High Falls (Main)

Essex County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Essex County, New York
Access status: Private attraction; paid half-mile loop
The walk: About 1/2 mile loop
Ground & access: Maintained paths, stairs and bridges, partly wheelchair accessible. Some walkway surfaces are metal grates over the gorge.

High Falls Gorge is a privately owned attraction on the West Branch of the Ausable River between Wilmington and Lake Placid. Its series of four drops is collectively called High Falls; the Main Falls is the farthest upstream and tallest drop, about 30 to 35 feet. Enter through the gift shop and visitor center at 4761 NYS Route 86. The loop crosses the river, follows walkways along the gorge walls (some metal grate and optional glass floors), passes a stairway down to a viewing area near the base of the Main Falls, crosses a lower bridge with a view of all four falls, and returns through the woods. The falls can only be seen when the facility is open.

Plan your visit

High Falls Gorge visitor center on NY 86, half-mile loop of walkways, stairs and bridges past the Main Falls

Uncovering New York gives about half a mile for the main loop from the visitor center; Northern New York Waterfalls gives a 1/2-mile round trip.

Maintained paths, stairs and bridges, partly wheelchair accessible. Some walkway surfaces are metal grates over the gorge.

Where to start

Paved lot at the facility, 4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington.

Timing & water

Open only during business hours, which vary by season and day of the week. The summer season ran May 2 to October 25; the site also opens in winter. Call 518-946-2278 for current hours.

Before you go

Admission fee. Summer season prices: adults (13 and over) $20, children 4 to 12 $15. Tickets online or on site. Pets not allowed except service animals.

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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