Deh-ge-wa-nus Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on a small tributary that meets the Genesee River next to Upper Falls in Letchworth State Park, Wyoming County, New York.
The falls
The creek falls in a single drop into the Genesee Gorge, immediately beside and just above the park's Upper Falls; the gorge's east side gives the best view. A lidar survey puts the height at about 15 feet, well under the roughly 30 feet once recorded for the site. The alternate spelling Deh-ga-wa-nus also appears for this fall, with the same 15-foot figure.
Getting there
The east-side approach follows Trail 7 from the Parade Grounds, about a mile away, but Trail 7 between Middle Falls and the Genesee Arch Bridge is now permanently closed. A separate path on the west side, near Upper Falls, also crosses the creek toward the railroad bridge. Letchworth State Park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; a $10 vehicle fee is collected daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 18, 2026. Visitors may bring up to two dogs, each on a leash no longer than six feet, though dogs are not allowed on boardwalks or in pools.
On site
Swimming is prohibited in the Genesee River. Safe access to the base of the falls and any incident history are not documented.
History and name
The Seneca name Deh-ge-wa-nus translates as "the two falling voices." Mary Jemison, a Seneca captive, held the same name, though no source directly ties the waterfall's name to her.
Nearby
Upper Genesee Falls is essentially adjacent, and Shadow Cascade is about 0.1 mile away. Timber Tunnel Cascade is about 0.3 mile, and Middle Genesee Falls about 0.4 mile.
Distances are straight-line.