Limekiln Falls is a named waterfall site on the South Branch Moose River south of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York, historically recorded as rapids dropping no more than 3 feet. It sits in the Adirondacks among northern hardwood forest, spruce-fir ridges and boulder-strewn streams.
The falls
Lidar surveys show a set of rapids with no more than 3 feet of drop rather than a distinct waterfall plunge. State environmental records describe a limestone outcropping at a spot called Limekiln Falls where the outlet of Limekiln Lake meets the Moose River.
Getting there
No public trail, parking area or official visitor page for the falls is documented. The cascades reached from campsite 87 at Limekiln Lake Campground are a separate feature on Limekiln Creek, at least 8 miles away. Part of the South Branch crosses private Adirondack League Club land, where a 2000 court settlement allows the public to pass only by canoe or kayak, subject to registration, seasonal dates and water-level requirements.
When to go
Seasonal flow at the falls is not documented.
On site
On the Adirondack League Club stretch of the river, swimming, fishing and going ashore are prohibited except to get around obstacles.
History and name
In 1942, about 30,000 logs being floated to a downstream mill jammed at the falls into a pile 50 feet high; lumberjacks took a week to clear it, reportedly using 600 pounds of dynamite. The name may come from limestone once burned at the outcropping, though historical accounts consider that speculation.
Nearby
Upper Sand Lake Falls and Lower Sand Lake Falls, both on Woodhull Creek, are about 8.7 and 8.8 miles away, and Yale Brook Falls is about 9.1 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.