Shelving Rock Falls
A breathtaking 50-foot cascade on Lake George's eastern shore, offering easy hikes, swimming holes, and stunning lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Falls are roaring!
Shelving Rock Falls
Best Time
Falls are roaring!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 50-foot cascade on Lake George's eastern shore, offering easy hikes, swimming holes, and stunning lake views.
"The hike to the top of the falls is easy, and the path leads to a beautiful spot on Lake George."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast! Aim for before 10 AM on weekends to snag a spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail to the bottom of the falls is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shelving Rock Falls Cascade
Main trail viewpoint
A stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading through the forest, offering a refreshing mist and beautiful photo opportunities.
Lake George Access
End of the red trail
Discover a serene spot on Lake George's East Shore, perfect for a picnic or a refreshing dip in clear waters.
Swimming Holes
Creek near the falls
Cool off in natural pools along the creek, offering a delightful way to beat the summer heat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Parking
Trail Options & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast! Aim for before 10 AM on weekends to snag a spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail to the bottom of the falls is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
🧺 Pack a Picnic & Floats
Enjoy a meal by Lake George and bring floats for a refreshing swim in the clear water.
💧 Follow the Red Trail
For the full experience, including Lake George access, continue on the red path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast! Aim for before 10 AM on weekends to snag a spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail to the bottom of the falls is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
🧺 Pack a Picnic & Floats
Enjoy a meal by Lake George and bring floats for a refreshing swim in the clear water.
💧 Follow the Red Trail
For the full experience, including Lake George access, continue on the red path.
🗺️ Look for Small Signs
The sign for the falls can be easily missed while driving. Keep an eye out!
🥾 Easy Hike to Top
The main path to the top of the falls is mostly flat and manageable for most.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Shelving Rock Falls and the refreshing swimming opportunities in both the creek and Lake George. The short, accessible hike to the top is a major plus for families and casual visitors. However, some note that reaching the bottom of the falls can be challenging, and parking can be difficult to secure during peak times.
"We got there about 1040am and parked in lot #2. There are bathrooms there. Go before you hike down. The trailhead is down part parking lots #1. Walk down about .4 mile and you'll hear the falls. Stop and take some pics but don't make that your final stop. Continue walking all the way down til you come to a fork in the trail. Turn right. You'll cross some stream beds. The bridge is not there anymore. Continue on to the lake. You'll find some rocks. You can walk to a flatter portion to walk right into Lake George. It's beautiful! Clear waters! Just gorgeous! Bring some floats and a picnic! Remember to bring your trash out."
Tiffany Gratien
"Nice view of the Falls. Getting to Parking area is a long 20 minute drive on unpaved road. Path to Falls is well marked. Footpath is easy but some early parts require walking on rocks. Path leads to top of Falls; getting to the bottom requires some steep descents. May not be appropriate for those who are not sure-footed.
Continuing on the Red path for about 10 minutes leads to a nice view of Lake George from the East Shore (though there is no clear place to sit and relax)."
Gregg Hanchett
"This Hikikg experience is one I never forget. Did the entire red trail. It was intense, physical & beautiful worth the trek. Highly recommend anyone who loves hiking trails. On my "visit again list"."
Anna Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shelving Rock Falls is located on the eastern side of Lake George. Access is typically via Shelving Rock Road, which can be unpaved in parts. Parking is available in designated lots, but they fill up quickly.
Parts of the road leading to Shelving Rock Falls are unpaved, so drive with caution.
Most visitors park in Lot #1 or #2 and take the well-marked trail that runs along the stream.
Shelving Rock Falls is approximately a 40-minute drive from Lake George Town.
Yes, Shelving Rock Falls is accessible by boat, offering a unique way to experience the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit Shelving Rock Falls. Parking is free, but lots can fill up.
Shelving Rock Falls is a natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, parking lots may have specific opening and closing times.
No, there is no entrance fee for Shelving Rock Falls. It's a public access area.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to arrive early as parking lots can fill up and may close once capacity is reached.
No reservations are needed for Shelving Rock Falls. It's a first-come, first-served natural attraction.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the top of the falls is a short, relatively easy 0.4-mile trail. Reaching the bottom is steeper and can be slippery. +1
Yes, there are excellent swimming holes in the creek near the falls and you can also access Lake George for a swim. +1
Yes, the short hike to the top is great for families. The path to the bottom is steeper and may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. 
The viewpoint at the top of the falls offers a great perspective, and the area around Lake George provides scenic backdrops.
Yes, there are bathrooms available at the parking lots, such as Lot #2. It's recommended to use them before starting your hike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Shelving Rock Falls. You'll find restaurants and cafes in nearby Lake George Village.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended to pack a picnic to enjoy by Lake George. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Bring your favorite foods, drinks, a blanket or chairs, and trash bags to ensure you leave no trace.
No, there are no food vendors at Shelving Rock Falls. It's a natural area, so plan to bring your own food.
The closest places to buy food are in Lake George Village, which is about a 40-minute drive away.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the Adirondack Park Agency for current rules before flying a drone.
Experiment with different angles, including from the base of the falls (if accessible and safe) or from the Lake George shoreline.
Focus on the cascading water, the lush forest, the clear waters of Lake George, and the rocky terrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of waterfalls and nature. Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by Lake George. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1📸 Photographers
Experiment with long exposures to capture the water's movement and use a wide-angle lens to fit the entire scene into your frame. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of your shots, so consider visiting at different times if possible. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
+1 However, for those seeking a more adventurous route or wanting to reach the base of the falls, the trail becomes steeper and can be quite slippery, especially after rain. Beyond the immediate falls area, the red trail continues for about 10 minutes, leading to a scenic view of Lake George from the East Shore.
Swimming and Lake Access
+1 These swimming holes offer a serene and natural way to enjoy the Adirondack waters. Furthermore, the trail system connects to the shores of Lake George, providing access to its clear, inviting waters.
Photography Tips for Shelving Rock Falls
To capture the best shots, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the light is soft and flattering. A wide-angle lens is recommended to encompass the full grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape. For those interested in capturing the movement of the water, a tripod and a slower shutter speed can create a silky, ethereal effect.
Don't forget to explore different vantage points; the view from the top is stunning, but venturing carefully towards the base (where safe) or along the Lake George shoreline can offer unique perspectives. Remember to protect your gear from the mist, especially when close to the falls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit