Auger Falls is really a serious of impressive rapids along the Sacandaga River channeled through a narrow flume as the river travels into a gorge.  It's not your normal drop waterfall, but never less is worth exploring.  The toughest part is finding first the parking area and then the main trail to the falls. 

There are two trails to Auger Falls (both are called the Auger Falls Trail), one from a side road off NY 8.  This trail travels along the river bank past the falls and further upstream.  This trail is sometimes regarded as the Auger Falls Trail Eastside.  The other trail is a marked trail up to the falls and then if one followed the unmarked but well worn path upstream, the hike can be a loop hike.  This trail is sometimes called the Auger Falls Loop Trail or Auger Falls Trail Westside.  The parking area is unmarked off NY 30. 

You can find more information on Auger Falls Trails in the book Guide to Adirondack Trails: Central Region and a good description on the Auger Falls Loop in Five-Star Trails in the Adirondacks: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Hikes.

Here's information on both trails:

Auger Falls Trail Eastside

From the bridge follow the narrow dirt road and pass a camp at 0.5 miles.  Pass through the barrier just past the camp and follow the red snowmobile markers.  The old road quickly becomes a grassy lane through the forest.  At 1.3 miles is a DEC warning sign that states "Warning-Hazardous Gorge Area-Sheer Cliffs-Swift Water-Slippery Footing."

A side trail on the left leads to the river above Auger Falls.  Several herd paths lead to numerous views of the falls, however you should be very careful in the area.  The trail does continue upstream and crosses Macomber Creek on a snowmobile bridge at 1.5 miles.  Just past the bridge is a nice big boulder next to the river that is perfect to relax and have lunch on.  The trail continues on to International Paper Company land. 

Directions:  From the junction of NY 30, drive northeast on NY 8 for 2.6 miles, then left on dirt road for the abandoned old town of Griffin.  Although the dirt road continues on past the bridge, it is better to park closer to NY 8 since the parking is restrictive close to the trail.  The GPS coordinates for the dirt road is N43 28.253 W74 13.479 for those with a GPS devise for their vehicle.

Auger Falls Loop or Auger Falls Trail Westside

When we did this hike on a beautiful summer Sunday, we were the only ones in the large parking lot off NY 30 (although a few cars were there when we finished our hike).  We believe its because the parking area is unmarked, so most visitors just drive by.  There are even a few marked (with DEC disc) primitive camping spots in the parking area further on down.  This is a huge parking area!

From the parking area, walk back toward NY 30 and turn left on rough dirt road prior to reaching NY 30.  This is the former dirt road to the trailhead that we suggest you don't drive on.  At 0.2 miles reach a small parking area and you should see the well worn trail entering the forest on your left.  There are yellow DEC trail discs to follow also.

At 0.4 miles pass by the tree with arms.  A definite picture opportunity at this unique tree.  Soon pass by a huge log on your right and if you look up the huge log you'll see a tree growing on top of a boulder.  Suddenly the noise from NY 30 disappears as the sound of gushing water takes over.

Soon the well worn trail spreads out into numerous side trails that all lead to the edge of the top of the gorge.  Take extra care in this area as one slip or wrong step could lead to a serious injury if not death.  The falls can be easily seen without taking any risks.  The whole area is covered in "No Camping" signs.  A few more yellow discs lead you upstream, but the trail quickly becomes unmarked.

You can either turn around and walk back to the parking area, or follow the well worn trail (sometimes multiple trails) along the river to continue the loop.  The trail looks to be an unofficial trail as you'll be climbing over and under some huge blow downs.  Sometimes a new trail goes around a blow down.  As long as you stay close to the river bank you'll be ok.  Watch the video to see some of the huge logs.

Eventually a trail (actually a couple of trails) will lead you back to the large parking area.  You'll really see how huge this parking area was as you walk down an area you didn't see when you first parked (if you parked closer to NY 30).  Believe me this is the same parking area.  I even noticed a "Camp Here" DEC disc among all the No camping signs in the parking area.  Didn't look like anyone had camped there before.

The whole loop is a 1.2 mile hike with a limited elevation gain.  Look below for pictures, a video and a couple of maps of the Auger Falls area.

Directions:  From the NY 8/NY 30 junction drive 1.7 miles north to an unmarked dirt road on the right that leads to a very large parking area.  The GPS coordinates are N43 28.172 W74 15.120 for those who have a GPS devise for their vehicle.

Pictures from Auger Falls

Huge parking area off NY 30	Well worn trail off old parking area	Trail register	Tree with arms	Auger Falls
Auger Falls	Sacandaga River	Sacandaga River	Well worn unmarked trail along river	Sacandaga River

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