During fall, nothing beats seeing the foliage nestled amongst a New York State waterfall—and this place offers one of the state’s most jaw-dropping cascades.
OK Slip Falls in Upstate New York’s Hamilton County is one of those hidden gems that you need to see to believe.
Sure, it’s a bit of a hike to reach the falls, but the journey is part of the fun: winding forest trails, babbling streams, and the kind of fall foliage that looks like it was painted by an artist.
And when you finally arrive, the view of the 200–250-foot waterfall dropping into a dramatic gorge is nothing short of spectacular.
OK Slip Falls is officially one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Adirondacks, and it’s accessible via a moderate, 6.7–7 mile round-trip hike with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
And you can even add a short extra 1.6-mile loop if you want to continue down to the Hudson River for a unique riverside view.
The trail begins at a clearly marked DEC trailhead on NY Route 28, about 7.5 miles east of Indian Lake and 4 miles west of North River.
Hiking to OK Slip Falls
The first 0.6 miles of the trail follows an old multi-pond route—Ross, Whortleberry, and Big Bad Luck Ponds—before splitting toward the falls.
Along the way, you’ll pass towering red maples, birch, beech, white pine, and Eastern hemlocks, moss-covered rocks, vibrant wildflowers in spring, and plenty of fungi.
Bird lovers, keep your eyes peeled: robins, chickadees, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles have been spotted along the trail.
And as you near the falls, the sound of rushing water grows louder, building the anticipation for the grand reveal.
There are two main overlooks perched on the east side of the gorge, both offering panoramic views of the falls.
Mornings are ideal for photos, as sunlight hits the cascades just right—afternoons tend to shade the water, but the views are still incredible.
For those seeking a little extra adventure, a steep side trail leads down to OK Slip Brook and the Hudson River, offering sandy beaches, rocks to sit on, and a quieter perspective of the waterfall in its full glory.
When to go
- Peak foliage: Late September through mid-October for fiery autumn colors.
- Best time of day: Morning, for sunlight on the waterfall and fewer crowds.
- Year-round accessibility: The trail is open year-round, though snow and ice in winter require extra caution.
Where to stay & eat nearby
After your hike, refuel in North Creek, where the trailhead for the waterfall hike begins and ends:
- Alpine Lodge: Rustic-chic rooms and cozy fire pits
- Gore Mountain Lodge: Yurt-style bar and Adirondack charm
- Café Sarah or Izzy’s Market: Grab pastries, coffee, or picnic supplies before your hike.
- Hey Days 267 or The Barking Spider: Perfect for pizza or a cold beer after a long day on the trail.
For adventurous visitors, Square Eddy Expeditions offers guided “hike-in, paddle-out” trips that combine OK Slip Falls with a whitewater rafting exit on the Hudson—a thrilling way to see the region.
And if you’re dreaming of even more waterfalls, don’t miss Roaring Brooks Falls, another must-see cascade in the Adirondacks with epic views and accessible hiking.