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!

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-Additional Related Articles

https://www.keukaoutlettrail.org/

https://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/seneca-cascade-mills/

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The Best Things To Do In Watkins Glen New York

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NortheastAllie

For generations, my family has lived in the Philadelphia area, and my writing reflects these influences. This blog explores perspectives on life, encouragement, travel, health, and local living.

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