High Falls Gorge (A Hike & Photo Story)
This 22 acre nature park located in Wilmington, NY is the perfect destination for an easy, family-friendly walk in the woods and past four scenic waterfalls. High Falls Gorge is located at the foot of Whiteface Mountain and is the perfect quick stop when visiting Whiteface and the Lake Placid area.
How To Get There
High Falls Gorge is located off of Route 86 in Wilmington, NY. High Falls Gorge is easily accessible by car and there is free parking on the premises.
Address:
4761 NYS Route 86
Wilmington, NY 12997
How Much Time Should You Plan?
The walkthrough takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is also a cafe and gift shop to explore, so if you plan on visiting those you can add on another half hour to hour.
Hours
- Jan. 1st to March 15th: Friday-Tuesday 9am to 4pm
- March 16th to June 5th: Closed
- June 6th to October 25th: Friday-Tuesday 9am to 4pm
- Oct. 26-Dec. 31st: Closed
***Hours may vary. Be sure to check the website before visiting***
Entrance Fees
Admission is $13 for ages 12+ and $10 for ages 4-12
The High Falls GorgeTrail
The High Falls Gorge Trail is a 1 mile loop trail with areas of elevation gain and loss that is easily doable for hikers of all abilities. The gains are often accompanied with wooden staircases, making them easy to navigate. The trail begins with a bridge crossing the Ausable River. Along the bridge you can get some great photos of the river and surrounding terrain, especially in the fall months when the vibrant colors line the river.
Continuing on you will come across a mostly flat trail that will take you along a wooded area and river and past Main Falls.
Located along the trail you will find many signs providing history and interesting facts about the area.
Next, you’ll across a wooden bridge where you will pass a lookout near the Master Pothole, Rainbow Falls, and Climax Falls. You will come across another bridge, which will take you back to the other side of the river and back up towards Main Falls.
The Waterfalls
There are four waterfalls located along the trail.
Main Falls
Mini Waterfall
Rainbow & Climax Waterfall
Potholes
You can find two areas along the trail-The Master Pothole located near Mini Falls and the Porridge Potholes located near Main Falls.
The majority of the trail along the waterfalls is a wooden pathway with stairs, making it easy terrain for children. Parts of the trail line the gorge and waterfalls, while other parts cut back into the wooded areas surrounding the gorge.
Glass Floors
There are two sections of the trail that have a glass floor that you can walk out on to see the gorge beneath you. This is not for me, but if it doesn’t get your nerves going it is a great overlook of the gorge.
The Nature Trail
In addition to the one mile trail that follows along the river and waterfalls, there is a one mile nature trail that is suited for beginner to intermediate level hikers with steep inclines and uneven surfaces.
Things to Do Near High Falls Gorge
Looking for more to do in the Adirondacks? Why not check out these other great options:
About Me
I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!
Top Pages
This looks like a lovely place to walk and easy to fit in with that distance. I love the autumn colours.
Hi Nicole,
It is a relaxing and short hike, perfect for anyone! The autumn colors were one of the best parts!
What a truly lovely place High Falls Gorge is! They have done such a great job in making this beautiful spot a family-friendly trail, even making building the walkways and bridges to maximize the views for visitors. Like you, I’m not a huge fan of glass falls but you could sign me up for the nature trail as well any day! Love your images that really convey how beautiful the natural scenery is here.
Hi Nicole,
It is beautiful! And the trails make it very accessible for children of all ages and it definitely enhances the views! Nature trails are always a plus!
I love all the detail! High Falls Gorge looks absolutely stunning! Would love to check it out.
The scenery is fantastic! I hope you can make it if you are ever in the area!
I love such places, especially during the fall. When you can admire such wonderful colors in the trees. So I add High Falls Gorge to my list. Climax Falls from the footbridge is so photogenic! Rainbow Falls is impressive too. I hope to visit it one day.
Hi Agnes,
High Falls Gorge is beautiful and the autumn colors only added to it! The waterfalls were great to look at!
The trail looks like a great destination!! And the Autumn colours make it more amazing. I love your pictures!!
Thank you! The scenery is great and the fall colors made it even better!
A true fall-time wonderland! I love the look of the landscape in Northeast USA this time of year (New York in this instance). Gorgeous, I may have to make the drive up from New Jersey for the hike!
Hi Joe,
It is beautiful, especially in the fall! Driving through the area was indescribable! If you are able to make it to the area I would recommend adding on Whiteface Mountain. It is just a short drive away and there is a highway you can drive up (or you can take the hike!) that will give you some more stunning views!
Love the fall colours here in your photos! The landscape is beautiful and looks like a perfect nature trail for family or individuals.
The fall colors were stunning on our visit and added to the beautiful landscape!
Very charming and the trail looks awesome! The wooden pathway has added to its rustic charm. Loves your photos!
Hi Jayati,
Thank you! I loved the wooden pathway, it was a nice touch!
This trail looks amazing and exciting, both for adults and children. Though it looks exciting and thrilling, I would love to go on this trail with my kid.
Hi Ramya,
It is the perfect trail for a leisurely stroll for adults or adventure for children!
Sounds like the perfect trail in Fall, the river and the trees in their fall best look so gorgeous! The waterfalls feel so refreshing already in the pics, I wonder how cool it must have been trekking past them in their natural shower sprinkles. Love forest trails like this one!
Hi Aradhana,
It is a great trail and the fall colors made it even better! The mist from the falls would definitely be welcomed on a hot day!