What's Your Nature?

Become a Nature Up North explorer to share your encounters with wild things and wild places in New York's North Country. Post your wildlife sightings, landscape shots, photos from your outings, and even your organization's events!

Harper's Falls Trail

Trail Description

This is an easy two mile round trip to an impressive 60 foot waterfall on the North Branch of the Grasse River. Starting from the trailhead off Donnerville Road (sometimes spelled Downerville), the trail heads downhill through a mixed deciduous and hemlock forest, crossing two bridges before a short uphill, and then a final descent to the falls. Beaver and porcupine activity is evident adjacent to the trail. A lovely designated campsite is located next to the falls, perfect for a quick overnight backpacking trip. The upper falls is a series of small cascades, which channel into a narrow chute for the final drop. Old stone walls next to the waterfall are remnants of an old mill once located at this site.

For a longer hike, the trail continues along the river, leaving the Adirondack Park boundary and entering the Donnerville State Forest. Many trails spur from the river trail, and the area is becoming a popular mountain bike destination. For a map of the mountain bike trails, see: http://slmba.org/node/15

Difficulty Rating
Easy
Image
Trail Map PDF
harpers.pdf23.19 MB
Dogs allowed
On
Distance (round trip)
1.30

Trail Heads

Trail head Location
Harper's Falls Trail Google Maps