About Great Falls
Great Falls is a named waterfall in Jefferson County, New York, located in Watertown. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Watertown 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°58′37″ N, 75°54′24″ W (43.97701, -75.90658). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Kelsey Creek (stream, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Butternut Falls, 2.4 miles to the southeast.
USGS gazetteer description: 25 ft. high; in the City of Watertown on the Black River, 0.6 mi. WSW of Sewalls Island, 1.3 mi. SE of the mouth of Kelsey Creek.
Name history: The name refers to the falls’ size.
Weather at Great 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 Great 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 Great 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 Great Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Kelsey Creek — stream, 1.3 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 43.97701, -75.90658. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Great Falls
- High Falls, NY13 mi southeast
- Catfish Falls, NY14 mi northwest
- Kings Falls, NY14 mi east
- Childs Falls, NY15 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Falls located?
Great Falls is in Jefferson County, New York, in Watertown. Its coordinates are 43.97701, -75.90658 (43°58′37″ N, 75°54′24″ W).
What town is closest to Great Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Watertown, 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 Great Falls?
The closest is Butternut Falls (2.4 mi southeast). Others within reach include Beaver Falls (2.8 mi), Burrville Cider Mill Falls (4.0 mi), and Talcott Falls (6.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Great Falls?
Great Falls appears on the USGS Watertown 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.