks, stay right to head above the falls and stay left to reach the base. The total distance from the beginning of the trail to the base of the falls is approximately 0.3 miles.
Indian Lake
Squaw Brook Falls
These small waterfalls are located in a rocky gorge by Squaw Brook and surrounded by private land, so please don’t trespass.
Go 3.2 miles southwest of Indian Lake. Drive south on Route 30 from Indian Lake for 3.4 miles to a small bridge. The falls are between the road and Indian Lake, to the east of the road. The falls and gorge can be viewed from the bridge.
Lake George
Shelving Rock Falls
To visit these falls you can either boat into Log Bay and go up the trail or drive in from the east side and start from the parking area. This hike will take you down the mountain to the lake alongside beautiful waterfalls. The hike is a very easy hike down a wide unmarked dirt trail.
You may see a beaver dam on your hike, and there is a stony pool to enjoy at the base of the falls. At the bottom of your hike you will reach the lake, so bring your bathing suit!
From Lake George, head south on Route 9, until you reach Route 149 on your left. Follow Route 149 past a golf course on your left, continue past Route 9L, and turn left on Buttermilk Falls Road. Follow it to its end, and bear left on Sly Pond Road.
Sly Pond Road will soon become a dirt road. When you pass Hog Town Road on your right, Sly Pond Road will become Shelving Rock Road.
Continue down Shelving Rock Road for 2.8 miles. You will see an orange-painted steel gate that guards a culvert. The trail starts there. There is a parking area a short distance farther on the left. Parking is not allowed on the sides of Shelving Rock Road.
Great Sacandaga
Hope Falls
Beautiful waterfall. Easy to get to.
Take Rt 30 North to the village of Northville, cross ridge to Main St, Left onto North Main, North Main bends to left onto Reed St., stay on Reed Street approx 2 miles, turn right at the sign for Hope Falls, follow signs to the end until the road becomes dirt ( 3-4 miles), Parking available there at trailhead.
From the parking area, it’s a nice level walk that’s great for small children and novice hikers.
Griffin Falls
The falls area consists of several drops, large blocks, many potholes, and an 8-foot cascading waterfall on the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. A small swimming hole sits at the base of the falls.
The Falls are located 6 miles northeast of Wells: From Wells, proceed north on Rt. 30 for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 8 and drive northeast for roughly 2.5 miles. Turn left onto a seasonal road (opposite a pull-off on the right side of the road) and drive 0.2 miles, crossing the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. Park just past the bridge in the clearing. Follow the path paralleling the west side of the river, going downstream to reach the falls.
Want to explore your own piece of waterfront property in the Adirondacks?
This is just a sampling of the beautiful waterfalls the Adirondacks region offers. We hope you’ll be inspired to check out their natural beauty this Spring. If you’re interested in purchasing your own piece of Adirondack acreage to explore start by looking at our waterfront properties for sale. Our land for sale is buildable and comes at affordable prices.
Because the Adirondacks is a vast region, it can be hard to find the right area for you. We know the region and offer a variety of locations. So whether you’re interested in Tupper Lake real estate, Indian Lake property for sale, or Long Lake real estate we can help find the right spot for you. Contact us today to get started!