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.
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.
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.
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.
Free parking is available on the West side of the building off Route 86 for cars, motorcycles, and RVs.
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.
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.
As this is private property, removing any natural or manufactured objects from the park is prohibited.
Yes, there is an ATM located in the gift shop in the main lodge.
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.
Sorry, we do not have that service at this time.
Sorry, we do not have that service at this time.
Enjoy outdoor recreation in all seasons! Summer season runs from May through October. Winter season runs December through March. Buildings, trails, and parking lot will close 30 minutes after closing time.
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 prior to Christmas. Early spring we close from the Monday following the last Sunday in March through the Friday before the first Saturday in May. Closed Ironman Sunday.
Dates | Hours |
Jan 1 – Mar 30 |
Building, trails, and gift shop run 5 days a week: Fridays - Tuesdays opens 9:00 am with the last admission into the the nature trail at 3:00 pm, the last admission into the waterfalls at 4:00 pm and all visitors returned to their cars by 4:30 pm. River View Cafe serves Fridays - Tuesdays, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The entire facility is CLOSED Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Easter Sunday. |
April 1 – May 3 | The entire facility is closed. |
May 4 – Oct 27 |
Building, trails, and gift shop open daily 9:00 am, the last admission into the nature trail is 3:30 pm, last admission into just the waterfall walk 4:30 pm and all visitors must be back in their cars by 5:00 pm. River View Cafe is open Fridays - Tuesdays, May 25 - October 14, 2024 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. Note: The entire facility is closed July 21,2024 due to the Ironman event. |
Oct 28 – Dec 13 | The entire facility is closed. |
Dec 14 – Dec 31 |
Building, trails, and gift shop is open 5 days a week: Fridays - Tuesdays starting at 9:00 am, the last admission into the nature trail is 2:30 pm, our last admission into just the waterfall walk is 3:30 pm and all visitors must be back in their cars by 4:00 pm. River View Cafe serving Fridays - Tuesdays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. The entire facility is closed Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Christmas Day. NOTE: Extended schedule for Christmas Week open Thursday December 26 as listed above. |
Dates | Hours |
Jan 1 - Mar 30
|
Building, trails, and gift shop open 5 days a week: Fridays - Tuesdays starting 9:00 am, with the last admission into the nature trail at 3:00 pm, the last admission into the waterfalls at 4:00 pm and all visitors must return to their cars by 4:30 pm. The River View Cafe serves Fridays - Tuesdays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. The entire facility is CLOSED Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Easter Sunday. |
Mar 31 - May 2
|
The entire facility is closed. |
May 3 - Oct 26
|
Building, trails, and gift shop open daily 9:00 am with the last admission to the nature trail at 3:30 pm, the last admission to the waterfall walk at 4:30 pm and all visitors must be returned to their cars by 4:30 pm. River View Cafe is open daily, May 24 - October 13, 2025 serving 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. |
Oct 27 - Dec 19 | The entire facility is closed. |
Dec 20 - Dec 31 |
Building, trails, and gift shop are open five days a week: Fridays—Tuesdays starting at 9:00 am with the last admission to the nature trail at 3:00 pm, the last admission to the waterfall walk at 3:30 pm and all visitors must be returned to their car by 4:00 pm. The River View Cafe serving Fridays - Tuesdays 9:00 am -3:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. The entire facility is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Christmas Day. NOTE: The extended schedule for Christmas Week is open Wednesday, December 24, 2025, same hours listed above. |
Take Exit 34 (Ausable Forks). Turn left off the exit ramp onto Route 9N, heading southbound. In the town of Jay, turn right onto Route 86 West. High Falls Gorge is just one mile past Whiteface Ski Center on the right side of the road.
Take Exit 30 (Keene/Keene Valley). Turn left off the exit ramp following Route 73 West towards Lake Placid. In the town of Keene, turn right onto Route 9N toward Jay, in Upper Jay turn right onto Route 12, known as Springfield Road. Turn left onto Fox Farm Road at the end of the road turn left onto Route 86 west. High Falls Gorge is 1.5 miles ahead on the right.
Plattsburgh, NY: 40 miles | 1 Hour
Lake George, NY: 78 Miles | 1.5 Hours
Albany, NY: 140 Miles | 2.5 Hours
Montreal, Canada: 150 Miles | 2.5 Hours
New York City, NY: 286 Miles | 5 Hours