T Lake Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids T Lake Falls |
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 Location in New York Adirondack Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hamilton County, New York |
| Coordinates | 43°27′23″N 74°36′47″W / 43.4564576°N 74.6129313°W |
| Type | Waterfall |
| Elevation | 2,723 feet (830 m) |
| Watercourse | Unnamed tributary of South Branch West Canada Creek |
T Lake Falls is the tallest waterfall in New York State. It is also the highest waterfall in the Adirondacks. This amazing waterfall is at least twice as tall as Niagara Falls. You can find it in Hamilton County, New York, within the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area.
T Lake Falls is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. People enjoy hiking to the lake and staying at the lean-to. In summer, you can swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls. In winter, people go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to the falls. Some even go ice climbing on the frozen falls.
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About T Lake Falls
T Lake Falls is incredibly tall. Its height is usually said to be between 350 and 600 feet. The exact height depends on where you measure it from. This is because the top of the falls has a curved shape.
The falls get their water from a small stream. This stream is a branch of the South Branch West Canada Creek. Long ago, this area was used by Native American hunters. Early settlers also explored this wild region.
Staying Safe at the Falls
Because T Lake Falls is so tall, it can be a dangerous place. Over the years, some people have been seriously hurt or lost their lives here. This is why it is very important to be careful and follow all safety rules.
Rescuers often have to hike at least 5 miles to reach people in trouble. Sometimes, they even use horses to help. Because of the dangers, the trail past the lake to the falls is no longer kept up. The DEC has closed this part of the trail for safety. Even though it is closed, some hikers still choose to go there on their own.
How to Reach T Lake Falls
There are a few ways to hike to T Lake Falls. Two routes start from Piseco, NY. The third way starts from Noblesboro, NY.
From Piseco
One way is to use the main trail. The trailhead is across from the Poplar Point state campsite. A sign marks the start of the trail. It is about 3.6 miles to T Lake, where a lean-to is located. From the lake, it is another 1.8 miles to the falls. This last part of the trail is not maintained and can be hard to follow.
Another way from Piseco is to go off the Mill Stream trail. This trail starts on Haskell's Road. This route is often flatter. It is considered easier if you are good at bushwhacking (traveling through dense woods without a clear path).
From Noblesboro
The third way to reach the falls is from Mountain Home Road. This route takes you to the bottom of the falls. It is also the shortest hike, about 5 miles from the trailhead to the falls.
