Bahar Preserve and Carpenter's Falls — Attraction in Town of Niles

Deleted my old review from several years ago as its a totally new place after they added a larger parking lot and the boardwalk trail. Before these upgrades were added, there was a small pulloff for a couple of cars, and narrow trail that was pretty precarious closer to the falls. Now there is a large parking lot with room for plenty of cars and a portajohn on site. The boardwalk is wide and well made and now gives everyone the chance to view the falls. The boardwalk leads to a viewing platform with a great view of the falls. Right before the viewing area, there is are steps down to another smaller viewing aread a little bit downstream from the falls. There are quite a few stairs down, and its moderately steep, so if stairs cause you trouble, keep this in mind. You can get around the lower viewing area to walk up to the falls, it can be slick so use caution. Before the boardwalk went in, it was tricky getting down close to the falls. Now with the stairs, its easier to get a closeup view of the falls plus, you can get behind the falls which is a real treat! Behind the parking lot and portajohn, youll see another trail. The trail goes all the way down to Skaneatles Lake. Its a well marked trail, lots of roots along the way, so watch your step as you walk it. There are several falls downstream from Carpenter youll be able to see on the trail. You dont get the best views as the trees block out some of your sightline. If youre feeling adventurous, there is a worn down path down the steep hill to Angel falls. There are ropes to help your descent and ascent, its a steep, slick climb down and up, but the views down there are well worth it! Just below that is a smaller fall as well. Lots to see here! Great improvements...

First off the preserve is adjacent to Carpenter Falls and is managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, not the NYDEC. The Bahar Preserve can be reached from the upper paved parking lot near the Falls by walking down towards the lake, in the opposite direction from the Falls. It's a dirt path from the parking area. It can also be reached from the Red Trail lower parking area on lower Appletree Point Rd. From the upper parking area, follow the yellow tree tags and white blaze trail markers along the top of the ravine down towards the lake. In a dry summer the trail is an easy walk down and a moderate walk up. Watch out for tree roots on the upper part of the trail. Near the lake, the White trail intersects with the Red trail, which heads south and cuts across several minor streams (no bridges) to the lower small parking area off lower Appletree Point Road. The trails are easy to moderate out and back trails. At the bottom of the White trail is a very small rocky beach on Skaneateles Lake. NO swimming is allowed, but small boats and canoes can access the shore and you can hike up the trail from here.

BEWARE: neighbors are sick and tired of trespassers from the Preserve and Falls area, especially the beach, and will not hesitate calling the police if you park your car or beach your...

The new parking lot and boardwalk to viewing area are incredible. Very easy short walk. Great for wheelchair or stroller. There is a side trail when you reach the falls that goes down 165 stairs. Stairs are also new and in good condition but there was no railing to assist for stability or to pull yourself back up. No drop off so reasonably safe still. Our 5 year old did fine on them for reference. Additional viewpoint of the falls at the base of the stairs. People were walking the creek bed but we did not due to having young children with us. We did see an adult slip and fall in, while amusing note that the rocks are slick. There is a porta-potty at the parking lot which isn't the cleanest but functional. Bring some wipes or sanitizer for your hands as it was out during our visit. Parking lot isn't huge and probably fills up at peak times so plan accordingly. This is a bit out of the way and sort of "middle of nowhere" so I would integrate it with other activities and make it a stop on the journey. Definitely worth visiting if you...