We would definitely classify ourselves as waterfall chasers and pride ourselves on finding waterfalls wherever they might be hiding. This waterfall was a surprise that quite literally popped up out of nowhere as we were driving down a backroad in the Adirondacks. Austin Falls isn’t a tall waterfall; it is a long one that stretches out over lots of large rocks, creating rapids. This is a beautiful spot to escape to, not just because of the scenery but also because of this destination’s remoteness.
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The Waterfall
While this waterfall may not have the dramatic free-falling cascade of the more popular waterfalls, however, this waterfall is a long sliding or step waterfall that drops over 300 yards while crashing over large rocks. The backdrop of the cliff wall behind is stunning and adds rustic beauty to this beautiful waterfall. We visited just after heavy rain, and the creek was not only full, but the water was like white water rapids as it rushed through the falls. Regardless of how calm the water is on any particular day, it gets pretty stirred up and rough as it moves through the falls. Visitors must be cautious as it can be dangerous near the falls. The rocks alongside the creek angle downward and can be slippery if the water is splashing upon them.
Hiking
This isn’t much of a hiking destination as the falls are less than 50 feet from the road. A trail runs along the edge of the woods above the falls, but it is only about 300 yards.
Nova wasn’t very fond of this destination. She was nervous about the rushing water and preferred to keep her distance.
Camping
While this might not be a hiking destination, it is an excellent camping and picnicking destination. While we were walking along the falls, we saw a campsite, and it struck me what a lovely place this would be to camp. The view is stunning, and I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to camp. One of the nice things about camping here is that you are incredibly remote but don’t have to carry your gear a long way.
Getting to Austin Falls
This is a hard waterfall to get to, not because it is tucked miles into the woods but because it is at the end of a long dead-end road that is full of potholes and heaving pavement, creating natural speed bumps in the road. If you have a low riding vehicle, you will want to drive slowly down the road and keep your eyes peeled for raising pavement, or you just might lose your exhaust. I don’t recommend trying to go down this road at night.
Directions: From Route 30, make a right onto Old Route 30 and travel 2.7 miles down this bumpy road. The road itself is incredibly scenic, and there are places where it turns into a dirt road. There is a road sign for Austin Falls on the left for Austin Falls, but the fall will be on your right, just off the road and a quick jaunt through the woods.