Grimes Glen Park — Attraction in Town of Naples

This type of scenery is one of the better arguments for going to the Finger Lakes (overall I honestly wasn't that impressed with the region) - they don't have my preferred mountain peaks like the Adirondacks but they do seem to have an awful lot of glens and waterfalls to look at. My cousin chums and I wandered over here on Labor Day to get in a few extra steps before beginning our wine tour debauchery. This didn't end up being much of a hike (which my Fitbit can attest to) as much as a lot of rock hopping and careful navigating, but the sights at the end made up for a lot.

We did minimal research beforehand - this was an area recommended in our Airbnb guide on the coffee table, which just said this was a cool, waterfall-centric hike to experience. We accessed the park off Vine Street (using GPS but there was a lot of signage from Route 21 so I think there's a decent chance we could have located it without technology), crossing the cute little bridge just past the parking lot before heading up Grimes Creek. A decent chunk of our walk DID involve actual trails hugging the sides of the creek, but knowing what we know now? If you don't have decent hiking sneakers or water shoes, this might not be doable as you continue traversing the creek. One of my cousins had normal sandals and ended up bailing about 75% of the way down - we were fortunate in that the weather had been relatively dry, but if you're not used to navigating in a creek bed, this could be a little awkward/tough. I AM pretty accustomed to these types of adventures so my sneakers were dry at the end of this, but I have no idea if I'm in the minority on this or not.

The optics are decent. I'm from North Jersey, which boasts Buttermilk Falls as its big waterfalls destination, but it's truly in the middle of nowhere and you don't have scenic creek shizzle accompanying it really; it's right next to the road and you can climb some stairs on the sides to look at it from platforms. This you really have to earn. From what I can tell, one of the larger waterfalls that you almost immediately stumble across is called Springstead Creek Falls, which is fine, but for my money the one at the end that doesn't seem to have a name was significantly cooler looking. It had a cave-like opening to the right, and was just overall a more impressive sight.

It's debatable whether it's even really a requirement with this type of walk/hike, but the signage was pretty minimal once you got out of the parking lot area. I think it would have helped to have, if not trail blazes to ensure you were literally on the right/designated path, a sign or two denoting the specific waterfalls or how far you were from them. But arguably part of the appeal of this type of adventure is just stumbling across them - your mileage may vary.

Worth a trip if you have the time; if it's been raining though within the past few days? Eh. Maybe bring...

One of the coolest hiking areas in the finger lakes area. First of all, surrounded by wineries and breweries so you can wrap up the hike with some relaxation. Second, it has ropes throughout! If you’re not already a rock climber, then yes this should excite you. I dont know why but I felt very empowered doing this hike. There are also three waterfalls that you pass by, the final one is breathtaking and ice cold, but worth it. Then from there you have the option to keep going up and the trail kind of ends a bit after that, as you follow the stream. I would say it’s a moderate hike, only because you do have to use the ropes to get through certain areas and sometimes that part is scary. But manageable. Aside from that the walking parts are not strenuous at all and make for a nice and easy hike. I think most people end up just swimming right by the second waterfall. I don’t think it ever goes over five feet and it’s nice and open. From there you would look to the left to see the first set up ropes that you would climb up, and then over along a ledge. There are ropes along the ledge to help you feel more secure. Refer to the second and sixth photo...

I have been going to grimes glen for 27 years. There are two different waterfalls both are worth the trip. There are foot paths about 2/3 of the way to the first falls then its thru the creek and around obstacles. The first falls is pretty close to half way of the total hike and is about 10 minutes if your just going. And round trip is close to 30 minutes without stopping. The second falls is all walking thru the creek bed with a few places to get out and walk on the bank but your feet are going to get wet unless you want traverse steep shale walls and muddy banks and over and under down trees and obstacles.

Winter time is very different, if it has been cold for a decent stretch it is usually much easier as you can just walk pretty much anywhere there isnt running water and there is usually a path made by other hikers. The falls are amazing when they get iced up. I've taken my kids every year for the last three years my youngest is now six and my oldest is 9 and its relatively safe and easy if you watch your step and keep the the littles...