About Childs Falls
Childs Falls is a named waterfall in Jefferson County, New York, located about 1.3 miles south of Philadelphia. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Philadelphia 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°08′10″ N, 75°42′19″ W (44.13612, -75.70523). Historical sources also record the name Child Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Black Creek (stream, 1.3 mi) and Hunter Creek (stream, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Pleasant Creek Falls, 6.0 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: 15 ft. high; on private land in the Town of Philadelphia on Black Creek, 1.5 mi. N of Strickland Corners
Name history: Named for Cadwallader Child (1776-1857), who surveyed the area and settled nearby, and the Child family who lived near the falls until the 1940s
Weather at Childs Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Childs Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Childs 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 Childs Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Black Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Hunter Creek — stream, 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 44.13612, -75.70523. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Childs Falls
- Beaver Falls, NY17 mi southwest
- Catfish Falls, NY18 mi west
- Hazleton Falls, NY20 mi northeast
- Fullerville Falls, NY20 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Childs Falls located?
Childs Falls is in Jefferson County, New York, about 1.3 miles south of Philadelphia. Its coordinates are 44.13612, -75.70523 (44°08′10″ N, 75°42′19″ W).
What town is closest to Childs Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Philadelphia, NY, about 1.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Childs Falls?
The closest is Pleasant Creek Falls (6.0 mi southwest). Others within reach include Butternut Falls (14 mi), Great Falls (15 mi), and Kings Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Childs Falls?
Childs Falls appears on the USGS Philadelphia 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.