About Wanika Falls
Wanika Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 6.7 miles southwest of Lake Placid. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Street Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°11′58″ N, 74°03′25″ W (44.19950, -74.05682). Historical sources also record the name Wannika Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Three Peaks (summit, 1.0 mi), Black Pond (lake, 1.0 mi), and Moose Pond (lake, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rocky Falls, 3.4 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
11 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Wanika 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 Wanika 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 Wanika 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
Wanika Falls holds a 3.7 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Wanika Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Three Peaks — summit, 1.0 mi
- Black Pond — lake, 1.0 mi
- Moose Pond — lake, 1.5 mi
- Nye Mountain — summit, 1.7 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 44.19950, -74.05682. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Wanika Falls
- Clifford Falls, NY13 mi northeast
- Rainbow Falls, NY13 mi southeast
- Beaver Meadows Falls, NY13 mi east
- Hulls Falls, NY13 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wanika Falls located?
Wanika Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 6.7 miles southwest of Lake Placid. Its coordinates are 44.19950, -74.05682 (44°11′58″ N, 74°03′25″ W).
What town is closest to Wanika Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Placid, NY, about 6.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Wanika Falls?
The closest is Rocky Falls (3.4 mi southeast). Others within reach include Hanging Spear Falls (7.5 mi), Indian Falls (7.5 mi), and Bushnell Falls (9.4 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Wanika Falls?
Wanika Falls appears on the USGS Street Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.