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Things Know before visiting Delphi Falls

The public was allowed to visit Delphi Falls County Park for the first time in August of 2018, and the park features two waterfalls, in addition to a home, a barn, and the wooded area that surrounds the park. At this time, it is possible to watch the falls from below by following a walkway made of stone dust that was just constructed. There is parking right inside the gate, including two places that are accessible to those with disabilities that are located up by the barn. In the long run, it will take a number of years for the park to fully mature, but in light of the progress that has been accomplished thus far, we are thrilled to invite you to take use of this lovely new public site!

The Delphi Falls County Park is home to a house, a barn, and a cascade with two levels. Moreover, the park is surrounded by forest. The 60-acre park is currently in the process of being developed, but it has the potential to become a fully developed park as well as a tourist destination within the next few years, providing visitors with a wide variety of activities to choose from.

At the present time, it is possible to watch both the upper and lower falls from the base of the cliff thanks to a freshly constructed stone dust trail.

Location :

Delphi Falls Map
Delphi Falls Map

Cazenovia, located 12 miles southeast of Syracuse in Madison County, New York, is the county seat of that municipality.

Delphi Falls is situated in Madison County, close to the boundary of Onondaga County, and is only a half-hour drive away from Syracuse’s central business district. Even though Delphi Falls is only a few yards outside of the Finger Lakes, this is a waterfall rich area with locations like Pratts Falls, Chittenango Falls, and Tinkers Falls only a short drive away. Even though Delphi Falls is only a few yards outside of the Finger Lakes, this region is rich in waterfalls.

The aptly titled Delphi Falls County Park, which welcomed visitors for the first time in August 2018, is home to the waterfall known as Delphi Falls. On the East Branch of Limestone Creek, you’ll find the park’s two waterfalls that drop into the creek below.

Things you should know before visiting Delphi falls

  • There are two waterfalls in total, with just one (the lower falls) being visible from the park at the present time. In the not-too-distant future, there are plans to construct trails that will provide access to the higher falls.
  • Size/Types: The lower falls are comprised of a cascade that is 65 feet in height and spreads out as it descends. The upper falls are a rectangular-shaped cascade that is 52 feet tall and features a plunge about halfway down.
  • The entirety of the year is ideal for a trip.
  • The flow is about average. In the middle of summer, it usually dries out to a trickle.
  • Located approximately six miles to the east, within the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area is where the East Branch of Limestone Creek originates. Just to the west of the falls, it combines with Limestone Creek. Limestone Creek follows a northern path, going past Manlius on its way to Fayetteville, where it fords the Erie Canal. It discharges its water into Chittenango Creek at Cicero. Chittenango Creek flows into Oneida Lake at a distance of approximately 4 miles to the north.
  • Time: 15 minutes.
  • Seasons/Hours: Continuous throughout the year, from dawn until dusk.
  • Free entry is offered.
  • Accessibility: There are two parking spots designated for people with disabilities located next to the barn. The trail leading to the lower falls was designed to comply with ADA standards.
  • Only dogs and cats on leashes are permitted here.
  • As of the year 2020, the only amenities available are parking spaces, a small number of picnic tables, and a single trail leading to the lower falls. Restrooms and a lodge are on the agenda for the future, although their completion times are not yet determined.

Delphi Falls Park Rules

  • The park is open all year, beginning at sunrise and ending after sunset.
  • Carry in, carry out Be considerate of others and their ability to enjoy the park together Please treat the park as if it were your own and take care to safeguard it Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them
  • The activity of fishing is allowed.
  • No unlawful entrance to the building No swimming allowed under any circumstances
  • No vessels made of glass
  • No hunting or trapping
  • It is strictly forbidden to remove or disturb any artifacts or vegetation, and off-road vehicles are strictly prohibited.
  • This park does not allow smoking.

Make your best time at Delphi Falls

This stunning series of enormous waterfalls on the East Branch of Limestone Creek is finally open to the public after being off limits for more than half a century; however, only a portion of the falls are currently accessible to visitors.

This piece of land, which was formerly owned privately, has been given to Madison County as a park because to the generosity of Harold Jones. Although though the transformation into a full-fledged park is still in progress, the area remains open to the public, and they can still come and enjoy various aspects of it.

The waterfall known as Delphi Falls is located in a hanging valley that is densely forested and features two big cascades. The lower one, which drops sixty-five feet down a steep cliffside, is the one that makes it easy to recognize the falls because it fans out as it approaches the base of the cliff. The nutrient-rich runoff from the fields upstream leads the cliff face underneath the falls to sprout a brilliant green and orange algae. This algae contrasts with the surrounding grey stone and leafy surrounds, giving the falls an appearance that is rather striking.

The higher falls have a more rectangular appearance, with a cascade that drops nearly vertically for 52 feet. Even though the upper falls are just around 360 feet upstream from the lower falls, there are no public routes that provide access to the upper falls at this time. This will no longer be the case within the next several years. The county has made public its intentions to construct a network of trails that will lead to vantage points of the upper falls. It is not yet known when this project will be finished, nor what their future plans are for the home and barn that are already on the property.

Delphi Falls could easily go from being a somewhat unknown glen to a top regional attraction in a matter of years if the county were to acquire the gorgeous site and become passionate about future plans for the park. In addition, the county is enthusiastic about future plans for the park. Even in its current unfinished state, the park is stunning to behold. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next.

Capture the moments:

  • Fire your arrows through the forest.

There are a few vantage points, one of which is from close to the old homestead, that put the falls behind towering trees, which creates a natural framing for the top half of the waterfall.

  • The morning hours are ideal.

It will be tough to get a good exposure in the late afternoon and evening because the sun will be setting behind the falls. Go there early in the morning to take advantage of the sun’s warmth.

  • Utilize people for scale

When photographed, the lower falls often look to be less impressive than they actually are because of the sheer cliffs that flank both sides of the waterfall. Include a person in the frame to give your photos a better idea of its context and to give it a feeling of size.

  • The Impact of Smooth Water

You will need to attach a Neutral Density (ND) filter to your lens in order to achieve the look of the falls being made of smooth cotton candy. Your shutter will be able to remain open for a longer period of time as a result of the ND filter because it will prevent some of the light from entering the lens without affecting the color. This causes the water to become hazy and imparts a milky white sheen to the foamy portions of the waterfalls. Read the article to find out everything you need to know about it.

Delphi Falls
Delphi Falls

History of Delphi Falls

Delphi was the original name of the Onondaga County community that is now known as Delphi Falls. It is located directly west of the falls. It was renamed Delphi Falls in the 1920s to prevent people from getting it confused with the nearby town of Delhi. The most likely origin of the name Delhi is that it derives from the distribution of land to Revolutionary War soldiers as a form of recompense for their service. Simeon DeWitt, who was a fan of classical literature and was responsible for dividing and distributing this “military tract,” gave several of the parcels names that were based on Greek sites and mythology.

Up to the beginning of the 20th century, the area belonged to farmers and at least one person who ran a grist mill. After that, it was used as a private park. The historic residence was formerly used as a park pavilion and a dancing venue.

In 1939, it was sold for $3,500 to Michael Antil Sr., who resided in Cortland. This amount is equivalent to around $65,000 in today’s money. Mr. Antil had a bakery and was also the Vice President of Hostess Cakes at one point in his career. Throughout the years 1948 and the 1960s, the home was occupied by the Antil family. During his tenure at that company, Mr. Antil laid the groundwork for the Duncan Hines brand.

After that, the Allen Family had legal title to the land for a good portion of the time that had passed.

In 2018, Dr. Harold Jones, a retired professor from Syracuse University, made the necessary arrangements to purchase the land from the Allen family with the intention of transferring ownership of the land to Madison County so that it might be developed into a new public park. He was responsible for paying $750,000 of the total cost of $800,000, with the county picking up the remaining $25,000.

On August 26, 2018, the park was opened to the general public.

Trekking and Hiking at Delphi Falls

The trek from the parking lot to the lower falls is an easy stroll along a flat path.

Markings: Gravel pathway.

The distance, which is around 700 feet, between the parking lot and the viewing area for the lower falls is not that great.

Note that additional difficult paths are currently being developed, and it is possible that they could open between the years 2021 and 2023. One of these trails will lead to the upper falls. There is only one public route that leads to the lower falls as of this publication in the year 2021.

After leaving the parking area, head in the southwest direction along the asphalt driveway that leads to the buildings. On the left, you will see a barn and a parking place for those with disabilities. You will come to an old private homestead after traveling around 300 feet. This structure is no longer open to the general public as of the year 2020.

Use the gravel path that is on your left to get around the house. At this point, one should be able to start to make out the waterfall. Keep going straight until you reach the gravel trail that leads to the falls. That is the extent of the matter.

Although many people swim in the creek and climb the waterfalls, you should be aware that the county was compelled to close the park in the summer of 2020 because of the excessive number of tourists who strayed off the track. Stay on the trails and avoid doing anything that could lead to the next closure. Climbing waterfalls is not permitted in this park in any way.

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