Chittenango Falls, NY

We got two inches of rain today,  and the areas north of us got at least 4 inches, leaving creeks and streams bankful. Knowing it wouldn't be fun outdoors, we made our semi-annual trip to Trader Joe's to stock up on goodies we cannot get locally.  We followed that with a trip to Nina's in  Chittenango, NY.  Nina's has been our favorite restaurant since the '80s, and although when they sold their restaurant in town they sold the recipes, the food in the new Nina's is not as good.   Perhaps it is a change in ingredients or perhaps they have tweaked the recipes, but it does not compare.  .  .  So we make a semi-annual trip to the original owner's new place in Chittenango, NY.

The fall foliage was magnificent in the Syracuse area.  A wonderful mix of oranges, yellows, reds, rusts, and browns.  Even though it was rainy or overcast, the colors were superb.
After leaving Chittenango, we passed the falls.

Wow!  (If the video does not work, it can be seen at:  https://youtu.be/kYXziXW0cO4)



This was not our first trip to the falls.  In 2002, on a beastly hot day, we made the trip,

Chittenango Falls

State Park,
New York
July 22, 2002 We are off on another adventure - a day trip.
The adventure began at Wegmans where we stocked up on olives, bread, cheese, and pate'.
We took a different route home from Syracuse, going toward Utica on Route 5, and then south on route 13 toward Cazenovia.  We were considering picnicking at Lorenzo House in Cazenovia, when a lovely waterfall appeared on the right, shortly followed by a sign to Chittenango Falls State Park.
Decision made...

We paid the $5 parking fee and carried our goodies to the picnic tables.
There was a map of the area showing the path to the falls.  A brochure provides information:
"Stop first near the top of the falls where the 167' waterfall cascades over a series of limestone terraces."
We did, and were impressed.

One of my colleagues had mentioned what a great walk it was to see the falls from various viewpoints.
We neglected to remember that it was one of the young colleagues.
At this point, we were obviously not thinking clearly - 167 foot drop means lots more than 167 steps down, and of course, what goes down must come up unless you want to sleep in the falls.
~
"A scenic, but rugged, trail leads to the bridge at the bottom of the gorge.  Halfway down is a resting bench from which there is a "camera-perfect" view of the falls."

~
 "Continue down this trail, noting the great variety of interesting ferns, wildflowers and shrubs which grow along the steps and ledges."
"From the bridge (at the bottom) enjoy the spectacular view of the falls in one direction and the view of scenic Chittenango Creek in the other."

It was beginning to be difficult to enjoy the view because we were so distracted trying to remember if it was Ruthann or Linda who suggested this adventure.
It had also begun to hit home that the way up was not likely to be easier than the way down.
Perhaps it was not clever to try this adventure at 95 degrees with 70% humidity.
Actually, it was great fun, as you can tell from the smile (or is it grimace?) at the end of the hike.

I think it was Linda...

Published 7/22/02

Quite a bit different after a heavy autumn rain in 2016.