Description
Hector Falls is a beautiful and gigantic waterfall that tumbles over a broad expanse of shale and limestone rock as it makes its way down to  Seneca Lake. Only the upper third (about 50 ft of length) is visible from the Rt 414 roadside or the creek bed. The lower portions are on private property and only visible to the public from watercraft. Seeing the the massive cascade in its complete form, is worth renting a boat or joining a tour.  Try Captain Bill's for hourly tours or nightly dinner tours.

Hector Falls is a unique falls to the area in that it is so large, broad, and in the open. Hector Falls Creek (or Logan Creek) drains a large area, including portions of the nearby Finger Lakes National Forest. Water flow can be reduced to a trickle during summer months, but there should at least be some water tumbling over the rock face. Since it only takes a few minutes to visit from Watkins Glen, we consider it a must-see for this area.

Trails
Difficulty: Easy
Markings: None.
Details: You can either view the falls roadside from the bridge or take a quick walk down to the left under the bridge to view the falls or take pictures from the riverbed.

History
For the history of Seneca Lake, see the Seneca Lake page.

Samuel Seely built the first grist mill here in 1801, the first mill constructed in Schuyler County. Over time numerous mills and factories were constructed along Hector Falls Creek, giving rise to the moniker Factory Falls. Potash production was the chief industry on the creek throughout the industrial revolution.

Do not miss...
Explore the rest of Seneca Lake. There are many more waterfalls and things to do around the lake.

Skyland Farms is one of the most unique shopping experiences in Upstate New York. Located just minutes north of Hector Falls on 414, Skyland Farms, combines a farmyard, cafe, craft gallery, pottery studio, gardens and more.

If you get a chance to get on the boat you can see the Painted Rocks on the cliff faces of Seneca Lake (along with the rest of the waterfall). Thought to have been originally painted by the Native Americans fleeing the Sullivan campaign there is some controversy if this really is the case.