About Fairy Ladder Falls
Fairy Ladder Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 14 miles southwest of Elizabethtown. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Dix Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°05′59″ N, 73°49′14″ W (44.09978, -73.82069). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Elk Pass (gap, 0.3 mi), Fish Hawk Cliffs (cliff, 0.7 mi), and Nippletop (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rainbow Falls, 1.3 miles to the north.
More Photos
3 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Fairy Ladder 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 Fairy Ladder 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 Fairy Ladder 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
Fairy Ladder Falls holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Fairy Ladder Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Elk Pass — gap, 0.3 mi
- Fish Hawk Cliffs — cliff, 0.7 mi
- Nippletop — summit, 0.8 mi
- Colvin Range — summit, 0.8 mi
- Mount Colvin — summit, 0.8 mi
- Lower Asuable Lake — lake, 0.8 mi
- Indian Head — summit, 0.9 mi
- Dial Mountain — summit, 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 44.09978, -73.82069. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Fairy Ladder Falls
- Indian Falls, NY6.1 mi northwest
- Phelps Falls, NY7.4 mi north
- Hanging Spear Falls, NY8.4 mi west
- Split Rock Falls, NY8.5 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fairy Ladder Falls located?
Fairy Ladder Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 14 miles southwest of Elizabethtown. Its coordinates are 44.09978, -73.82069 (44°05′59″ N, 73°49′14″ W).
What town is closest to Fairy Ladder Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Elizabethtown, NY, about 14 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Fairy Ladder Falls?
The closest is Rainbow Falls (1.3 mi north). Others within reach include The Falls (1.6 mi), Artists Falls (2.0 mi), and Beaver Meadows Falls (2.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Fairy Ladder Falls?
Fairy Ladder Falls appears on the USGS Dix Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.