Dug Mountain Brook Upper Waterfall

Hamilton County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 10 ft (3 m)
Location: Hamilton County, New York
Access status: Partial guide: boat access only and an unmarked herd path
The walk: About 0.25 miles on foot after the paddle
Ground & access: Long open-water paddle, then a short unmarked herd path. Wind on Indian Lake can make the paddle dangerous.

Experience Our Adirondacks: Dug Mountain Brook Falls

Dug Mountain Brook has a small falls where it enters the south end of Indian Lake and a larger upper falls a short way upstream to the east. Hamilton County tourism describes a paddle-and-hike trip from the DEC Indian Lake Islands boat launch on NY 30: paddle 2 miles across the lake, keep Long Island on your right, and head southwest into the narrow part of the lake for 5.5 miles to where Dug Mountain Brook enters. Land at the picnic area by the lower falls and follow the herd path on the north side of the brook for about a quarter mile to the upper falls. A shorter 2.5-mile paddle down the Jessup River from NY 30 is also described, but it is hard in low water.

Plan your visit

Paddle from the DEC Indian Lake Islands boat launch to the south end of Indian Lake at Dug Mountain Brook, then an unmarked herd path on the north side of the brook to the upper falls

Hamilton County tourism gives about 0.25 miles on the herd path, 0.5 miles round trip on foot, and roughly 16 miles round trip for the paddle from the boat launch.

Long open-water paddle, then a short unmarked herd path. Wind on Indian Lake can make the paddle dangerous.

Where to start

DEC Indian Lake Islands boat launch on NY 30, about 12 miles north of Speculator. DEC lists parking for 50 cars and trailers.

Timing & water

Hamilton County tourism says winter access is difficult and not recommended. The upper falls may run low in dry weather.

Before you go

No fee is listed.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Hamilton County, New York.

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