About High Falls
High Falls is a named waterfall in Columbia County, New York, located in Philmont. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Claverack 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°14′46″ N, 73°38′57″ W (42.24620, -73.64929). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Stever Pond (lake, 0.6 mi), Moore Pond (lake, 0.8 mi), and North Creek (stream, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Buttermilk Falls, 3.4 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: The falls have a vertical drop of 150 feet.
More Photos
147 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at High 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 High 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 High 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
High Falls holds a 4.6 average from 53 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of High Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Stever Pond — lake, 0.6 mi
- Moore Pond — lake, 0.8 mi
- North Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Agawamuck Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Weigelt Pond — lake, 1.1 mi
- Hess Pond — lake, 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 42.24620, -73.64929. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near High Falls
- Glen Falls, NY19 mi west
- Kaaterskill Falls, NY21 mi west
- Umpachene Falls, MA22 mi southeast
- Buttermilk Falls, NY22 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is High Falls located?
High Falls is in Columbia County, New York, in Philmont. Its coordinates are 42.24620, -73.64929 (42°14′46″ N, 73°38′57″ W).
What town is closest to High Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Philmont, NY, about 0.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near High Falls?
The closest is Buttermilk Falls (3.4 mi southwest). Others within reach include Rossman Falls (7.7 mi), Bash Bish Falls (12 mi), and Race Brook Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows High Falls?
High Falls appears on the USGS Claverack 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.