Snowshoeing to Lampson and Rainbow Falls in New York’s North Country is a wonderful treat on this January morning. Let’s do some winter hiking!
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Rainbow Falls
- Trail Name: Rainbow Falls Trail
- Location: Clare, New York on the Grasse River
- Length: 1 mile
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 30 minutes or much more if you linger
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: anyone that loves waterfalls
- What season did I go: winter
- Gear Recommendations: sturdy shoe
- Special Requirements: none
- Must see feature: Rainbow Falls
Basic Trail Information for Lampson Falls
- Trail Name: Lampson Falls Trail
- Location: Clare, New York on the Grasse River
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 1 hour or much more if you linger
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: anyone that loves waterfalls
- What season did I go: winter
- Gear Recommendations: sturdy shoe
- Special Requirements: none
- Must see feature: Lampson Falls
Locations of Rainbow and Lampson Falls in New York
My Experience Snowshoeing North Country New York as an Older Hiker
January 2026. It’s the dead of winter. The coldest winter this California native has ever experienced.
I feel I’m doing pretty good despite the fact that I’m stuck indoors most days, not able to enjoy the beauty around me.
It’s my birthday, I’m turning 54 years old and I need to get outside. The weather is freezing but luckily for me there’s fresh, fluffy snow on the ground. And this calls for a snowshoe day!
Today we’re hitting a familiar location, Rainbow Falls, and one new to me, Lampson Falls. Both are pretty short treks from the parking area, less than a mile each.
Arriving, I don’t want to exit the car, it’s cold!! But geared with a heavy down parka, down mittens, heavy wool socks, hiking boots, beaning and layers of hiking clothing underneath, I strapped on this new contraption I’ve never placed on my feet and I clumsily head off into the snow covered trail.
Dan’s done this before but it takes me a minute or 15 to get the hang of snowshoes. But once I do I find this fun!! I’ve hiked 100s of miles in numerous states. In heat, crossing rivers, in the early dawn and in mud but never in snowshoes – this is exciting!!
The trail to Rainbow Falls is easy and short, great for my first snowshoeing adventure! And, wow, the sight of the partially frozen falls just takes your breath away – literally, it’s so cold out I can feel it in my lungs.
But the rest of me is toasty warm while we hang out and enjoy the scenery without another soul around. It’s quite different from the fall hike we did here.
Feeling like we needed more time outside we headed next to Lampson Falls. The road to the trailhead was closed for winter so we parked along the main road and snowshoed to these beautiful falls!
I hadn’t been to Lampson Falls yet since moving to New York last Fall so the sight was brand new to me.
Like Rainbow Falls the hike was easy, even in snowshoes, and not very far.
I sure did need this trip. And the much needed burger and cider at 2 E’s Bar and Grill I enjoyed after.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
I was there in winter so be sure to bring good winter gear to keep you warm and dry plus the following:
- Trekking Poles
- sturdy shoe
- water and snacks
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- St. Lawrence County info for Rainbow Falls and Lampson Falls
- Read about Lampson Falls and it’s history
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Have a yummy burger at 2 E’s Bar and Grill (it’s family friendly) in Edwards, NY
- Or take a stroll along the quaint main street of Canton and the gorgeous St Lawrence University
- If you enjoy history, check out this amazing list of places to visit New York’s North Country
FAQs for Rainbow and Lampson Falls for Older Hikers
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash and please pick up after your dog after it relieves itself.
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash and please pick up after your dog after it relieves itself.
It’s HIGHLY not advised to swim there in the winter but during warm months many people flock to swim here. Please be advised the falls are very dangerous, please avoid being in the water in the falls.
Both trails to the falls have free parking at the trailheads.
Watch My Snowshoeing of Rainbow and Lampson Falls on YouTube
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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