The Lampson Falls Trail provides relatively easy access to one of the largest and most popular waterfalls in the North Country. These impressive falls drop 100 feet over a smooth rock face into a large, swirling pool at the bottom.
From the trailhead on NY-27, the trail extends for 0.5 miles along a wide and flat path to the top of the falls. Though unpaved, this first section of the trail accommodates wheelchairs.
Continuing past the top of the falls, the trail narrows and drops steeply down to the beach below the falls, then continues over a rocky outcrop opposite the waterfall. In summer, many people stop here to pick blueberries, sunbathe, and admire the falls from the rocks.
To extend the hike into a longer loop-hike, look for yellow trail markers on the trees that will lead you further downstream along the banks of the river. This section can be overgrown in the summer, but offers scenic views of the Grasse River. After about one mile of walking along the river, near the remnants of an old bridge, the trail turns right and continues gradually uphill on the old Lampson Falls Logging Road. After another mile the old logging road returns to the Lampson Falls Trail just above the falls.
Powerful, fast-moving water makes Lampson Falls one of the most impressive sights in the North Country. It can also be dangerous - exercise caution while hiking or swimming near the falls.
These trails are part of the Grass River Wild Forest, a 54,000-acre collection of public forest preserves located in the towns of Clare, Clifton, Colton and Fine in St. Lawrence County and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
For more information, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation online, or contact:
Park in the large roadside lot on the west side of NY-27. The GPS coordinates are 44.405270, -75.061578. This parking lot is maintained year-round.
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