Waterfall · Lewis County, New York

Rainbow Falls

Waterfall about 8.7 miles east of Adams Center, NY.

Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 8.3 miles from Rainbow Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (8.3 mi)

About Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a named waterfall in Lewis County, New York, located about 8.7 miles east of Adams Center. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Barnes Corners 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°49′57″ N, 75°50′07″ W (43.83243, -75.83526). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Denning Creek (stream, 1.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Burrville Cider Mill Falls, 6.9 miles to the north.

Weather at Rainbow Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Rainbow Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Sunset
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Golden hour
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rainbow Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rainbow Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Denning Creek — stream, 1.6 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 43.83243, -75.83526. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Rainbow Falls

Photo of Talcott Falls near Adams Center, NY

Talcott Falls

Adams Center, NY · 8.3 mi northwest
4.3 (52)
Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 7.6 miles from Butternut Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (7.6 mi)

Butternut Falls

Watertown, NY · 9.2 mi north
Photo of High Falls near West Carthage, NY

High Falls

West Carthage, NY · 9.7 mi northeast
3.8 (9)
Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 6.9 miles from Great Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (6.9 mi)

Great Falls

Watertown, NY · 11 mi north
Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 4.8 miles from Beaver Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (4.8 mi)

Beaver Falls

Watertown, NY · 11 mi northwest

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rainbow Falls located?

Rainbow Falls is in Lewis County, New York, about 8.7 miles east of Adams Center. Its coordinates are 43.83243, -75.83526 (43°49′57″ N, 75°50′07″ W).

What town is closest to Rainbow Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Adams Center, NY, about 8.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Rainbow Falls?

The closest is Burrville Cider Mill Falls (6.9 mi north). Others within reach include Talcott Falls (8.3 mi), Butternut Falls (9.2 mi), and High Falls (9.7 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Rainbow Falls?

Rainbow Falls appears on the USGS Barnes Corners 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.