About Moonshine Falls
Moonshine Falls is a named waterfall in Cayuga County, New York, located about 7.8 miles south of Union Springs. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Sheldrake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°43′37″ N, 76°41′18″ W (42.72702, -76.68828). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pumpkin Hill (summit, 0.8 mi), Beard Gully (valley, 0.8 mi), and Paines Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Clifton Falls, 0.9 miles to the north.
More Photos
10 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Moonshine 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 Moonshine 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 Moonshine 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
Moonshine Falls holds a 4.1 average from 9 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Moonshine Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pumpkin Hill — summit, 0.8 mi
- Beard Gully — valley, 0.8 mi
- Paines Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Little Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Carter Gully — valley, 1.9 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 42.72702, -76.68828. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Moonshine Falls
- Montville Falls, NY14 mi east
- Carpenter Falls, NY18 mi east
- Glenora Falls, NY20 mi southwest
- Ithaca Falls, NY21 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moonshine Falls located?
Moonshine Falls is in Cayuga County, New York, about 7.8 miles south of Union Springs. Its coordinates are 42.72702, -76.68828 (42°43′37″ N, 76°41′18″ W).
What town is closest to Moonshine Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Union Springs, NY, about 7.8 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Moonshine Falls?
The closest is Clifton Falls (0.9 mi north). Others within reach include Hosmer Falls (3.9 mi), Oak Tree Falls (4.1 mi), and Silver Thread Falls (12 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Moonshine Falls?
Moonshine Falls appears on the USGS Sheldrake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.