A hike to an unpublicized 30-foot waterfall which my family has always referred to as "Hidden Falls," based on the local usage. The waterfall is situate inside Griggs Gulf State Forest, in the Town of Lapeer section, Cortland County, NY.

To get to my suggested starting point for the hike to the falls, first place yourself at the intersection of State Routes 79 and 38 in "downtown" Richford, NY. Then take Route 38 north about four miles, and hang a right (easterly) onto Route 200 through the lovely hamlet of Harford Mills.

Just as Route 200 starts winding north alongside the propane storage field, look for Griggs Gulf Road on the right. After a bridge or two, and the last few mailboxes, this becomes a seasonal use road running upstream along the watery spine of Griggs Gulf State Forest -- and also touching some private in-holdings along the way. The total distance is about 2.8 miles to the end of the line for vehicles, which is labeled on my maps as a parking cul-de-sac.

Having been there during summer on two other occasions, I can tell you this: "Hidden Falls" slows to a somewhat disappointing trickle once the warm weather kicks in.

Thanks to Andy Leahy for the description above, maps and pictures below as well as sharing this hike for all to enjoy.  If someone does this hike or finds an easier way to get to the falls and has the gps tracks, please send the info to contact@cnyhiking.com

Pictures from Hidden Falls

Pictures courtesy of Andy Leahy 4/26/2009