If there’s one thing about us it’s that we love a waterfall, and though it can be easy to forget when we’re spending every day in the concrete jungle, outside of the city New York is full of stunning waterfalls waiting to be explored–like this 70-foot tall one you can actually swim in, this 100-foot underground one, this one that happens to be the longest single drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and this one that’s literally on fire, the only one of its kind in the world.
But hey, there’s always room for more, right?!
One of New York’s tallest waterfalls is located about five hours from New York City–sure, it’s a bit of a hike, and you do actually have to hike to reach it, but along the way you’ll get to take in stunning views, cool off in serene dipping pools, and overall just enjoy a really good day surrounded by nature.
Roaring Brooks Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks
Roaring Brooks Falls is located in Keene Valley, about 30 to 40 minutes from Lake Placid–you know, one of the most beautiful small towns in the world and home to one of the “best downtowns in America.”
Towering 270 feet high, Roaring Brook Falls is actually one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks. You can see the falls from the highway, and you’ll also often see climbers ascending the rock face mid hike.
Hiking to Roaring Brooks Falls
The good news is you have options when it comes to reaching Roaring Brooks Falls. Those that aren’t too keen on hiking and would rather spend more time near the falls can choose the shorter 0.3 mile trail to the waterfall’s base. This trail is a wide, flat path that even children can easily handle. There you’ll find not only a great up-close view of the falls but also a dipping pool to cool off in.
Those looking to reach the top of the falls can either choose the lower trail, which is a relatively easy hike, or the upper trail, which is a more moderate one. Of course once at the top you’ll get to soak in sweeping views of the Adirondacks, and from there you can even hike to Giant’s Nubble trail, Giant’s Washbowl, or Giant Mountain, which is one of the most popular peaks in the region.
The hike to the peak of the mountain is roughly 3.5 miles.
When to visit Roaring Brooks Falls
Roaring Brooks Falls’ trails are most popular from June to October–the spring or fall are stunning for obvious reasons, though you can also visit in the summer and if you go in the winter you can snowshoe as well!
Do keep in mind that, being the falls is popular, it’s better to show up early–especially if you need parking. The parking area is located along Route 73, which is where the hike to Roaring Brook Falls begins. See a video of Roaring Brooks Falls below: