Hiking the Auger Falls loop in Adirondack Park, New York

Located near the town of Wells in the southern region of Adirondack Park, the hike to Auger Falls is a short and pleasant walk with picturesque views. 

This easy one-mile hike winds through the forest and along the banks of the Sacandaga River to Auger Falls: a series of three drops about 40 feet high. The hike is both dog and kid-friendly, and great for families with young children.

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Quick Facts: Hiking the Auger Falls Loop Trail

Guide to Hiking Auger Falls

The northern portion of the hike is a beautiful 0.5-mile walk. There is little to no elevation gain, making this hike ideal for families with young children. We hiked the trail with our toddler and baby. While our two-year-old was able to walk much of the trail, he did get tired and needed to be carried at times.

Hiking to Auger Falls can be done as either an out-and-back hike or as a loop. The distance for the out-and-back hike is 0.8 miles. If you do this hike as a loop you will walk 1.25 miles.

Due to the trail’s proximity to the river, parts of the trail are sometimes inaccessible when water levels are high. If, like us, you’re hiking with young children, be extra attentive to their whereabouts and keep them away from the river bank.

We hiked to Auger Falls in winter and, while the trail was icy in parts, we were fine in our snow boots. I do recommend coming prepared with microspikes or other traction devices, just in case. If there has been heavy snowfall this would be a great trail for snow-shoeing.

Directions to the Auger Falls Loop

From the town of Wells, head north on NY-30 for approximately 6 miles. The Auger Falls Loop parking and trailhead are on the right side of the road, about 1.7 miles after the Route 30/Route 8 intersection.

The gravel road leading to the parking area is not explicitly marked, but entering “Auger Falls Trailhead” into Google Maps will take you to the right place. You can also enter the following GPS coordinates: 43.469219, -74.252142.

The parking area is large and there is ample parking along the trailhead.

To get to the northern section of the hike, walk to the far end of the gravel parking area away from NY-30/NY-8. When you reach a gravel culdesac and are facing the river, turn right and head towards the treeline. The trailhead is through the trees and crosses over a small stream. 

The trail is marked with yellow blazes and well signed, plus the path is well-trodden and easy to follow. From here to the falls is about 0.5 miles.

To begin at the southern section of the loop, walk from the parking area back towards Route 8. Before you reach Route 8, turn onto the dirt path to your left. This path will take you to the trailhead. Follow the trail to approach the falls from the south, approximately 0.5 miles.

Final Thoughts

We did this hike in late December with our two young children. Our two-year-old was able to walk portions of this trail, but if hiking with younger children I recommend bringing a carrier. I would love to do the Auger Falls hike in the spring or summer, it was gorgeous in the winter after a fresh coat of snow. Unfortunately, the final portion of the trail was underwater and we were unable to make it to the falls, though we still enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to get out in nature with our kids. If you’re visiting the southern part of Adirondack Park and staying near Wells, Speculator, or Lake Pleasant, consider adding the hike to Auger Falls to your itinerary.

Visiting the Adirondacks? Check out these posts!

• Visiting the Sacandaga Pathway in Speculator, New York
• Hiking the Adirondacks: Echo Cliff (Panther Mountain) in Winter
• 7 Winter Activities in Lake George, NY
• Ultimate Guide to Lake Placid in Winter