chASinG wAterFAllS

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE Former Staff Writer

(Editor’s note: This story was first published in the April/May 2018 issue of Embark.)

With the onset of spring, one can never really be sure what to expect weather-wise in the Adirondacks. Snow, rain, sleet, sunshine, thunderstorms and hail are all likely, and sometimes even happen on the same day. But one thing is certain, and that is water in streams and rivers will be flowing hard, meaning that spring is one of the best times to visit waterfalls.

It should be noted that water- falls, and the waterways and surrounding areas that make them, are inherently dangerous. A fine mist of water covers everything in the vicinity of most falls, creating slick and sometimes icy conditions that raise the risk of falling.

Waterfalls can also be tempting swimming holes, especially later in summer, but unfortunately people die at these spots. And while it’s not a regular occurrence, three people have died at waterfalls in the Adirondacks in just the last two of years.

But don’t be discouraged. Waterfalls can be great places to check out and can often be reached after brief hikes. And for the less faint of heart, there are even a couple spots that offer guided hikes and safety measures for extra piece of mind.

The list below can easily be turned into a day trip by car from Lake Placid, making a circuit that could also include a stop in Plattsburgh.

Cascade Falls

Cascade Mountain is probably the most popular of the 46 High Peaks, and at its base sit the Cascade Lakes.

The two lakes are between cliffs on the mountain side and state Route 73, and are separated by a little spit of land. The state Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a small parking and picnic area on this land, which is also where Cascade Falls descends from the mountain.

From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 east toward Keene. From the ski jumps, go 6.6 miles to the unmarked road on the right. The road is rough and drops steeply down to the shore of the lake.

There is a herd path that leads to the base of the falls from the parking area.

The Flume

The Flume waterfall in Wilmington is a popular spot for locals and tourists, but can also be deadly. A man drowned there in 2017 when the water was high, and two teens drowned right around the time they graduated from high school a few years ago.

Requiring just a short 0.1-mile hike from the road, the Flume is a nice place to explore, with the falls quickly turning into a relatively benign stream that is wide and shallow. However, the steep cliffs that lead directly into the water, while tempting, should only be approached with caution.

From Wilmington, take state Route 86 toward Lake Placid for 1.7 miles to a dirt parking area on the left. A trail leads to the falls.

Roaring Brook Falls

One of the highest falls in the area, Roaring Brook cascades off the slopes of Giant Mountain — another High Peak - and is easily reached after a short 0.3-mile walk over flat ground to the base.

While tall and beautiful, Roaring Brook Falls have also proven to be fatal on more than one occasion, but accidents here are less frequent. From Keene Valley, take state Route 73 2.5 miles to the Giant Mountain parking area on the left. Take the trail at the end of the parking lot and then bear right just about a tenth of a mile in.

There is also a DEC trail to the top of the falls that clocks in at just 0.5 miles, although it’s a bit steeper. From the base of the falls, it’s hard to see the upper section.

This can be remedied by stopping at another parking area just a tenth of a mile farther up state Route 73 that offers unobstructed views of the upper falls.

Wilmington Flume

Entry fee

While there is no shortage of waterfalls across the Adirondacks, there are two spots in the North Country that offer a more con- trolled environment while still al- lowing for a close-up look at the power of water.

High Falls Gorge, on state Route 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington, offers access via trails and lookouts to a series of falls on the AuSable River. Including two glass-floored walkways, a gift shop with food and drinks, and some wheelchair accessibility, this can be a great option for families or those looking to grab lunch or a beer.

For more information, including pricing, go to www.highfallsgorge. com AuSable Chasm, dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is located on state Route 9 between Keeseville and Peru. The main falls of the chasm can be seen from the Route 9 bridge, but this paid-entry attraction has much more than just a look at falls from a distance. With tubing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and hiking trails, AuSable Chasm can easily be turned into a full day for the whole family.

Visit www.ausablechasm.com for a full list of activities and prices.