Upper Carpenter Falls (Skaneateles, New York, USA)

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Upper Carpenter Falls

Upper Carpenter Falls (or just Carpenter Falls) is one of those waterfalls that you can actually go behind (albeit unofficially in this case). Situated near west bank of Skaneateles Lake, the 80ft falls is accessed via a narrow and somewhat rougher trail than most other Finger Lakes waterfall trails that we've done. When I was at the falls in early summer, the flow was already somewhat low so I'm pretty sure it's dry by mid summer or later, but I have read that the falls can be quite powerful in Spring.

At the end of the 0.3-mile trail, you'll have to scramble down a steep path to get to the base of the falls. I also noticed an interesting alcove and hole with water seeping through and hugging the wall. I'm not sure if this is natural or not. Quite cool nonetheless.

Directions: From Syracuse, head south on the I-81 then take the junction with state route 20 towards the town of Skaneateles on the northern tip of Lake Skaneateles. Just past the lake, turn left onto state highway 41A. Follow this road to Appletree Point Road to your left (after going east for around 20 miles). Turn left onto Appletree Point Road and look for a small car park where hopefully you can leave your car to do the hike (there were certainly some spots over there for us.)

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