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Free Fallin’

CHECK OUT THREE FREE AND LESSER KNOWN WATERFALLS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

By Tanner Harding

Hector Falls is a dramatic and easy-to-reach waterfall in Hector. (Photo: Ash Bailot) F or Ithacans, there are a few waterfalls that could be considered standards — Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca Falls, Lucifer Falls. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different to explore this summer, check out some of the falls below.

AUNT SARAH’S FALLS

Located in Montour Falls, Aunt Sarah’s Falls is more than several hundred feet tall from the top of the gorge. And while the top 2/3 of the falls are not accessible or visible, you’re still left with a whopping 90 feet of falling water to enjoy. The water falls freely and narrowly for about a third of the way, before fanning out across a steep slope of shale for the next third. The final third falls freely again into a shallow plunge pool.

Thousands of years ago, the area would have been under water when the lake levels of Seneca Lake were much higher. The origin of the name isn’t known for sure, but it’s rumored to be named for the Seneca wife of a pioneer who jumped over the falls to her death.

The best time to visit Aunt Sarah’s Falls is after a heavy rain, as the water flow generally tends to be on the low side. The area is handicap accessible and pets are allowed on a leash, plus there’s no admission or fee.

It’s a quick and easy stop on your waterfall tour, but pays off with a dramatic photograph. There’s no hiking to get to the view and it’s visible right from the parking area off Route 14. If you take Route 14 south toward Montour Falls, the waterfall will be visible on your right just before hitting the village. The parking lot is just across the street from the falls.

HECTOR FALLS

Perhaps predictably, Hector Falls is located in the town of Hector, north of Watkins Glen. The falls is generally considered 165 feet tall, though there are a series of cascading drops above the main falls that adds up to about 250 feet of waterfalls in total. Like with Aunt Sarah’s Falls, this water changes as it drops. It begins with narrow, foamy cascades before spreading wider and wider across an expanse of shale and limestone. The best spot to see most of the falls is from the lake.

The upper third is visible from Route 414 or the creek bed, but you’ll have to get on a boat to see the entire cascade. You can either rent a boat or try a boat tour like Captain Bill’s. And because Hector Falls is just a couple minutes from Watkins Glen, it’s easy to make a day out of checking it out.

The best time to visit Hector Falls is after a heavy rain, as dry summers can reduce the stream to a trickle. The area is handicap accessible, but it’s not recommended to bring pets as the nearby highway is very busy.

There’s no admission or fee and you don’t need to hike out to the falls. Be careful when pulling over, as you’ll be parking on the shoulder of Route 414 where the speed limit is 55 mph. From the village of Watkins Glen, take Route 414 north along the east side of Seneca Lake for 2.5 miles. When you pass over a bridge, look to the right for the falls.

Headed in a different direction, Tinker Falls is part of Labrador Hollow in Cortland County. Tinker Falls is the smallest waterfall on the list, but offers a serene, wooded area to visit. The top 50 feet of the falls is an overhang, with water dropping vertically before running down a rocky cascade.

This one requires a little more effort to reach. The falls are about 1,500 feet in on the Gorge Trail in Labrador Hollow, though the trails are mostly gravel and well-constructed. There are some dirt portions that could get muddy after heavy rain, so keep that in mind. The trail head is well marked and there are benches available if you need to rest. It’s about a 20 minute walk to the falls.

Because of the hike required, Tinker Falls is unfortunately not handicap accessible. Pets are allowed on leash and admission is free. If things have been extremely dry it might not be the best time for a visit, but generally the falls has a medium flow and doesn’t dry up completely.

To get to Tinker Falls, take I-81 to exit 14 and proceed east on Route 11 through Tully. Turn right onto Route 91 south. Tinker Falls will be on your left, shortly after passing Labrador Pond on your right. There are two gravel roadside lots across from the trail head.

Aunt Sarah’s Falls is located in Montour Falls. (Photo: Ash Bailot)

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