When thinking about the Adirondacks, typically it’s the peaks that hikers want to bag. But there is another option that will offer a thrilling alternative with potentially fewer crowds and less elevation gain: Adirondack waterfalls. Spring is the best time for water flow, but waterfall hikes can be enjoyable year-round and the experience is different in every season. Some hikes may not be accessible in winter and some may be very dry in summer. But with hundreds to choose from, there’s always an Adirondack waterfall to enjoy. These are some of our favorites.
1. OK Slip Falls
OK Slip Falls is a 250-foot waterfall that drops from OK Slip Brook into a gorge outside North River. The hike is a little over 3 miles to the overlook, with an additional half mile if you add on the steep scramble to the base of the falls. The trail is moderate in difficulty, winding through the trees with small inclines and declines throughout. Total elevation gain for the round trip to the overlook is just over 1000 feet There are a few small streams to rock hop along the way. The view from the overlook is spectacular but obscured by foliage in warmer months. Even though the falls are far away, the roar is audible. The steep scramble to the base does have some ropes to assist your climb and it’s recommended only for skilled hikers and climbers. There are trails on the other side that can be found on a DEC map that will give you an easier loop back up to the top of the falls, where you can cross over with a small footbridge and rejoin the main trail for the hike back out.
2. Wanika Falls
Wanika Falls is a massive tiered waterfall, and a major highlight of the northern most leg of the Northville-Placid Trail in North Elba. The hike from the Averyville Road trailhead is 6.7 miles with a total elevation gain of 1400 feet to the base of the falls. You will have to make a few water crossings and navigate wetlands, so appropriate footwear is a must. These elements plus the round trip length are what makes this hike challenging. The waterfall is most rewarding after the spring thaw and in late fall. At 150 feet tall, the trees beautifully frame this awe-inspiring falls.
3. Tenant Creek Falls
The trail along Tenant Creek in Hope leads to a series of three distinct waterfalls. A gentle meander through beautiful woods will get you to the first falls at just over 1 mile. The first is the biggest and most photographed but the other two are worth the extra hike time. They are another 1.2 to 1.3 miles further as the trail follows the creek. The changing scenery of the creek along the way adds to the enjoyment. It’s a moderate hike, with a total elevation gain of 700 feet that is enjoyable year round. The waterfalls are categorized as cascades that range in height from 20 to 35 feet and each drop into a beautiful open pool. Note that the trailhead is on a seasonal road (Mudcreek Road). In winter it will be blocked off so you will have to add 2 easy miles roundtrip to your walk.
4. Deer Brook Falls
Deer Brook Falls in Keene is an 80 foot cascade along the Deer Brook Trail to Snow Mountain. There are two options to get to it, one moderate and one more difficult. Both are just under 1 mile to the falls. The Deer Brook trail is challenging in that it goes through the gorge of Deer Brook. There are several narrow sections and rock scrambles, plus you will have to rock hop the brook to pick up the rim trail on the side of the gorge that leads to the main falls. Along the way you will see several small cascades. Deer Brook Way is the easier option. This high-water rim trail is basically an access road for much of the way and is less visually interesting. At 80 feet, the falls make quite the impression in any season. If the water is low enough, you can easily stand on rocks in the gorge to see it straight on.
5. Hanging Spear and Opalescent Falls
This is the most challenging hike on the list in our opinion, but you will be rewarded every step of the way. At 12 miles round trip over varying terrain, caution is advised in spring or after heavy rains, as a major water crossing through the Opalescent River are necessary and may make the falls inaccessible. The Calamity Brook Trail (in Newcomb) has everything: rocks, roots, mud, plus open vistas, an old stone dam, a monument, and two magnificent waterfalls. The first waterfall about 5.7 miles in—Opalescent Falls—is a beautiful 15 foot cascade that drops into a pool. From the easiest viewpoint, the water rushes out of the pool, over rapids, and down the river. Carrying on .2 miles, you will reach a spur path that leads to an overlook to Hanging Spear Falls. You will hear it before you set it. Hanging Spear Falls is a massive 75 foot horsetail-type waterfall, named for its resemblance to a spear. Views may be slightly limited during leafy seasons and extreme caution should be taken when observing and photographing these falls. It’s a long drop down from the edge of the overlook.
6. Rainbow and Beaver Meadow Falls
The Adirondack Mountain Reserve outside Keene is private property owned by the The Ausable Club, that allows hikers access to its plethora of natural wonders, including several peaks and waterfalls. The hike to Beaver Meadow Falls is 3.3 miles with a barely noticeable 800 feet elevation gain. This 60-foot cascade is one of those falls that gives you that real “wow” moment when you come upon it. If conditions are right, you’ll be treated to a lovely rainbow. Another 1 mile on the trail will take you to the dam and path that leads to Rainbow Falls. This 150-foot ribbon is set into a deep ravine with no way out, so you’ll have to back track to the main trail. In summer, the falls are dry enough that you can get right up under them. There are several interconnecting trails that will take you to other amazing places, or you can follow the Lake Road back to your car, stopping at all of the small waterfalls along the way on Gill Brook. Note that as of May 1, 2021, access to the AMR and parking is by reservation only.
7. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls in Eagle Bay can be accessed either as a 6-mile out-and-back or a loop around Cascade Lake. Depending on the season, the trail past the falls on the northeast side of the lake can become completely washed out. This is an easy hike with very little elevation change. The setting is idyllic and peaceful, with the lake being undisturbed by people. The falls are hidden away on the northeast corner of the lake. A spur path will take you there. Certainly not one of the biggest or grandest falls in the region, this 35-foot near vertical waterfall is simply sweet. In warmer months the water flow is gentle, in winter, it freezes solid. All in all, the hike is great for those who want a less strenuous option.
8. Block Cascade and Stag Brook Falls
The trail along Stag Brook leaves from the main parking Whiteface Ski Resort in Wilmington. Note that this trail is not accessible during ski season. Stag Brook Falls is only 0.1 from the trailhead, but it’s a steep walk up from the lodge. Along the way there will be several small cascades as well. Stag Brook Falls is an impressive 40-foot high cascade. A short 0.05 miles up, you will come across the 20 foot high Block Cascade. Both of these falls are truly lovely, and while the hike is certainly short, it is a steep climb that will get the heart pumping. If you’re a skier, you’ve probably passed this brook a hundred times and didn’t even know it was there.
9. Whiteface Brook Falls
Whiteface Brook Falls, also in Wilmington, is a 30-foot high waterfalls that can be accessed by a 150-foot bushwhack off trail. The Whiteface Mountain trail leaves Route 73 and passes Connery Pond. At Whiteface landing, a sharp right turn starts the ascent up Little Whiteface. The waterfall is about 4 miles one way from the road. You will need to listen for the roar of the falls and bushwhack to the left side of the trail to find this secluded and impressive tiered cascade. The joy of this hike is in the hunt.
10. Shanty Brook Falls
The hike to Shanty Brook Falls is only 1 mile over uneven terrain. The challenge with this one is that you have to cross the East Branch of the Sacandaga River in Wells to access the trail. This should only be done during drier months when water levels are low. The trail follows Shanty Brook where it meets the river on the west side. The waterfall is a 12-foot plunge along a deep gorge into a pool. By hopping across the stream above the falls, you can get a better view of the rocky gorge and falls. This is one of the more hidden and less traveled paths. You can combine this trip with a hike to the Falls Along the Oregon Trail, which is just across the road on Route 8. These falls are tiny but the hike and marsh are a lovely extension to your time in the area.
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