About Rocky Falls
Rocky Falls is a named waterfall in Essex County, New York, located about 7.5 miles south of Lake Placid. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the North Elba 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°10′19″ N, 73°59′56″ W (44.17200, -73.99876). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Street Mountain (summit, 1.5 mi), Heart Lake (lake, 1.6 mi), and Wright Peak (summit, 1.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wanika Falls, 3.4 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
30 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Rocky 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 Rocky 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 Rocky 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
Rocky Falls holds a 4.7 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rocky Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Street Mountain — summit, 1.5 mi
- Heart Lake — lake, 1.6 mi
- Wright Peak — summit, 1.7 mi
- Lost Pond — lake, 1.9 mi
- Nye Mountain — summit, 1.9 mi
- Mount Jo — summit, 2.0 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 44.17200, -73.99876. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Rocky Falls
- Artists Falls, NY9.9 mi east
- Fairy Ladder Falls, NY10 mi southeast
- Monument Falls, NY11 mi northeast
- The Falls, NY11 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rocky Falls located?
Rocky Falls is in Essex County, New York, about 7.5 miles south of Lake Placid. Its coordinates are 44.17200, -73.99876 (44°10′19″ N, 73°59′56″ W).
What town is closest to Rocky Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Placid, NY, about 7.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Rocky Falls?
The closest is Wanika Falls (3.4 mi northwest). Others within reach include Indian Falls (4.1 mi), Hanging Spear Falls (4.9 mi), and Bushnell Falls (6.1 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Rocky Falls?
Rocky Falls appears on the USGS North Elba 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.