Plan Your Trip - High Falls Gorge

Frequently Asked Questions

High Falls Gorge is an ideal and secure destination for a multi-generational group, including grandparents, toddlers, and people of all ages. The café and gift shop provide a convenient opportunity to take a break and indulge. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to make your visit more enjoyable.

I want to walk to see the waterfalls

Summer Season (May - October): To fully enjoy the waterfall walk, allocating at least 45 minutes is recommended. There are two ways to see the falls. The Easy Path Trail is a half-mile round trip with a gravel and deck surface. This section of the trail has no stairs, and there are benches along the way for resting points. It is suitable for parties of varying abilities as they can split up and quickly regroup. Alternatively, you can complete the loop around the waterfalls, a half-mile round-trip walk. This option will take you over wood-decked walkways suspended over the raging river. This section has open stairs with handrails and glass platforms. Regardless of your choice, you will have fantastic views of the falls from many angles.
Winter Season ( December - March): Due to weather conditions, our staff uses snow blowers and hand shovels to clear the same waterfall walk described in the summer. To ensure your safety, we provide Yaktrax traction devices that can be worn over your footwear while walking on our trail. We offer a campfire and marshmallow roasting on weekends and holidays for your enjoyment. Please note that we do not allow guests to bring their equipment to preserve the quality of our decks.

I want to hike the separate Nature Trail

Summer Season (May - October): Plan to spend 30 minutes exploring the one-mile nature trail from beginner to intermediate level. The trail ascends 300 feet up Whiteface Mountain and takes you away from the waterfalls. Please be prepared to climb steep inclines and walk on uneven surfaces, so we recommend wearing closed-toed, tied shoes. It's important to note that during stormy days, this section of the trail may become slippery and may be closed for safety reasons.
Winter Season (December - March): During winter, the one-mile beginner to intermediate nature trail requires snowshoes due to icy conditions. To enter the trail, there is an additional charge as our staff has to break the trail and provide snowshoe rental equipment. You can bring your snowshoes or rent them for a small fee. Please note that the trail is only open when weather and property conditions allow for safe use.

Can I bring a picnic?

The Woodlands Picnic Area by the riverside is only open from May to October for a relaxing moment surrounded by nature or a delicious meal with family and friends. Alcohol and grills are not permitted. Picnic lunches are not allowed in winter due to limited indoor space.

What should I wear?

Please note that wearing shirt and shoes is mandatory on the premises. During the summer season, we recommend comfortable walking shoes for the waterfall walk, as high heels may cause discomfort. For the Nature Trail, closed-toed shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots are required, where sandals or flip-flops are not permitted. In the winter, warm footwear such as winter boots, jackets, hats, and gloves are necessary to ensure comfort. It can be very windy at the Gorge.

How can I visit with small children?

Strollers are only suitable for the half-mile Easy Path Trail to the Gorge as it has no stairs. However, if you plan to walk on the suspended walkways and stairs or hike the nature trail, using a backpack carrier for your little ones is best. We recommend using a carrier instead of a stroller during the winter season. Strollers are not suitable for this time of the year. Our fencing is at least four feet high and has a metal mesh, making it very safe for small children.

Where do I park?

Free parking is available on the West side of the building off Route 86 for cars, motorcycles, and RVs.

Can I bring my pet(s)?

I'm sorry, but we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing pets into the Main Lodge or on the trails to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests. Our narrow walkways and bridges with open stairs can make pets uncomfortable, disrupting your visit and the people around you. However, we do accept certified service dogs, but please be prepared to answer questions and provide documentation.

Can I smoke while walking to the waterfalls?

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the trail to prevent forest fires. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, such as the parking lot and in front of the building.

Can I take home sticks and such from the property?

As this is private property, removing any natural or manufactured objects from the park is prohibited.

Is there an ATM at High Falls Gorge?

Yes, there is an ATM located in the gift shop in the main lodge.

What credit card and payment options are available?

We are happy to accept all American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Apple Pay payment options. US cash is accepted and Canadian cash is accepted with the appropriate exchange value. Personal checks are not accepted.

Do you have charging stations for electric vehicles?

Sorry, we do not have that service at this time.

Do you have strollers or wheelchairs for rent?

Sorry, we do not have that service at this time.

Our Schedule

Enjoy outdoor recreation in all seasons! The summer season runs from May through October, and the winter season runs from December through March.

Holiday Closures
We are closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

Seasonal Closures

We are closed two times a year to perform maintenance. Early winter we are closed from Monday following the last Sunday in October through Friday before the weekend before Christmas. Early spring, we close on Monday following the last Sunday in March through Friday before the first Saturday in May. Closed Ironman Sunday.

2025 Schedule

Dates	Hours
Jan 1 - Mar 30	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Five days a week: Fridays—Tuesdays. The nature trail closes at 3:00 p.m. The last admission into the waterfalls at 3:30 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 4:00 p.m. The River View Cafe serves Fridays - Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The entire facility is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Easter Sunday.
Mar 31 - May 2	The entire facility is closed.
May 3 - Oct 26	9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Open daily. Nature trail closes at 3:30 p.m. The last admission to the waterfalls at 4:00 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 4:30 p.m. River View Cafe is open daily, May 24 through October 13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oct 27 - Dec 19	The entire facility is closed.
Dec 20 - Dec 31	9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Open five days a week: Fridays—Tuesdays. The nature trail closes at 2:30 p.m. The last admission to the waterfalls at 3:00 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 3:30 p.m. The River View Cafe is open Fridays - Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. The entire facility is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Christmas Day. We are open on our regular schedule for the Christmas Holiday, Wednesday, December 24.

2026 Schedule

Dates	Hours
Jan 1 – Mar 29	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Five days a week: Fridays—Tuesdays. The nature trail closes at 3:00 p.m. The last admission into the waterfalls at 4:00 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 4:30 p.m. The River View Cafe serves Fridays - Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The entire facility is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Easter Sunday.
Mar 30 - May 1	The entire facility is closed.
May 3 – Oct 25	9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Open daily. Nature trail closes at 3:30 p.m. The last admission to the waterfalls at 4:00 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 4:30 p.m. River View Cafe is open daily, May 23 through October 12, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oct 26 – Dec 18	The entire facility is closed.
Dec 19 – Dec 31	9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Open five days a week: Fridays—Tuesdays. The nature trail closes at 2:30 p.m. The last admission to the waterfalls at 3:30 p.m. All visitors return to their cars by 4:00 p.m. The River View Cafe is open Fridays - Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. The entire facility is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Christmas Day. We are open on our regular schedule on Wednesday, December 30, and Thursday, December 31, for the Christmas holiday.

Park Info

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