One of the many things we love to boast about as New Yorkers is how scenic our state is, with waterfalls hiding in plain sight almost everywhere you look. Each waterfall in our state offers a different experience, with many being quite popular to visit and deemed destinations that you’ll almost never have all to yourself. A secluded alternative that’s equally as beautiful, there’s a jaw-dropping waterfall out in the Finger Lakes that some still don’t even know exist.
Out in Cayuga County, there’s a slice of heaven hidden away near the western shores of one of New York’s most pristine lakes.
Joseph Lust/Google
At the Bahar Nature Preserve, you can enjoy a 1.1-mile-long hike out to Skaneateles Lake where you’ll find a popular spot to launch your kayaks and canoes.
Munther/Google
But if you head in the other direction at Bahar Preserve first, you can enjoy a short but somewhat tricky hike that has a jaw-dropping payoff.
Todd Thomson/Google
Enjoy a roughly 15-minute hike underneath the shaded forests of the Finger Lakes and you’ll eventually reach the 100-foot-deep Bear Swamp Creek Ravine that displays Carpenter Falls.
Benjamin Bachman/Google
A waterfall that you can walk behind, getting down to this area of the falls isn’t easy and is known for being a quite slippery and steep adventure!
David Syracuse/Google
The 90-foot waterfall is surrounded by tons of moss that creates an oasis of greenery for anyone who comes and visits the 25-acre nature preserve.
Kelly Satterly/Google
Along Bear Swamp Creek, Carpenter Falls isn’t too far from the road but remains secluded enough from the rest of our state that many people have still never heard of this serene place.
Zach Frailey/Flickr
Three other waterfalls can be discovered in the area cascading down Bear Swamp Creek, ranging in size from 10-feet to more than 60-feet. Talk about crossing off a whole array of waterfalls from your New York natural wonders bucket list with one stroke of the pen!
Oliver Hine/Flickr
With fall being one of the most gorgeous times to explore the Bahar Preserve, now is a great time to plan a trip to see why Carpenter Falls is a true hidden gem that’ll blow you away.
Matt Champlin/Google As we mentioned above, Carpenter Falls is an area you’ll want to explore with reasonable caution. The trail that you’ll follow may be short and relatively easy to navigate (just keep an eye on all those tree roots you’ll be crossing over) but things can get steep quite quickly! If you’re willing to make your way down to the base of Carpenter Falls, watch your step and be mindful of your surroundings. To find out more information about Carpenter Falls and the Bahar Nature Preserve, click here.
How to get here: 6062 Appletree Point, Moravia, NY 13118
Joseph Lust/Google
Munther/Google
Todd Thomson/Google
Benjamin Bachman/Google
David Syracuse/Google
Kelly Satterly/Google
Zach Frailey/Flickr
Oliver Hine/Flickr
Matt Champlin/Google
As we mentioned above, Carpenter Falls is an area you’ll want to explore with reasonable caution. The trail that you’ll follow may be short and relatively easy to navigate (just keep an eye on all those tree roots you’ll be crossing over) but things can get steep quite quickly! If you’re willing to make your way down to the base of Carpenter Falls, watch your step and be mindful of your surroundings. To find out more information about Carpenter Falls and the Bahar Nature Preserve, click here.
How to get here: 6062 Appletree Point, Moravia, NY 13118
Have you ever heard of Carpenter Falls or the Bahar Preserve? If you love exploring our state’s gorgeous scenery, check how This Scenic Road Trip Takes You To All 10 Wonders Of New York!
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