WaterfallNear Me

Rainbow Falls

Essex County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Essex County, New York
Access status
Private reserve open by easement; reservation May to October; 8.5 miles return
The walk
About 8.5 miles return
Ground & access
Long gravel road walk with a steady climb, then a short rough, slippery trail along the stream to the base. Rocks near the falls can be icy.
Lake Placid: Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a 150-foot waterfall on Cascade Brook near Lower Ausable Lake, on private Adirondack Mountain Reserve land open to hikers through a conservation easement. From the AMR lot, follow a dirt road to a paved road by the golf course. At 0.5 miles turn left between the tennis courts onto Lake Road and sign in at the gate. Walk the dirt Lake Road a bit over 3 miles to the dam at Lower Ausable Lake. Cross the bridge below the dam and follow signs to Rainbow Falls through a deep, steep-sided canyon to the base. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

AMR parking at St. Huberts on Route 73, through the Ausable Club grounds to the Lake Road gate, Lake Road to the Lower Ausable Lake dam, then the signed trail to Rainbow Falls

Lake Placid tourism gives 8.5 miles round trip and 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Return the same way.

Long gravel road walk with a steady climb, then a short rough, slippery trail along the stream to the base. Rocks near the falls can be icy.

Where to start

AMR lot at St. Huberts on Route 73, directly across from the Roaring Brook Falls trailhead to Giant Mountain, about 3 miles from Keene Valley.

Timing & water

Reservations apply May 1 to October 31. In winter Lake Road can be skied and the rocks by the falls can be icy.

Before you go

An AMR parking reservation is needed from May 1 to October 31 for everyone using AMR trails, including walkers and cyclists. Dogs are not allowed on AMR land. Stay on marked trails.

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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