Crystal Hills Day 3 - Waterfall

  Today we took it easy. I had to write a news column this morning, so we didn't hike until after lunch. We realized we could do a small loop that would give us a little forward progress on the main trail, and also allow us to visit a waterfall that was off the trail, and we were thinking we'd have to give up seeing it.

You could say the hike was defined by Goodhue Creek. We had a little trouble finding the trail on the east side, but we found the crossing, and had to wade.

This is the view downstream.

After that, the trail followed the creek on an access road for about half a mile. The creek is down on the left.

Other treats include New England Aster with Turtlehead in the background.

And some bright orange fungus growing on stumps.

We finally got to the falls known as Little Niagara. It was part of a park on Goodhue Creek. There were some campsites, and benches and a little viewing platform. This is looking down on the top.

I crossed on a log bridge to be able to get to the bottom and take a better picture. It's really nice!

We closed the loop by using the same route we bailed out on yesterday. Forward progress on the trail 3.9 miles. To the falls and back 0.6 miles. A side trip to a gravel pit when we both missed seeing a turn blaze 0.4 miles. Closing the loop 1.3 miles. Total hike= 6.2 miles.

Chicken alfredo and salad for dinner!

Crystal Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail. East of Addison NY to the junction of Beemer Hollow and Troy Roads. 3.9 trail miles, +2.3 miles side trips.

See Crystal Hills - Rain