Plan Your Visit

High Falls Gorge is a perfect, safe destination for a multi-generational group ranging from grandparents to toddlers and all ages.  The Café and Gift Shop make it easy to take a break and treat yourself.  We have also seen our share of proposals happen alongside the Falls.

• Walk the Waterfall Walk: Plan at least 45 minutes to complete the waterfall walk.  You can choose one of two ways to see the falls.  Take our gravel-surfaced Easy Path Trail, a quarter-mile in and a quarter-mile back out in length.  There are no stairs on this section of the trail.  The benches along the way allow resting points and parties of varying abilities to split up and quickly regroup.  You may also choose to complete the loop around the waterfalls, which brings you over wood decked walkways suspended over the raging river with open stairs and glass platforms.  Either way, you want to go, you will have fantastic views of the falls from many angles.
• Hike the separate Nature Trail: Plan about 30 minutes to explore the one-mile beginner to an intermediate-level nature trail that ascends 300 feet up Whiteface Mountain and away from the waterfalls.  You will climb steep inclines and walk on uneven surfaces, so we suggest you wear closed-toed, tied shoes on this trail.  Please note that on stormy days, this walk section becomes slippery and may close.
• Want to picnic?  The riverside Woodlands Picnic Area is available for a relaxing moment surrounded by nature or a delicious meal with family and friends.  No alcohol or grills are allowed in the picnic area.
• What to wear: Shirts and shoes are required on-premises.  We suggest comfortable walking shoes for the Waterfall Walk.  High heel shoes will be uncomfortable.  The Nature Trail requires at least a closed-toed tied shoe like a sneaker or a hiking boot.  The winter season requires warm footwear and good outdoor clothing.
• How to visit with small children: Strollers can make the half-mile Easy Path Trail to the Gorge without stairs.  However, if you want to hike the nature trail and walk the entire Waterfall Walk, a backpack carrier is best used for your little ones.
• Parking: Free on-site parking is available for cars, motorcycles, and RVs.
• Pets: For the safety of all guests, pets are not permitted in the Main Lodge or on the trails.  Our narrow walkways and bridges with open stairs make your pet uncomfortable, disrupting your visit.  We will accept certified service dogs, but be prepared to answer questions and provide documentation.
• No smoking: on-premises to preserve our forest area.  A forest fire would be devastating.
• Since this is private property, you may not remove anything natural or otherwise from the park.