Waterfall · Essex County, New York

The Falls

Waterfall about 15 miles southwest of Elizabethtown, NY.

Photo of The Falls near Elizabethtown, NY

About The Falls

The Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 15 miles southwest of Elizabethtown. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Dix Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°04′40″ N, 73°49′55″ W (44.07783, -73.83208). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Blake Peak (summit, 0.7 mi), Nippletop (summit, 1.1 mi), and Colvin Range (summit, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Fairy Ladder Falls, 1.6 miles to the north.

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Weather at The 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 The 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 The 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 The Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Blake Peak — summit, 0.7 mi
  • Nippletop — summit, 1.1 mi
  • Colvin Range — summit, 1.1 mi
  • Mount Colvin — summit, 1.1 mi
  • Lillian Brook — stream, 1.3 mi
  • Elk Pass — gap, 1.4 mi
  • Dix Pond — lake, 1.4 mi
  • Cy Beedes Ledge — bench, 1.4 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 44.07783, -73.83208. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near The Falls

Photo of Rainbow Falls near Elizabethtown, NY

Rainbow Falls

Elizabethtown, NY · 2.8 mi north
4.7 (38)
Photo of Artists Falls near Elizabethtown, NY

Artists Falls

Elizabethtown, NY · 3.6 mi north
5.0 (4)
Photo of Bushnell Falls near Lake Placid, NY

Bushnell Falls

Lake Placid, NY · 5.3 mi northwest
4.5 (2)
Photo of Artists Falls, a waterfall 2.2 miles from Russell Falls
Pictured: nearby Artists Falls (2.2 mi)

Russell Falls

Elizabethtown, NY · 5.7 mi northeast
1.0 (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Falls located?

The Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 15 miles southwest of Elizabethtown. Its coordinates are 44.07783, -73.83208 (44°04′40″ N, 73°49′55″ W).

What town is closest to The Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Elizabethtown, NY, about 15 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near The Falls?

The closest is Fairy Ladder Falls (1.6 mi north). Others within reach include Rainbow Falls (2.8 mi), Artists Falls (3.6 mi), and Beaver Meadows Falls (3.6 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows The Falls?

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