
Pixley Falls State Park
Discover Pixley Falls State Park, a serene natural escape with numerous cascades and scenic trails, perfect for a peaceful hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow

Pixley Falls State Park
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Pixley Falls State Park, a serene natural escape with numerous cascades and scenic trails, perfect for a peaceful hike.
"The real reason are the trails, plenty of exploration and plenty of things to see."

Pack for the Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes! Trails can have stairs, loose stones, and roots. :athletic_shoe:
Check Water Levels
Visit after rain for best waterfall views; dry spells can significantly reduce flow. :droplet:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 Β· 652 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pixley Falls
Main waterfall area
The park's namesake, a beautiful cascade that's most impressive after rainfall.

Numerous Smaller Falls
Along the trails
Dozens of smaller, charming waterfalls dot the trails, offering constant visual interest.

Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Well-marked paths offering opportunities for exploration and enjoying the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Pixley Falls
Trail Accessibility & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Swimming holes/cliffs to jump from in the area?
Does anyone know any good swimming holes or cliff jumping spots around the area? I live a bit south of Utica in Madison County but I am willing to drive. I'm aware of the boiling pot in canajoharie but I heard that it closed last season. Been hard to find any other spots online.β¦
Pack for the Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes! Trails can have stairs, loose stones, and roots. :athletic_shoe:
Check Water Levels
Visit after rain for best waterfall views; dry spells can significantly reduce flow. :droplet:
Recently acquired more free time, plan to hike myself to better health
Hey, I am familiar with many of the nature parks and hiking trails within the cuse area any suggestions on great places? Yes I know valley trails exist, but I would rather hear first hand the difficulty or hidden gems of the parks. Thanks in advance,
Pixley Falls
A little hidden gem in Oneida County. Certainly not the biggest falls out of the state parks, but still dramatic. What a great spot for a picnic table too.
Explore Beyond the Main Falls
Don't miss the many smaller cascades scattered along the trails. β¨
Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking isn't clearly marked; observe where others park near the entrance. π
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes! Trails can have stairs, loose stones, and roots. :athletic_shoe:
Check Water Levels
Visit after rain for best waterfall views; dry spells can significantly reduce flow. :droplet:
Explore Beyond the Main Falls
Don't miss the many smaller cascades scattered along the trails. β¨
Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking isn't clearly marked; observe where others park near the entrance. π
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pixley Falls State Park is lauded for its numerous beautiful waterfalls and scenic, well-marked trails, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and the natural beauty, though water flow can be low during dry spells. Some trails present challenges for those with mobility issues, and parking can be a bit unclear.
"Absolutely beautiful in the fall and I had the entire park to myself. I was staying in Herkimer and wanted to chase some fall foliage so I drove north and stumbled upon this gem. The trails are all easy buy bot very well marked. The bathroom is clean and well maintained. While Pixley Falls itself was"
Noah Von Dauber
"Intro: A nice little place with several trails. Plenty of little falls along many of the trails.
Entrance: Clearly marked, however, it's very out of the way and isolated. Though that makes it easy to enter and exit.
Parking: There are no clearly marked parking spots, I ended up parking far up the park away from the entrance, since I wasn't sure what was considered parking. As I left, I saw where others decided to start parking near the entrance, I guess that works.
Facilities: Unfortunately, nothing was very well maintained, there was some sitting areas and grills, and even a small covered area, but the only thing that was bright and in great condition was the trash and recycle bins. On that note, I barely saw any trash, I was happy with that.
Trails and other Features: This is where it shines, plenty of trails, mainly 3 trails. Two of the paths are easy, parallel to each other, an upper path and lower path that follows the main falls and river. Unfortunately, I visited during a very dry spell, so both the main waterfall and river was dried up. What made up for it was the many, MANY smaller falls scattered along the path, made it very worth it. Both the easy trails converge at the end, leading to a harder path. Well, because I spent all my energy climbing up and exploring the many falls, I didn't explore the harder path so I can't really compare them, lol.
Final Word: I would not come to this place for the picnic area, it's doable, but there are so many other parks that offers better picnic areas. The real reason are the trails, plenty of exploration and plenty of things to see. Definitely come here if you want to take a very long scenic walk."
Balgerus
"I loved that they had accessible bathrooms, picnic/grill areas, it was very clean and the falls were beautiful. Parking was a little weird if you haven't been here before. The trails were great for able bodies people, a bit difficult for a toddler or elderly."
Cat House
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
Pixley Falls State Park is located in Boonville, NY. It's described as quite out of the way and isolated, making it a bit of a drive. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access the park.
The entrance is clearly marked, but due to its isolated location, it might feel a bit remote. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
The park features several trails, with two easy paths running parallel to the main falls and river. There's also a harder path that converges with the easy ones.
While Pixley Falls is a bit isolated, it's located in the general vicinity of Utica and Madison County, offering opportunities for exploring the wider region.
Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point, but the park is situated in Boonville, NY. GPS navigation is advised due to its somewhat remote location.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews. However, the park is described as having a clear entrance, suggesting it is an accessible public space.
Specific operating hours are not mentioned in the reviews. As a state park, it's likely open during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check official park resources if available.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance. The park seems to operate on a first-come, first-served basis for entry and parking.
No specific entry restrictions are noted, other than the general advice to be mindful of trail conditions and potential seasonal water flow.
While the park is beautiful in the fall and spring, trail conditions might vary significantly in winter due to snow and ice. It's best to check local conditions before planning a winter visit.
π« ποΈ Onsite Experience
The primary draw is Pixley Falls itself, a beautiful cascade. However, the park also features numerous smaller falls along its well-maintained trails, offering plenty of scenic beauty.
The park offers a mix of trails. Two are described as easy, while a third is considered harder. Some easy trails involve stairs and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for some.
The park has accessible bathrooms, picnic areas with grills, and a small covered area. Trash and recycling bins are well-maintained.
Yes, the numerous waterfalls, especially after rain, and the fall foliage make it a picturesque spot for photographers.
One Reddit user inquired about swimming holes and cliff jumping, mentioning Pixley Falls as a spot with 'nice' features, implying potential for water activities, though direct confirmation of swimming is not provided.
π½οΈ π½οΈ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. However, picnic areas with grills are available for visitors to bring and cook their own food.
Given its isolated location, dining options are likely limited directly around the park. It's recommended to pack your own food or plan to eat in nearby towns like Boonville or Utica.
Absolutely! The park offers picnic areas with grills and a covered space, making it a great spot for a scenic outdoor meal.
There is no indication of food being sold within the park. Visitors should come prepared with their own provisions.
Simple picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks are ideal. If you plan to use the grills, bring along items that are easy to cook outdoors.
πΈ πΈ Photography
The main Pixley Falls and the numerous smaller cascades along the trails are prime photography locations. The surrounding forest also offers beautiful shots, especially during fall.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the falls and the forest. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
Expect to capture cascading water, lush greenery (especially in spring/summer), vibrant fall foliage, and serene forest scenes.












Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit