“Quit your job, buy a ticket, get a tan, fall in love, never return.” –Unknown
We haven't taken the time to explore many new places this year, but the weather has cooled off a little and we decided to check out Carpenter Falls. It's located along the southwest end of Skaneateles Lake. Carpenter Falls is a ninety foot waterfall that has carved a notch out of the rock and plunges into a deep round pool, which makes a great swimming hole on a hot summer day. There was plenty of water in the pool for a swim, but the waterfall was only a trickle since we haven't had much rain this summer.
From the parking lot we took the main trail west to the falls, but the view was hidden by all the trees and under brush. There was a sign at this point saying not to go any further, but we trekked on to the top of the falls. Once at the top of the falls we noticed we could have hiked from the parking lot back along the road to this same point. Along the upper trail we could see a lower trail that looked like it would go to the pool at the bottom of the falls. We headed back to the trailhead and looked for another trail. The lower path started just east of the main trail sign. The trail was a gradual hike down the gorge to the creek, to get to the bottom of the falls we hiked along and in the creek. This trail was the best way to see the falls and we were glad we spent the time to find it.
The trailhead starts right at the parking lot.
The trail to the top of the falls.
The lower trail, but getting to it from the main trail was very steep. (steeper than the picture shows)
This is the view of the falls from the end of the trail.
The view from the top of the falls looking down into the gorge.
Looking over the top of the waterfall.
The hike through the creek to the falls
There wasn't a lot of water...but well worth the effort to get to the pool.
Hiking back to the parking area through the creek...such a beautiful place.
Trail map of Bahar Preserve & Carpenter Falls. The green line shows the path we took.
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