Cascades of Attica

Note: This gully is located on private property. Traditionally, the waterfalls have not been POSTED and people have enjoyed the falls for decades. This could change at any moment. If you encounter POSTED signs, turn back, as you may be prosecuted for trespassing. If it is open, respect the property. Do not leave trash, destroy any property, or risk your life and safety—any of which could result in the landowner closing access. 

Location: South of the village of Attica; town of Attica; Wyoming County; New York.

Maps: Google Map; Topographic; Interactive map.

GPS: Parking pullover: (N 42.81588 / W 78.25356)
First waterfall: (N 42.81611 / W 78.25388)
Second waterfall: (N 42.81667 / W 78.25390)
Third waterfall: (N 42.81705 / W 78.25424)

Directions: From Batavia: Take NY-98 South for 9 miles.
As you approach Attica, make a left onto Stroh Rd and at the next intersection make a right onto Maplewood Rd. Follow it for 1.1 miles.
Turn left onto NY-238S (Halls Corners Rd) and follow it for 2.5 miles.
At the 2.5 mile mark the road will branch, go right onto Beck Rd.
1.2 miles later, make a right onto Cascade Rd (CR-39).
Cascade Rd will have a bend at 1/4 mile. The creek, and a pullover area will be just before this bend.

Parking: A pullover area existed east of the bend on Cascade Road. A few recent reports claim that it no longer exists due to road construction, or is posted. If no parking is available here, you may need to find an alternative spot to pull over along Cascade Rd and walk back to the creek.

Number of falls: 3. If you make it further downstream, going toward the reservoir, you will find 2 small drops along the way, which is why some sources will claim there are 5 waterfalls. These are very small ledges of about 1 ft in height.

Size/Types: The first is a 10 ft high cascade over slabs of limestone. The road culvert is just upstream from it. Recent construction along the road may have changed the shape of the falls in recent years. The second falls is a nearly 60 ft high cascade over limestone and shale. The waters get pretty frothy as they tumble from thin layer to thin layer. The last waterfall is a gradually sloping 10 ft high cascade over slippery shale.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early summer.

Flow: Moderate.

Waterway: Crow Creek, which is fed by the Attica Reservoir, two miles southeast of here. The reservoir is primarily fed by Stony Creek. Crow Creek continues north, over these falls and into (another) Attica Reservoir about 0.8 miles downstream. Just before it reaches the state prison, it turns left and merges with Tonawanda Creek.  Tonawanda passes through Attica and then reaches Batavia 13 miles to the north. At Batavia, it turns west through Indian Falls. Shortly after, it runs through Tonawanda Reservation and eventually to the city of Tonawanda, where it empties into the Niagara River near Tonawanda and Grand Islands.

Time: Take your time. The climb is tough and rushing can lead to injury. Set aside a half hour to view the 3 main falls. 2-3 hours if you want to make it to the reservoir and back.

Seasons/Hours: Daylight hours.

Admission: Free.

Handicap Accessibility: Not at all.

Pets: It’s private property and the creek is a public water source. Adding to that, the climb is dangerous. Do not bring your pet. Just don’t do it. You will. I know you will. You know you will. That’s the kind of person you are. You are exempt from common sense.

Accommodations: None. Bring a bag to pick up any trash you find. Help keep these special places clean!

This private land has been traditionally open to respectful hikers for years. Located south of Attica on Crow Creek, there are 3 beautiful waterfalls within a few hundred yards of the road. Hiding in the ravine is a short but very challenging hike that should be saved for those experienced and prepared for slippery and risky “Finger Lakes Glen Hiking.”

The largest of the 3 main falls is a towering 60-ft cascade, worthy of the Buttermilk moniker more than most. To get down to the base, a descent down a slippery steep slope is required. Only the adventurous make it. For those looking to spend more than a half-hour of time here, a creekwalk a few miles north to the south end of the Attica Reservoir is possible, with a few small waterfall ledges along the way (as well as downed trees, slippery bedrock, and brush to whack through).

Because the landowners graciously allow visitors, it’s important not only to avoid leaving any trash, but you also need to be extremely cautious and not fall, have your pet slip and tumble down, or have a rope snap while you are carrying your baby strapped to your back (yes, a trail reviewer bragged about repelling down with her baby strapped to her back). One serious accident and this gully is gone to us. Stop, think, and appreciate the privilege we have to visit it.

Note: This gully is located on private property. Traditionally, the waterfalls have not been POSTED and people have enjoyed the falls for decades. This could change at any moment. If you encounter POSTED signs, turn back, as you may be prosecuted for trespassing. If it is open, respect the property. Do not leave trash, destroy any property, or risk your life and safety—any of which could result in the landowner closing access. 

Difficulty: Difficult due to unmarked trails, steep climbs, steep gradient, muddy conditions, slippery rock. Don’t bring small children and pets. Wear water shoes with a good grip, never go alone, and become familiar with these safety guidelines.

Markings: None. If you see POSTED signs, turn back.

Distance: 2/10 mile to see the 2 main falls and go back. About 3.3 miles to make it north to the reservoir and back.