Twin Falls is a 32-foot segmented cascade on the South Branch Grass River in St. Lawrence County, New York, where the river splits around an island on state land along Tooley Pond Road. A short walk leads to the falls, and stepping stones reach the island between its two channels.
The falls
The river divides around a rise in the valley floor. A survey in person describes the larger channel as a 32-foot sliding cascade that turns to free-fall near the bottom, while the smaller channel cascades 15 to 20 feet and can run low in dry weather. Flow ranges from about 450 cfs in high water to 175 cfs in low. Earlier surveys listed 55 feet, the figure Northern New York Waterfalls and the ADK50 challenge still give for the main side.
Getting there
The falls are in the state's Grass River Complex, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The roadside trailhead is on Tooley Pond Road and the walk is 0.1 mile one way on unmaintained herd paths. From the hamlet of Degrasse: northeast on County Route 27, then right on Tooley Pond Road for 3.1 miles, with parking on the roadside. The falls can't be seen from the road; one path leads to a lagoon below the falls and another to the top.
When to go
The river runs all year. March to May, during the spring freshet, is when both channels carry the most water.
On site
DEC has laid stones across the smaller channel to reach the island, which gives separate views of each fall. Spring runoff can cover the stones, so expect wet feet or turn back in high water. A dirt road downstream offers a view of both channels together, but that land is posted private property and needs the owner's permission; otherwise the combined view takes a canoe or kayak.
History and name
A New York State Geological Association field guide places the Clifton iron furnace site at Clarksboro beside the falls, part of the Clifton Iron Company's operations dating to 1863.
Nearby
The South Branch Grass River has a string of falls along Tooley Pond Road. Bulkhead Falls is about 0.4 mile away, Sinclair Falls about 1 mile, and Flat Rock Falls about 1.3 miles. The nearest town, Canton, is 19.5 miles north.
Distances are straight-line.