A wonderful spot on the Keuka Outlet Trail that you will want to check out is the Cascade Mills Falls. It is located between Penn Yan and Dresden in the Finger Lake region of New York, and you can find parking right by the junction of Route 9 and Outlet Road. After you park, you will see a path, and you can hike it going east for half of mile to arrive at this waterfall. It is a pretty level path, and very walkable.
If you are interested in hiking the full Keuka Outlet Trail, it is 6.8 miles in length (10.9 km). This post just reviews the area specific to the Cascade Mills Falls, but the whole trail itself is quite nice, and if you have more time, it is known to be an enjoyable hike. At the time we visited, we made several stops on the trail.
This area is actually very historical, and at one time, it housed a multitude of industrial sites and mills. Many of the first mills specific to this spot began in the early 1800s. Along the Outlet there was once a sawmill, limekiln, blacksmith shop, cooperage, and a paper mill. Eventually, in the late 1800s, this region began to see more industry such as paper manufacturing, and water powered electricity. In the 1900s, there was also a chemical plant at this location. The very last commercial business here was “Outlet Tire.” This was a company that recapped tires.
As you are hiking to the Cascade Mills Falls, you will pass a nice pavilion and rest area. That is how you know that you are getting close to the waterfall. Also, you will see historical remains, and these were once part of the chemical plant. For safety reasons, it is important not to go in these buildings and it is dangerous to explore them. You will be able to see very nice vantage points safely from the walking path.
“The Friends of the Outlet” currently keep maintenance equipment in one of these buildings, and they are always working to preserve and improve the area. They are a non-profit organization with a mission to protect this special area for many people to enjoy for years to come.
This place had a much more remote feel to it then more populated areas in the Finger Lakes, such as the Watkins Glen State Park, and it is more tranquil. Once you arrive at the falls, you will see a platform and a bench there to take in the views. This hovers directly over the waterfall, which provides great perspectives. If you walk down the sloping hill, you can also view the waterfall from a lower platform area.
As a safety precaution, always be careful of slippery areas by the water. Even though this was not a major hike, I did wear non-slip hiking boots which really enabled a strong footing. As with many areas in the Northeastern region of the United States, I highly recommend reviewing the weather before you explore the outdoors. When we traveled to the Finger Lakes, it was in October, so we did pack long pants, and brought jackets along too.
Along the Keuka Outlet Trail, you also will see signs warning of ticks. They often live in foliage, so it is crucial to stay on the hiking path at all times, and if possible wear long outer wear.
If you want to check out a delightful waterfall on the Keuka Outlet Trail in New York, you will want to visit the Cascade Mills Falls. It is so beautiful, and it is a really neat way to learn about the history of the area too. Since this trail is fairly easy to hike, I think it would be a great stop for people of all ages to enjoy. Let me know in the comments if you have ever traveled here before and what you thought of it as well. I hope that you are having a wonderful day, and remember to click the like and subscribe button!
-Hiking Boots
The more that we explore new places, the more important it is to wear safe hiking gear, and of course hiking boots. I really love my hiking boots because they feel super cozy, warm, flexible, and of course the most crucial element of all for safety is that they are non slip! When I have gone hiking for hours at a time, they are really comfortable, which is great when you are traveling on the road.
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-Additional Related Articles
https://www.keukaoutlettrail.org/
https://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/seneca-cascade-mills/
Seneca Mills Falls Keuka Outlet Trail New York
Hiking In Watkins Glen State Park
The Best Things To Do In Ithaca New York
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16 responses to “Cascade Mills Falls”
Ethereal!
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome!
So wonderful places photos , there the grace nature and the waterfall amazing 😍 earth wonders 🌎
Thank you so much for sharing dear friend 🌹🙏♥️🌹
Thank you very much!
🌹🙏♥️🌹
Looks to be a great hike Allie, love the waterfalls. I didn’t pack my hiking boots for our US trip because I didn’t think I’d need them but wish I had as it would have been much easier and safer taking the trails at Muir Woods with sturdy shoes on. In LA now and weather awful!
Thank you very much! It can definitely vary a lot with weather and terrain in the US!
Visiting a waterfall can be a refreshing experience that offers some peaceful time away from the busy life. Apparently, there is actually a legitimate scientific reason that we should love waterfalls! A waterfall releases negative ions, and when we are near them, we soak them up as positive energy. Once they enter our bloodstream, our serotonin production is increased, making us naturally happier. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thank you very much Aiva! That is really neat with the waterfalls too, I knew they were healthy 🙂
I continue to be amazed at just how many waterfalls there are in this region. It was interesting to learn more about the history of the area and how some of the ruins are still visible.
Thank you very much!
Such pretty waterfalls! Makes me want to plan a hiking trip.
Thank you Lyssy!
Lovely waterfalls and an interesting history of the area. It looks like a wonderfully peaceful area for a hike.
Thank you very much!