WaterfallNear Me

Hanging Spear Falls

Essex County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Essex County, New York
Access status
Long wilderness hike; view the falls from the trail
The walk
About 6 to 7 miles one way
Ground & access
Difficult because of length. Rocky, often wet wilderness trail. The descent to the base is very steep and dangerous; view from the trail.
Northern New York Waterfalls: Hanging Spear Falls

Hanging Spear Falls is a 75-foot waterfall on the Opalescent River below Flowed Lands, in the High Peaks Wilderness. From the Upper Works parking lot at the end of the Tahawus road (County Route 25), follow the Calamity Brook Trail to Flowed Lands, passing the monument to David Henderson. Cross the outlet of Flowed Lands and go south on the trail about half a mile downstream to the falls. There are a few viewpoints from the trail. The way down to the base is very steep and dangerous. A longer approach of about 7 miles follows a flat route for 6 miles and then climbs to the falls.

Plan your visit

Upper Works trailhead near Tahawus, Calamity Brook Trail to Flowed Lands, across the Flowed Lands outlet and south about half a mile on the trail down the Opalescent River to Hanging Spear Falls

Northern New York Waterfalls gives 6 to 7 miles one way, depending on the trail. The Town of Newcomb gives 9 miles round trip to Flowed Lands; the falls are about half a mile farther. Return the same way.

Difficult because of length. Rocky, often wet wilderness trail. The descent to the base is very steep and dangerous; view from the trail.

Where to start

Upper Works trailhead parking at the end of the Tahawus road (County Route 25), off County Route 84 (Blue Ridge Road). Unpaved lot.

Timing & water

A long day or overnight trip. Expect mud and high water in spring.

Before you go

No fee is listed. DEC High Peaks Wilderness rules apply.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Essex County, New York.

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