Auger Falls
Swimming hole in Wells, New York · Waterfall
Auger Falls is a waterfall swimming hole. It is near Wells, New York. Access is free. Best season: Late spring for flow.
Typical season: Late spring for flow
About Auger Falls
**Auger Falls** near **Wells** and **Speculator** is a dramatic **Sacandaga River** gorge waterfall. heavily searched, but better as a **viewing hike** than a swimming hole. Steep hemlock banks and strong current make casual plunging unsafe. Use calmer Adirondack swimming holes for a dip, or GPS sort on near me.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Water body
- Sacandaga River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Wells
- State
- New York
- Coordinates
- 43.46720, -74.24690
- Best season
- Late spring for flow; summer for warmer air. Avoid ice season on the gorge rim.
- Access difficulty
- Easy–moderate short trails; rim edges are steep and dangerous.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Nearby Speculator / Lake Pleasant lodging and DEC campgrounds.
- Activities
- Waterfall viewing, photography, careful shoreline wading only when safe
- Facilities
- Trailhead parking along NY-30 corridor; no facilities at the falls.
- Listing last updated
- October 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring for flow; summer for warmer air. Avoid ice season on the gorge rim.
- AccessEasy, moderate short trails; rim edges are steep and dangerous.
- FacilitiesTrailhead parking along NY-30 corridor; no facilities at the falls.
- Camping nearbyNearby Speculator / Lake Pleasant lodging and DEC campgrounds.
Highlights & features
- Sacandaga River gorge falls
- Speculator / Wells day trip
- Free Adirondack waterfall hike
- ~40-foot visible drop within a longer cascade series
- Hemlock gorge with potholes at low water
- High search volume vs limited safe swim area
How to get there
From Wells, drive **NY-30** north roughly 3 miles to the signed Auger Falls parking / trail access.
Short paths lead to viewpoints. Keep children away from the rim.
Plan your visit
Budget an hour. Wear grippy shoes. For swimming afterward, choose a listed lake or gentler river hole rather than the Auger gorge.
Access & fees
Free public trail access. No lifeguards. Follow Leave No Trace.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Auger Falls NY?
On the Sacandaga River near Wells, NY (day-trip range of Speculator / Lake Pleasant). Trailhead access is off NY-30 a few miles from Wells.
Can you swim at Auger Falls?
The main gorge is a poor swim choice — steep banks, strong current, and pothole rock. Treat it as a waterfall hike; use calmer Adirondack river listings for swimming.
How long is the Auger Falls hike?
Short spur trails from the NY-30 parking area to viewpoints; alternate longer snowmobile-trail approaches also exist. Stay on established paths.
Is Auger Falls free?
Yes — no gate fee at the roadside DEC-style trailhead access.
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