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Hiking Medina Falls - panoramic view
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Hiking in the Medina Falls: trails, map and practical info

Niagara Falls • New York

Explore a 1.6 km easy trail featuring a dramatic 40-foot limestone waterfall along New York's historic Erie Canal near Niagara Falls. This 30-minute hike blends natural beauty with 19th-century canal heritage in the charming village of Medina.

François Dumaine
François DumaineUpdated Oct 6, 2026
Choose my trail Plan my outing
1.6 km
Distance
30min
Duration
3 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Easy
Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Medina Falls? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Photos: James St. John — CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Trail description

The elevation gain section should be corrected: Replace '20 meters' references with 'minimal elevation gain of approximately 2.7 meters (9 feet)'. Replace '2 to 3 hours' in Planning Your Visit section with: 'The main trail typically takes around 11 minutes to complete. However, allow 2 to 3 hours if you plan to explore multiple trail options and the surrounding historic canal paths.'

Dogs section in content should note: 'Dogs are welcome at Medina Falls but must be kept on a leash at all times.'

Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Get your free hiking checklist

Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Glenwood Lake, Ridgeway, NY 14103, USA
GPS coordinates
43.2224982, -78.3828845
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The medina falls are located in the town of Medina, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 48 from the New York State Thruway (I-90) and head north on Route 31. The trailhead is located just past the intersection of Routes 31 and 19.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?

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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.2224982, -78.3828845
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Medina Falls is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Medina Falls is 3 m.
Allow about 30min for Medina Falls (1.6 km).
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
No, Medina Falls has no visitor centre on site.
Medina Falls is rated as an easy trail, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels, including families and those seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
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Update : October 2026