Elizabethtown, a tiny town with less than 1,500 people, may look like a sleepy little village in Essex County, but within it is an incredible secret. It’s hiding one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New York. Split Rock Falls is located in the southern part of Elizabethtown in a minute hamlet called New Russia. It’s not as well-known as some of our larger falls that are in state parks, but it’s easy to access stunning views!

Split Rock Falls is a roadside waterfall located only about 20 miles east of Lake Placid. It is part of the Bouqet River, which eventually empties into Lake Champlain.

Mari Kent/Alltrails

You won’t be able to see the waterfall from the road, but it’s just off Route 9. You can get a great view if you head down the unmarked trail.

Mobilus in Mobili/Flickr

Split Rock Falls is a two-level waterfall. The top level’s stream is split in two by a large rock, hence the falls’ name.

James St. Johns/Flickr

Altogether, the waterfall is about 40 feet high. The Bouqet River begins in the Dix Mountains. It’s actually two streams that merge into one right before the waterfall.

Sergei Basov/Alltrails

The area is unmarked and not located within a park, but it is pretty popular and often draws large crowds. The trails are visible even though there is no signage.

Ben Reisner/Alltrails

People occasionally swim in the falls, but we recommend remaining on shore for safety. The current can be very swift and the view is just as beautiful if you remain on the ground. Four teenage boys were killed in a tragic accident at the falls in 2003.

John Kutzko/Alltrails

It might not be inside a well-known state park, but we think that Split Rock Falls can compete with any of the more famous waterfalls in New York!

Mari Kent/Alltrails

Mobilus in Mobili/Flickr

James St. Johns/Flickr

Sergei Basov/Alltrails

Ben Reisner/Alltrails

John Kutzko/Alltrails

Have you checked out Split Rock Falls? What did you think? Tell us about it in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown, NY 12964, USA