Scroll down to learn more about each waterfall.
Tug Hill, known for being the snowiest place in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, is also home to many beautiful waterfalls. Exploring these 22 waterfalls, along with an accompanying Google map, is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature in 2022.
Some of these waterfalls are easily accessible from major highways, and some are hidden within large state forests and will require moderate hiking. Some are on public property and can be enjoyed up close and personal, while some are on private property and can only be viewed from afar. Please be careful and read the descriptions and information linked websites before you venture out.
- Bakers Falls
Located in the town of Boonville, this location is on NY 46, about 3.3 miles south of the village of Boonville and 2.4 miles north of Pixley Falls State Park. There is a rough pull-off on the east side of the road. Located just upstream of Lansing Kill Falls (listed below), Bakers Falls is the first waterfall on the steep downhill foot trail, closer to road. Directly adjacent to Lansing Kill Falls. More information here. - Black River Village Falls
Located on the Black River in the village of Black River. A power dam for many years, the Village Falls are located on the north channel. A retaining dam is located on the other channel, part of a local hydro facility. Viewable from street and municipal building parking lot. More information here. - Burrville Cider Mill Falls
Located on Jacobs Creek at the Burrville Cider Mill in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County. While these falls are technically unnamed, their proximity to the Burrville Cider Mill, a Jefferson County landmark, make these falls one of the most popular in Jefferson County. The wooden viewing platform is a short walk from the Cider Mill parking lot. The Cider Mill itself is open from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, weather depending, and visitors are encouraged to visit the falls during this time; however, the business advises against visiting in the winter months due to snow and ice. More information here. - Cummings Creek Falls
Located in the town of Forestport, Oneida County, and viewable from Woodgate Road, approximately three miles from where is crosses the Black River. Located below what is believed to be a small dam at the base of a potential mill pond. More information here. - Delano Falls
A historic waterfall within Watertown city limits. Delano, or Delano’s, Falls is possibly one of the obliquely-referenced falls in the written record that describe Watertown’s initial establishment as a mill town. Located on the Black River in the city of Watertown just east over the Route 3 bridge. More information here. - Forestport Dam Falls
Formed by a dam on the Black River in the hamlet of Forestport, Oneida County. A small, slide-type waterfall also exists at the base of the dam. Forestport has adopted the title of “Gateway to the Adirondacks” since the late 1800s, and the Foresport Canal historically supplied water to the Black River Canal, which in turn fed into the Erie Canal. More information here. - Great Falls
Another site in Northern New York where a power dam capitalized on existing water power in the Watertown area. This feature has also been referred to as “Black River Falls” or “Watertown Falls,” but the most widely-used and official name is “Great Falls.” Located on the Black River in the city of Watertown (Jefferson County) just off Mill Street. Viewable from parking lot near bridge. More information here. - Lansing Kill Falls
Located in the town of Boonville, this location is on NY 46, about 3.3 miles south of the village of Boonville and 2.4 miles north of Pixley Falls State Park. There is a rough pull-off on the east side of the road. Directly adjacent to Bakers Falls (listed above), Lansing Kill Falls is the second waterfall on the foot trail, farther from road. Both waterfalls flow into the Mohawk River. More information here. - Long Falls
Long Falls was named due to its significant spanning of the Black River between Carthage and West Carthage. Located on the Black River in the village of Carthage, Jefferson County. More information here. - Lyons Falls
A unique falls system that still retains a significant presence even with the location of a nearby power dam. Lyons Falls is situated just below where the Moose River joins the Black River. This waterfall has historically powered many mills over the years. Located in the village of Lyons Falls on the Black River. Viewable from lower canoe access, or from upper access. Use caution. More information here. - Mill Creek Feeder Falls
The stream joins the Mill Creek downstream. Located in the town of Boonville, accessible from the Canal Towpath trail. Park at intersection of Sargent Road and the trail, just off Moose River Road. Walk away from Boonville, toward Forestport, for approximately ¼ mile. More information here. - Pixley Falls
A 50 foot waterfall surrounded by wooded hills and a mountain stream. A nature trail, various trout streams, and picnicking area is situated nearby. Located within Pixley Falls State Park in Oneida County, town of Boonville. Admission required during certain times of the year. More information here. - Port Leyden Falls
Located in the village of Port Leyden on the Black River. This falls is created by a hydroelectric dam. Not a clearly marked trail to viewpoint, but the falls are visible from both sides of the river with a small parking lot nearby. Please be mindful of all posted signs. More information here. - Prospect Falls
Located on West Canada Creek in the town of Trenton, hamlet of Prospect. Located on private property but viewable from public park and roadside. More information here. - Rainbow Falls in Inman Gulf
Located in the Tug Hill State Forest in the towns of Pinckney (Lewis County) and Rodman (Jefferson County). The falls and the Inman Gulf are two of the most famous features in the Tug Hill State Forest. The falls can be encountered on the Inman Gulf Loop, a 6.9 mile hike of moderate difficulty with some sheer areas that require a high degree of caution. More information here and here. - Salmon River Falls
The largest and arguably most popular waterfall in Oswego County. Salmon River Falls is 110 feet, and multiple viewing platforms can be found along a gravel trail next to the designated parking area. A gorge trail of moderate difficulty descends to the river below midway through the trail, but hikers are urged to research in advance for times when the gorge trail may be closed due to trail conditions. Located in the Salmon River Falls Unique Area on the upper Salmon River in the town of Orwell, Oswego County. More information here. - Talcott Falls
One of the more popular waterfalls in Jefferson County and well within sight of Route 11. The falls itself are on private property, but they can be seen at a distance from the road. Exercise caution and follow right-of-way, and be mindful of property signs. Located on Stony Creek off US Route 11 in the town of Adams, Jefferson County. No parking, but viewable from the road. More information here. - Talcottville Falls
Officially unnamed, Talcottville Falls are also sometimes referred to as “Sugar River Falls.” There are a series of drops along the stream. Located on the Sugar River in the town of Leyden, viewable from Route 12D, pull over on shoulder, not parking per se. Falls on private property, several no trespassing signs posted. More information here. - Trenton Falls – Trenton
A large gorge worn by the West Canada Creek to create a series of falls in the town of Trenton, with the largest drop being 100 feet. While the finely-crushed stone path and wood mulch side trails are well-maintained, the falls are only open select weekends every summer. The Town of Trenton website can be consulted for those openings. For that reason, the Google map just includes the parking coordinates for the scenic trail. (Photo by Nic Phelps.) More information here. - Totman Falls
Totman Falls is part of a small, unnamed stream emptying into Fox Creek. From the parking pull-off, the falls can even be seen from your car! The trailhead to the west of the pull-off takes hikers down a gentle trail to the creek level, which is slightly more strenuous on the return trip. Located on Fox Creek off Lemay Road in the town of Lorraine, on Jefferson County forestland in Totman Gulf. A short hike in steep terrain. More information here and here. - Whetstone Gulf Falls and Whetstone Creek Falls
Located on Whetstone Creek within Whetstone Gulf State Park, towns of Martinsburg and West Turin. Admission is charged to enter the park. The north and south ridge trails to the Gulf Falls (figure 1) are of moderate difficulty, with some sections requiring hikers to cross over the stream. Many smaller drops can be encountered on the way in, known collectively as the Creek Falls (figures 2-5). (Photos: David J. Schvryver photo (c) nnywaterfalls.com.) More information Whetstone Creek Falls and Whetstone Gulf Falls. - Whitaker Falls
The result of thousands of years of erosion, Whitaker Falls has three distinct drops and some natural rock steps along the riverbed. The Whitaker Park facility is open mid-May through September. Located on Roaring Brook in the town of Martinsburg. Park in Whitaker Park, owned and managed by the town of Martinsburg. More information here.