About Hanging Spear Falls
Hanging Spear Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 12 miles south of Lake Placid. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mount Marcy 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°06′06″ N, 73°59′27″ W (44.10172, -73.99070). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Livingston Pond (lake, 0.6 mi), Calamity Mountain (summit, 0.7 mi), and Flowed Lands (reservoir, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Indian Falls, 4.1 miles to the northeast.
More Photos
6 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Hanging Spear Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Hanging Spear Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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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 Hanging Spear Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Hanging Spear Falls holds a 5.0 average from 4 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Hanging Spear Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Livingston Pond — lake, 0.6 mi
- Calamity Mountain — summit, 0.7 mi
- Flowed Lands — reservoir, 0.8 mi
- Cliff Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Calamity Pond — lake, 0.9 mi
- Herbert Brook — stream, 1.1 mi
- Uphill Brook — stream, 1.6 mi
- Cold Brook — 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 44.10172, -73.99070. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Hanging Spear Falls
- Fairy Ladder Falls, NY8.4 mi east
- Beaver Meadows Falls, NY8.9 mi east
- Artists Falls, NY9.2 mi east
- Millers Falls, NY11 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hanging Spear Falls located?
Hanging Spear Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 12 miles south of Lake Placid. Its coordinates are 44.10172, -73.99070 (44°06′06″ N, 73°59′27″ W).
What town is closest to Hanging Spear Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Placid, NY, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Hanging Spear Falls?
The closest is Indian Falls (4.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Rocky Falls (4.9 mi), Bushnell Falls (6.2 mi), and Wanika Falls (7.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Hanging Spear Falls?
Hanging Spear Falls appears on the USGS Mount Marcy 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.