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Beauty and location of Chittenango Falls

The main draw to Chittenango Falls State Park is its breathtaking cascade, which drops an impressive 167 feet. This beautiful landscape feature was shaped by glaciers moving over bedrock that is around 40 million years old. Along the routes, there is likely to be encountered a fascinating assortment of flora and fauna.

Visitors have the option of viewing the falls from the top, walking the twisting trail into the gorge, viewing the falls from the footbridge, and then returning to the top down the little trail on the opposite side of the gorge. Fishing, hiking, and picnics are some of the activities that can be enjoyed. A pleasant playground is also available for use at the chittenango falls state park. The enjoyment of your picnic will be facilitated by the abundance of picnic tables and grills that are available.

chittenango falls

The waterfall is the most popular destination in the chittenango falls state park, despite the fact that there are a number of alternative shorter hiking trails. Beginning at the parking lot, the Gorge Trail loop hike is one mile long and loops back around from the eastern side of the gorge. The hike ends where it began. The park is home to around six kilometers (about four miles) of hiking paths that visitors can explore.

Location

Chittenango Falls is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Central New York region, and it is situated about 35 minutes east of the city of Syracuse.

The Chittenango Falls serve as the primary attraction at Chittenango State Park, which is located in Madison County. This breathtaking waterfall plunges down a staggering 167 feet (the same height as Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls). Despite the fact that it is a popular destination among the locals, you won’t have to compete with a lot of other people to get the greatest views here.

In the 1840s, Chittenango Falls was home to a number of mills and companies that relied on the energy that was provided by the nearby waterfall. In spite of this, the Chittenango Falls Park Association made the decision in the 1880s to purchase the land so that it could be made available to the general public and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Chittenango Falls State Park was one of the first state parks to be built in this region of New York and it opened its doors in 1922.

For visitors

Visitors come to the park now to take in the breathtaking views, trek the park’s 2.5 miles of trails, enjoy a day of fishing, or simply take advantage of the park’s picnic and playground amenities.

It won’t take you more than a couple of hundred feet to walk from the parking lot to the highest point of Chittenango Falls. This viewing location is accessible at any time of the year and provides a breathtaking panorama of the waterfall. In addition, there are markers in this location that provide a synopsis of the geologic past of the surrounding region.

However, for those who are able to do so, I would also highly recommend taking a hike all the way to the bottom of the waterfall.

The trail that leads to the bottom completes a loop that is approximately half a mile long, beginning at the parking lot. The hiking path begins on the side of the parking lot that is right below the falls’ highest point. The majority of the trail is made up of steps, however many of them are not level, particularly during the second half of the descent to the base of the mountain.

There is a viewing platform for the falls located approximately halfway down, which provides an additional good site from which to observe Chittenango Falls.

There is also a really spectacular seasonal waterfall on a sidestream near the bridge at the bottom of the gorge that is fifty feet high, and it can be found a little farther down the trail. If the water is moving quickly enough, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to appreciate this extra waterfall.

In the bottom of the gorge, there is a bridge that crosses the creek approximately one hundred yards downstream of Chittenango Falls. From this bridge, one can get views of the waterfall.

Staying on the route is recommended because there are endangered flora near the bottom of the gorge, despite the fact that it would be wonderful to get closer to the falls. Thankfully, the views that can be had from the bridge are truly some of the most beautiful around.

After you’ve had your fill of the waterfall, you have two options for how to proceed: you may walk back the way you came, or you can do what I did and continue climbing up the other bank of Chittenango Creek.

Although this section of the walk is rather more difficult, it does provide some interesting perspectives of the waterfalls. In addition to that, if the water levels are high enough, there is a wonderful tiny waterfall that may be viewed on another side stream.

After reaching the top of the canyon, the path will continue on past the highest point of the falls and another viewpoint. After that, it will take you across the stream on the bridge that is located right above the falls and lead you back to the parking lot.

Chittenango Falls must be recognized as one of the top waterfalls in Central New York despite the fact that New York is home to a number of other breathtaking waterfalls.

Is Chittenango Falls an easy hike?

With an average time of 18 minutes, this route is fast and simple. You should expect to run into other hikers and walkers, as this is a popular destination.

How much does it cost to get into Chittenango Falls?

Walk-ins get in free, but there’s a $3 workday and $5 weekend vehicle fee. Out-of-season periods may not result in a fee being charged. There is a handicapped viewing platform set up close to the parking area from which visitors may get a good look at the falls. Walking to the bottom of the falls is challenging due to the steep slopes and numerous steps.

Can you swim at Chittenango Falls?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a pull off along the stream right next to the road, but there is one a little ways down the road.

Is Chittenango Falls taller than Niagara Falls?

(You won’t believe it, but the height of this waterfall matches that of Niagara!) About 30 minutes east of the city, in Madison County, you’ll find the beautiful Chittenango Falls, which is housed in the park of the same name.

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