Salmon River Falls is an enormous waterfall located on the Salmon River just downstream from the outlet of Redfield Reservoir. Although it's less than an hour away from Syracuse, it feels remote because it is tucked away on the side of a gravel road with few amenities. That said, it's a place not to be missed and has been designated as a "Unique Area" by the state of New York in recognition of the unique species and recreational activities that are found nearby.
The 110-foot waterfall can be viewed year round. In the summer and fall there are typically only three main streams of water that pour over the face of the falls, but in the spring the entire width of the river thunders over the precipice. In the winter, Salmon River Falls is a popular destination for ice climbers.
From the parking area visitors can follow a mostly flat, ADA-accessible trail to a few overlooks of the falls. At the end of the trail, wooden steps lead to the river bed above the falls, where visitors can find interesting potholes and continue all the way up to the Salmon River Dam. The immediate edge of the falls is marked as off limits for safety and ecological preservation reasons. Bird’s-eye primrose and yellow mountain saxifrage make their homes on the damp edge of the falls.
Returning toward the parking area, visitors have the option to follow a short but steep path to the base of the falls. Along the way you can expect to find several stone steps, a narrow trail, and warnings against swimming in the pool at the base of the falls.
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