High Falls

High Falls is the most remote of the waterfalls in St. Lawrence County and is located in the southern most portion of the County. While the hike into the falls is well worth it, do not be surprised when you see one of the smallest falls of the county. While High Falls is only 15 feet high, its name is derived from the fact that it is the largest drop on that branch of the Oswegatchie River, a calm, slow-moving river.

On your walk you will encounter was one of the oldest growth forests in the county. In 1995 a microburst blew down a large portion of the forest. Your walk will take you through the damage caused by this storm. These trees still standing are some of the oldest, including the oldest pine tree in the county which resides in the area of High Falls.

There are two options for reaching the falls; one is to hike and the other is to canoe. Many prefer the canoe ride up the slow moving water of the river as to hike the shortest trial is 7 miles one-way and the path is overgrown for the last two miles. There are plenty of campsites in the area and a lean-to if you wish to camp. Although the trails are relatively flat 18-miles of hiking in one day does not leave you much time to enjoy the falls.

Directions:
Off Route 3 you will want to take Route 61, towards Wanakena. After a distance of 1.2 miles you will bear right onto Main Street. Drive another .3 miles and bear right once again on South Shore Road. The High Falls Trail head will be in .4 miles. There is parking further down the road. The Dead Creek Flow Trail is .3 miles down the road. Both trails are well marked and there is a large scale map at the start of the Dead Creek Flow Trail.