Beaver Meadow Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Adirondacks, but it does require a bit of work to reach it. With a fanned out waterfall feature it cascades a gorgeous white to the Ausable River below. Be sure to read the link on the parking and trailhead, and note that dogs are absolutely prohibited in this area.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Getting there
This is part of the St Huberts parking area/trailhead. Leave Lake Placid on Rte 73, follow Rte 73 toward Keene. Continue through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Continue to the trailhead for the AMR on the right, directly across the road for the Roaring Brook Falls Trail to Giant Mountain. This is approximately 3 miles from the outskirts of Keene Valley.
Hiking
This is a 3.7 mile hike, one way, along a woods road and well maintained foot trail.
From the parking lot you will initially have to follow a dirt road to a paved road. Just before reaching the main club house, turn left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to get to the gate into the AMR. The AMR is private property with recreational easements, special rules apply to use and those are posted at the gate. From the gate hike the dirt road for nearly 2 miles to a sign for a trail on the right for Gothics and Beaver Meadow Falls. This trail will lead you through an attractive forest to a bridge over the Ausable River. Just over the bridge is Beaver Meadow Falls, you will hear it before you see it.
For more information on hiking in the AMR and High Peaks Region we recommend you pick up a trail guide or hire the assistance of a local guide service.