If you’ve ever seen one photo of the Adirondacks, there’s a good chance it was this one: a long, narrow lake squeezed between two steep, forested mountains, taken from a rocky ledge high above. That ledge is Indian Head, and the lake is Lower Ausable Lake.
Just below it, at the far end of the lake, a thin stream of water drops about 150 feet off a mossy cliff. That’s Rainbow Falls, named for the little rainbows that form in its mist on sunny days.
You can see both in one great day hike. But there’s a catch or two. It’s longer than most people expect, it crosses private land with its own rules, and from May to October you need a free parking reservation just to start. This guide walks you through all of it in simple steps: distance, difficulty, reservations, the route, rules, the best season and what to bring.
Note: this is Rainbow Falls in the Adirondack High Peaks near Keene Valley, New York. It’s not the Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes, which is a different place.
Cover photo: The view from Indian Head over Lower Ausable Lake. Photo: Lukas Schlagenhauf / Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0
Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Hike: The Short Answer
The Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike starts at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) hiker lot off Route 73 near St. Huberts, New York. Most hikers walk Lake Road toward Lower Ausable Lake, climb to Indian Head (about 2,700 feet) for the famous lake view, then visit 150-foot Rainbow Falls near the lake’s dam. The combined hike is about 10–11 miles round trip with roughly 1,700–1,800 feet of climbing, and takes 6–8 hours. It’s moderately strenuous, mostly because of the distance. From May 1 to October 31, a free AMR parking reservation is required (book at hikeamr.org). Dogs, bikes and swimming are not allowed.
Hike at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Adirondack High Peaks, St. Huberts (Keene Valley area), New York |
| Land | Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), private land with public hiking access |
| Main sights | Indian Head overlook, Fish Hawk Cliffs, Gill Brook cascades, Rainbow Falls |
| Combined distance | About 10–11 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | About 1,700–1,800 feet |
| Indian Head elevation | About 2,700 feet |
| Rainbow Falls height | About 150 feet |
| Time | 6–8 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderately strenuous (long, with steep sections and a ladder) |
| Reservation | Free, required May 1 – October 31 (hikeamr.org) |
| Parking lot entry | 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. (you can leave any time) |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
| Bikes | Not allowed past the parking lot |
| Swimming | Not allowed |
| Best time | June – mid-October (late September and early October for fall color) |
What You Need to Know Right Now (Late October 2026)
- Reservations are still required through October 31, 2026. From November 1 until April 30, you don’t need one.
- Peak fall color has mostly passed in the High Peaks by late October, but the view from Indian Head is still beautiful, often with bare, silvery forests and the first snow on the summits.
- Days are short. In November, it gets dark around 4:30 p.m. Start early and carry a headlamp.
- Hunting season is open in the fall. Wear something bright orange and stay on marked trails.
- Ice is possible on the ladder, rocks and steep sections from late October onward. Microspikes are a smart addition.
Where Are Indian Head and Rainbow Falls?
Both are inside the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), a large private property at St. Huberts, between Keene Valley and the Northway (I-87) in northern New York. The reserve is home to the historic Ausable Club, a private mountain club founded in the late 1800s. The club’s land surrounds the Ausable Lakes and some of the most famous peaks in the High Peaks region.
Thanks to a long-standing agreement with New York State, the public can hike, ski and snowshoe on the reserve’s marked roads and trails, as long as they follow its rules.
- From Keene Valley: about 10 minutes south on Route 73
- From Lake Placid: about 35–40 minutes
- From the Northway (I-87) Exit 30: about 7.4 miles north on Route 73
AMR Reservations: The Most Important Step
Here’s the part that catches a lot of people out. You can’t just show up in summer or fall.
How the AMR Reservation Works
- When it’s needed: May 1 through October 31, every year.
- Cost: free.
- Where to book: the official site, hikeamr.org.
- When to book: up to about two weeks ahead. Same-day spots can open up from 4 a.m. when people cancel.
- Who needs one: everyone entering through the AMR gate, not just drivers. Walk-ins, people being dropped off and cyclists all need a reservation.
- The only exception: hikers arriving by Greyhound or Trailways bus can show a ticket from the past 24 hours instead.
Tip: summer weekends and fall foliage weekends book up fast. Set a reminder for exactly two weeks before your hike. If your date is full, check again early on the morning of the hike for cancellations.
From November 1 to April 30, no reservation is needed, but you still have to follow all the reserve’s rules.
Parking for Indian Head and Rainbow Falls
- Where: the AMR Hiker Parking Lot on Ausable Road, just off Route 73 at St. Huberts. It’s across from the Roaring Brook Falls trailhead for Giant Mountain.
- GPS: about 44.1497, -73.7680
- Entry hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. An attendant checks reservations. A one-way gate lets you leave any time, even late at night.
- Don’t park on Route 73. Roadside parking is banned along this stretch, and cars get ticketed and towed.
From the lot, it’s about a half-mile walk up the road past the Ausable Club’s golf course and tennis courts to the actual AMR gate and trail register, where the hike really begins.
AMR Rules You Must Follow
Remember, you’re a guest on private land. Breaking the rules can get you asked to leave, or charged with trespassing.
- No dogs. Not even on a leash, and not even on Lake Road.
- No swimming, wading or boating. You can’t go into or onto any lake, stream or river, including at Rainbow Falls.
- No bikes beyond the parking lot.
- Stay on marked roads and trails.
- No fishing, hunting or trapping, and don’t enter any buildings.
- No public vehicles on Lake Road. You’ll see club vans; they’re for members only.
- Keep phones quiet. The state’s rules for the reserve restrict cell phone use; save calls for emergencies.
How Long Is the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Hike?
Plan on about 10–11 miles round trip for both. That surprises people, because the two sights are close to each other. The reason is the approach: you walk about 3.3 miles along Lake Road (plus half a mile from the lot) before the real trails even start.
| Hike option | Round trip | Climb | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Falls only (Lake Road) | About 9 miles | About 1,100 ft | 4–5.5 hours | Moderate |
| Indian Head + Fish Hawk Cliffs loop | About 9.4 miles | About 1,700 ft | 5–7 hours | Moderately strenuous |
| Indian Head + Rainbow Falls (combined) | About 10–11 miles | About 1,800 ft | 6–8 hours | Moderately strenuous |
Want the easiest day? Do Rainbow Falls only. It’s mostly gentle road walking. Want the big view? Indian Head is the one you’ll remember. Have the energy? Do both, as described below.
How Hard Is the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Hike?
It’s moderately strenuous, and the length is the main reason. No single section is extreme, but it all adds up.
- Lake Road (easy, but long): a wide gravel road that climbs gently, about 790 feet over 3.3 miles. Easy walking, but it takes about an hour or more each way, and the last miles home can feel endless.
- Gill Brook Trail (moderate): roots, rocks and short climbs beside a pretty stream.
- The climb to Indian Head (hardest part): steep, rocky and rooty, with a wooden ladder on one section. It’s short, but you’ll feel it.
- Rainbow Falls spur (easy, but slippery): a short path near the lake, often wet and muddy.
Is It Good for Beginners?
For fit beginners who already walk long distances, yes, especially Rainbow Falls only. If you’ve never hiked more than 4–5 miles, the combined hike will be a big step up. Try a shorter hike first. Our hiking for beginners guide can help you build up.
Is It Good for Kids?
Strong older kids and teens who are used to long hikes usually do fine. Younger kids may struggle with 10+ miles. A good family option is Lake Road to Rainbow Falls, which avoids the ladder and steep climbs.
The Best Route: Indian Head and Rainbow Falls in One Day
The most popular plan is a loop: go up beside Gill Brook to see its waterfalls, visit Fish Hawk Cliffs and Indian Head, come down to the end of Lake Road, walk over to Rainbow Falls, then head home on Lake Road. Here’s how it goes.
Step 1: Parking Lot to the AMR Gate (0.5 Mile)
Check in with the parking attendant, then walk up Ausable Road. The dirt road turns to pavement beside the golf course. Turn left between the tennis courts onto Lake Road. At the gatehouse, sign the trail register before you pass through the wooden gate.
Step 2: Walk Lake Road
Lake Road is a wide gravel road that climbs gently through a quiet hardwood forest, following the East Branch of the Ausable River. You’ll pass signed turnoffs for many famous trails. This is easy walking; settle in and enjoy it.
Step 3: Turn Onto the Gill Brook Trail
Look for the signed Gill Brook Trail on the left. It runs roughly parallel to Lake Road, but right beside a lovely mountain stream full of small waterfalls, cascades and deep, clear pools. It’s rockier and slower than the road, but far prettier. This is the part many hikers end up loving most.
Step 4: Climb to Fish Hawk Cliffs and Indian Head
Follow the signs from Gill Brook toward Indian Head. The trail climbs steeply through the woods, with rocks, roots and a ladder. At the main ridge junction, signs point to Fish Hawk Cliffs and Indian Head. They’re only about a quarter mile apart.
Fish Hawk Cliffs gives a great first look at the lake, and Indian Head gives the classic view. Visit both.
Step 5: The View From Indian Head
Step out onto the open rock and there it is: Lower Ausable Lake, dark blue and narrow, tucked between the steep walls of Sawteeth on one side and Mount Colvin on the other. Behind it rise the sharp peaks of Gothics and the Great Range.
The overlook’s name comes from the rock itself, which some say looks like a face in profile when seen from the lake below. Find a flat spot, have lunch and soak it in. This is one of the best lunch spots in New York State.
Safety: the ledge is a cliff with big drops. Keep well back from the edge, especially when the rock is wet or icy.
Step 6: Down to the End of Lake Road
From Indian Head, follow the signed trail down toward Lake Road and the lake. The descent is steep, so take your time on the rocks, roots and ladder. You’ll come out near the end of Lake Road, close to the Lower Ausable Lake dam and the club’s boathouse.
Step 7: Rainbow Falls
Cross the river at the dam and follow the signs for Rainbow Falls. It’s a short walk into a narrow, cool, mossy gorge. At the end, the falls drop about 150 feet in a thin, free-falling ribbon over a dark cliff.
The flow is biggest in spring and after rain; in dry late summer, it can be more of a misty trickle. On a sunny day, look for a rainbow in the spray, usually around midday when the sun reaches into the gorge.
The rocks here are always wet and slippery. Stay on the path, and remember that entering the water isn’t allowed.
Step 8: Walk Back on Lake Road
Head back to the dam and follow Lake Road all the way down to the gate and the parking lot. It’s mostly gently downhill, so it goes faster than the way in, but it’s still about 3.5–4 miles. Keep some water and a snack for this stretch. Sign out at the register.
Navigation tip: there are many trail junctions in the reserve, and signs point to lots of different peaks. Carry a downloaded map and check every junction. Don’t rely on cell service; it’s spotty here.
How Long Does the Hike Take?
| Section | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Lot to gate | 10–15 minutes |
| Lake Road and Gill Brook up to the Indian Head junction | 2–3 hours |
| Fish Hawk Cliffs, Indian Head and lunch | 45–60 minutes |
| Down to the dam and Rainbow Falls | 45–60 minutes |
| Lake Road back to the lot | 1.5–2 hours |
| Total | About 6–8 hours |
Fast hikers can do it in about 5 hours. If you love taking photos at every cascade on Gill Brook (and you will be tempted), plan for 8.
Best Time to Hike Indian Head and Rainbow Falls
- Late May – June: Rainbow Falls is at its fullest from snowmelt and spring rain. It’s also blackfly season, so bring bug spray and a head net. Trails can be muddy.
- July – August: warm, long days and green forests. Busy weekends, possible thunderstorms, and a smaller waterfall in dry spells.
- Late September – early October: the most famous time. The hills around the lake turn red, orange and gold. It’s beautiful and very busy, so book your reservation the moment it opens.
- November: quiet, with no reservation needed. Cold, short days, possible ice, and hunting season.
- Winter: Lake Road is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail to Indian Head needs snowshoes or microspikes and real winter experience. Rainbow Falls often freezes into a column of ice.
- April – mid-May (mud season): trails are wet and fragile. It’s best to stay low or wait.
Best time of day: start between 7 and 8 a.m. You’ll beat the crowds at Indian Head, have plenty of daylight, and reach Rainbow Falls around midday, the best time for a rainbow.
What to Bring
- Your AMR reservation (May–October), on paper or saved offline.
- 2–3 liters of water per person. Don’t drink from streams without treating the water.
- Lunch and snacks for a full day.
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip for wet rock and the ladder.
- A rain jacket and a warm layer; it’s cooler and windier on Indian Head. See our waterproof hiking jacket guide.
- A headlamp, especially in fall.
- Trekking poles for the descent and the long road walk.
- Bug spray (and a head net in June).
- Downloaded map, first-aid kit and a whistle.
- Microspikes from late October to spring, and bright orange during hunting season.
Safety Tips
- Stay back from the cliff edges at Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs.
- Go slowly on wet rock and roots, especially near Rainbow Falls and on the descent.
- Set a turnaround time and stick to it, so you finish in daylight.
- Watch the weather. Get off the open rock if thunderstorms build.
- Tell someone your plan, and sign the trail register in and out.
- In an emergency, call 911, or the DEC Forest Ranger dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264), if you have signal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving without a reservation between May and October. You’ll be turned away.
- Parking on Route 73 and walking in. It’s not allowed, and you’ll still be turned away at the gate.
- Bringing the dog. No dogs anywhere on AMR land.
- Underestimating the distance. The road walk adds about 7 miles round trip.
- Confusing it with Watkins Glen’s Rainbow Falls, which is a completely different place.
- Starting late in fall, when darkness comes before 5 p.m.
More Hikes and Things to Do Nearby
- Beaver Meadow Falls: another tall waterfall in the reserve, which some hikers add to Rainbow Falls for a longer day.
- Noonmark and Round Mountain: steep hikes with big views near St. Huberts. They also need AMR reservations in season.
- Roaring Brook Falls: right across Route 73, a short walk to a tall waterfall at the start of the Giant Mountain trail.
- Keene Valley: a small hiking town with cafés, outfitters and places to stay.
- Lake Placid: about 40 minutes away, with Olympic sites, restaurants and lots of lodging.
Exploring more of New York? See our guides to Watkins Glen State Park and Letchworth State Park. If you love long ridge hikes, the Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire is a great next challenge.
Sample Day Plan
- 7:00 a.m.: Arrive at the AMR lot with your reservation; check in.
- 7:15 a.m.: Sign the register at the gate and start up Lake Road.
- 8:00 a.m.: Turn onto the Gill Brook Trail and enjoy the cascades.
- 10:15 a.m.: Fish Hawk Cliffs, then Indian Head. Early lunch with the view.
- 11:30 a.m.: Descend toward the dam.
- 12:15 p.m.: Rainbow Falls (best chance of a rainbow).
- 1:00 p.m.: Start back down Lake Road.
- 2:45 p.m.: Back at the car. Treat yourself to a meal in Keene Valley.
Indian Head and Rainbow Falls FAQs
How long is the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike?
About 10–11 miles round trip with roughly 1,700–1,800 feet of climbing. Indian Head alone (with Fish Hawk Cliffs) is about 9.4 miles; Rainbow Falls alone is about 9 miles.
How hard is the hike?
Moderately strenuous, mainly because of the distance. The climb to Indian Head is steep, with a ladder, but short.
How long does it take?
Most hikers take 6–8 hours for both. Fast hikers can do it in about 5.
Do you need a reservation to hike Indian Head?
Yes, from May 1 to October 31. It’s free and booked at hikeamr.org, up to about two weeks ahead. Walk-ins and drop-offs also need one.
Where do you park?
At the AMR Hiker Parking Lot on Ausable Road, just off Route 73 at St. Huberts. Don’t park on Route 73.
Can you see both in one day?
Yes. A common loop goes up Gill Brook to Indian Head, down to the Lower Ausable Lake dam and Rainbow Falls, then back on Lake Road.
How tall is Rainbow Falls?
About 150 feet. It’s a thin, free-falling waterfall in a narrow gorge near the north end of Lower Ausable Lake.
Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?
No. AMR rules don’t allow entering any lake, stream or river on the reserve.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on Adirondack Mountain Reserve land.
Can you bike Lake Road?
No. Bikes must be left at the parking lot.
What’s the best month for this hike?
Late September to early October for fall color, or June for the biggest waterfall flow (with blackflies).
Is this the same Rainbow Falls as Watkins Glen?
No. This Rainbow Falls is in the Adirondack High Peaks. Watkins Glen’s Rainbow Falls is in the Finger Lakes, about five hours away.
Is the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Hike Worth It?
Absolutely. In one day you get a peaceful riverside walk, a stream full of little waterfalls, one of the most famous mountain views in the eastern United States, and a tall, misty waterfall in a hidden gorge. It’s a classic Adirondack day.
Just plan for the details: book your free AMR reservation early, leave the dog at home, start by 8 a.m. and pack for a full day. Do that, and the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike might become your favorite day in the Adirondacks.