Carpenter Falls — Local services in Town of Niles

Beautiful waterfall no matter if its a trickle or with a heavy flow. Trail is a short one. Can be tricky getting down close to the falls due to the eroding sides, but if you are slow and cautious, it can be done. Must see

UPDATED 2024 My old review was from several years ago and 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, it's free of charge! Second, the parking area is this little pull off section of gravel that could fit probably 6 cars or so, I was almost going to pass it. The GPS will tell you "You have arrived", but you need to drive up the windy road a little bit, there's an intersection and your parking will be to the left. They have sectioned off the really steep portion with a yellow board, but it's easy to get under. Wear good shoes, but jeans you don't care about, as I just sat down and gently slid myself and held the support rope between the two trees. For a Sunday morning, I was the only one there until I was almost finished. If you have time, walk the creek and there's some mini waterfalls that are...

Just be aware that when your GPS tells you that you have arrived, drive a couple hundred feet up the hill and around the corner to access the trail head. The hike to the falls (0.1 miles) is short but in some parts the trail is quite narrow and borders a steep hill (creekside). To access the water near the bottom is a very steep and exposed portion with a short support rope. We saw a young family with children and baby carrier take their time getting down. Waterfalls viewing from the bottom or top (short split in trail near the bottom are awesome. There's even a trail to access underneath the falls, similar to Watkins Glen or...