Type: Trail, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 7 / 10
Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,000 ft / 1,000 ft
Dog Friendly: No
Jog-Stroller Friendly: NO
Filed Under: Hiking, Running, Snowshoeing
From the private trail head you follow the beautiful Mills Stream along single track packed pine needle. Gentle slopes give way to some steep climbs until you join the State Trail. The trail officially ends at T-Lake. The remaining 2 two miles to the falls is now a bushwack following the former state trail. The trail was officially abandoned after a streak of deaths at the falls. The old trail is still there is spots but takes a skilled eye to follow. After 4 trips to the falls I get lost at least once, but not for long. The stream from T-Lake to the falls is just to your north and if you carry a compas you could always follow the stream out so the chances of getting really really lost is not as great... but it could happen... BE PREPARED. If you don't know what that means, this trail is NOT for you.
Wear long pants if you care for your legs as the undergrowth will leave you bloody. After your bushwak/run you are treated to one of the most spactacular falls in NY. The trail gives way to a large granite dome that curves gently over a 300-600 (depending on the source) foot cliff with a trickle of water in the summer, a gusher in the winter. One cannot see the bottom of the falls while standing at the top. The gradual slope of the dome makes it tempting to walk closer and closer to the edge to get a glimpes at what lies at the bottom. Those who find out in this way usually do not live to tell about it. There are memorials to the fallen nailed into trees. Be smart and take the unmarked trail to the south of the falls down the cliff. At the bottom is a nice pool for a swim.
You will NOT find this trail in the new guide books, but you can find the trail to T-Lake.Take Rt. 12 North from Utica, NY to Rt. 8 North to Piseco. Take a left on CR 24 at the north end of Piseco Lake. Head west for a few miles past the airstrip to Haskell Rd. Park here. The trail head is on private land and is just west of the corner of Haskell Rd. on the north side of Mills Stream. An alternate route is the Trail head for the official State Trail on the West side of Piseco Lake. That is the official trail to T-Lake and is clearly marked. Just keep driving on CR24 as it turns south down the west side of the lake.
Posted by: RD Jim and last modified on Sep 19, 2008 by RD Jim
Comments
George Riley said ...
we also hiked to the falls but were unable to find the trail to the bottom of the falls. We hiked this with our 2 boxers and unprepared for this hike not knowing how long it was, we ran out of water and almost sunlight, although we never got lost. where abouts is the trail and how long is it to the bottom. If you could send the pictures to my e-mail I would appreciate it. Do you know if there is another path. We do have some video of our trek through the woods and the falls if you would like. We have only tried once and have not yet made it back.I look forward to hearing back from you.
Mike said ...
I just completed the Falls hike today. Couple of details for those wishing to go to the Falls:\r\n\r\n- plan on a round trip of 5 hours with a brief break at the Falls; bring enough water!\r\n- you\'ll lose the trail a few times but as a general rule keep the Creek on your right hand side as you head to the Falls\r\n\r\nEnjoy!
RD Jim said ...
To contact RD Jim go to Wakelydam.com
AL said ...
A guidebook I saw states that you can be cited for visiting the falls [if you have the misfortune to encounter a ranger here]. If you go, beware of swampland on forbidden section.
RD Jim said ...
"A guidebook I saw states that you can be cited for visiting the falls [if you have the misfortune to encounter a ranger here]. If you go, beware of swampland on forbidden section."
MMmm, I've talked with a few rangers about my visits to T-Lake Falls and none of them ever mentioned any violation of the law. Not that it ain't true, but I can't see how they could block off any part of the park because it's too wild. They just don't make it easy to get to.
Mike said ...
Why is it 'forbidden' to go there?
Leaddog said ...
It is NOT a violation, nor is it forbidden to go there...But it IS a very dangerous place if one doesn't know the terrian.
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