Deckertown Falls
Discover Deckertown Falls, a hidden gem in Montour Falls, NY, featuring beautiful cascades and refreshing swimming pools amidst unmaintained, natural ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and capture soft light.
Deckertown Falls
Best Time
Beat the crowds and capture soft light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Deckertown Falls, a hidden gem in Montour Falls, NY, featuring beautiful cascades and refreshing swimming pools amidst unmaintained, natural trails.
"A beautiful tucked away gem! We swam in waterfall fed pools and had the most magical time."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Slippery shale and mud are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for safety and enjoyment.
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (fits ~4 cars). Arrive early or be ready to walk a bit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Falls
Main waterfall area
Witness multiple cascades tumbling over 50 feet. A truly magical spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Waterfall-Fed Pools
Base of the falls
Take a refreshing dip in the natural pools formed by the falls. A perfect way to cool off on a warm day.
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along the trail
Discover hidden viewpoints offering stunning perspectives of the falls and gorge. Some trails to the left offer great photo ops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Slippery shale and mud are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for safety and enjoyment. +1
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (fits ~4 cars). Arrive early or be ready to walk a bit. +1
📸 Find the Best Angles
Explore unofficial trails to the left for great photo spots.
🏊♀️ Swim if You Dare!
The waterfall-fed pools are inviting for a dip on hot days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Slippery shale and mud are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for safety and enjoyment. +1
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (fits ~4 cars). Arrive early or be ready to walk a bit. +1
📸 Find the Best Angles
Explore unofficial trails to the left for great photo spots.
🏊♀️ Swim if You Dare!
The waterfall-fed pools are inviting for a dip on hot days.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Trails are not professionally maintained; be cautious on the slate and near the gorge edge. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Deckertown Falls is a beautiful, less-trafficked waterfall with inviting swimming pools, praised for its natural charm. However, visitors should be aware that the trails are unmaintained, slippery, and can be challenging, with very limited parking. +2
"You hear the falls from the parking lot. The parking is at the end of a short dead-end street. At first I thought Google maps steered me wrong, but nope. I didn't see any signs for the falls.
The trail is not a professional one, especially near the cascade. Going down to the bottom is a bit harrowing on the shippery shale and mud. For how special this place is you'd think some effort would be put into it.
Near the beginning of the trail is a trail to the left. I missed it going in but saw someone using it on the way out. Great photos from there!
There is also a trail to the right that goes up the hill. I went up partway but didn't notice any improvement in the view.
Lovely cascades and waterfall!"
Karen S
"This is a beautiful tucked away gem! We swam in waterfall fed pools and had the most magical time. The parking is very limited and be sure to wear appropriate footwear especially if you are going to be swimming and climbing around the falls."
Bethany Belden Smith
"Nice falls, trails are not well maintained and have trees across trail in some areas. Worth the visit, but trails are thin and on the edge of the gorge."
David Bennett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deckertown Falls is located in Montour Falls, NY. The parking area is at the end of a short dead-end street. Some visitors note there aren't prominent signs, so using GPS is recommended.
Access is relatively easy from the parking area, but the trails themselves are not professionally maintained and can be challenging, especially near the cascades. +1
The main trail can be narrow and covered in shale. Be prepared for some scrambling, especially to reach the upper falls. +1
Yes, Deckertown Falls is often visited alongside other Finger Lakes waterfalls like SheQuaGa Falls, Hector Falls, and Eagle Cliff Falls. 
While waterfalls are more impressive after rain, trails can become extremely slippery and dangerous. Exercise extra caution or consider visiting when conditions are drier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Deckertown Falls is a natural attraction and does not typically require an entrance fee or tickets. It's generally free to visit.
As a natural outdoor area, Deckertown Falls is accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Deckertown Falls. It's a free natural attraction.
Official tours are not commonly offered for Deckertown Falls. It's more of a self-guided exploration spot.
While there are no formal restrictions, visitors are advised to be cautious due to trail conditions and to respect the natural environment. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is short from the parking lot but the trails are unmaintained, featuring slippery shale, mud, and fallen trees. It requires careful footing. +1
Yes, visitors can swim in the waterfall-fed pools at the base of the falls. It's a popular activity on warm days.
Expect beautiful cascades and a lovely waterfall. Some unofficial trails offer particularly great photo opportunities.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the unmaintained trails and slippery conditions. Older children who are sure-footed might enjoy it. +1
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the falls, taking photos, and potentially swimming. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Look for unofficial trails to the left of the main path for excellent vantage points. The area near the base also offers great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding gorge. A tripod can help with long exposures, especially in lower light.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
The combination of cascades, pools, and the natural gorge provides many unique angles. Capturing the movement of the water is key.
Drone regulations vary by location and park. It's best to check local FAA guidelines and any specific park rules before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Seek out the unofficial trails to the left for the best vantage points and angles. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the falls and a tripod for long exposures to smooth out the water's movement. Be prepared for the terrain; a stable base is important for setting up shots. 🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
For those looking for the best views, Redditors suggest exploring unofficial trails to the left of the main path, which can offer superior photo opportunities.
Despite the challenging terrain, the reward is a beautiful, tucked-away gem. The unique combination of cascades and pools makes the effort worthwhile for many.
The Charm of Deckertown Falls
One of the most appealing aspects for visitors is the opportunity to swim in the waterfall-fed pools at the base of the falls.
While the trails may be unmaintained, this ruggedness is part of its charm for many. It feels like a discovery, a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature without the crowds of more developed tourist spots.
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