Waterfall · Essex County, New York

High Falls

Waterfall about 7.2 miles northeast of Lake Placid, NY.

Photo of High Falls near Lake Placid, NY

About High Falls

High Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 7.2 miles northeast of Lake Placid. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Keene 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°20′56″ N, 73°52′27″ W (44.34894, -73.87403). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include High Falls Gorge (gap, under 0.1 mi), Little Whiteface Mountain (summit, 1.0 mi), and Marsh Pond (lake, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is The Flume Fall, 2.1 miles to the northeast.

More Photos

3 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at High Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast 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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Sunset
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Golden hour
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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.

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.

  • High Falls Gorge — gap, under 0.1 mi
  • Little Whiteface Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
  • Marsh Pond — lake, 1.3 mi
  • Wilmington Notch — gap, 1.3 mi
  • Winch Pond — lake, 1.3 mi
  • Hiccock Mountain — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Sunrise Notch — gap, 1.5 mi
  • Copperas Pond — lake, 1.8 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 44.34894, -73.87403. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near High Falls

Photo of The Flume Fall near Lake Placid, NY

The Flume Fall

Lake Placid, NY · 2.1 mi northeast
4.8 (11)
Photo of Monument Falls near Lake Placid, NY

Monument Falls

Lake Placid, NY · 3.3 mi southwest
4.7 (35)
Photo of Hulls Falls, a waterfall 3.2 miles from Clifford Falls
Pictured: nearby Hulls Falls (3.2 mi)

Clifford Falls

Lake Placid, NY · 5.6 mi southeast
Photo of Hulls Falls near Lake Placid, NY

Hulls Falls

Lake Placid, NY · 8.8 mi southeast
4.7 (11)
Photo of Rocky Falls near Lake Placid, NY

Rocky Falls

Lake Placid, NY · 14 mi southwest
4.7 (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is High Falls located?

High Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 7.2 miles northeast of Lake Placid. Its coordinates are 44.34894, -73.87403 (44°20′56″ N, 73°52′27″ W).

What town is closest to High Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Placid, NY, about 7.2 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 The Flume Fall (2.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Monument Falls (3.3 mi), Clifford Falls (5.6 mi), and Hulls Falls (8.8 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows High Falls?

High Falls appears on the USGS Keene 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.