I had the most incredible experience at this breathtaking preserve, which was recently acquired by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The scenery was absolutely stunning, with spectacular views of Cayuga Lake and impressive lake cliffs featuring a chiseled rock face. What’s more, the trails were adorned with numerous waterfalls, adding a magical touch to the entire experience. It’s a place that truly showcases the beauty and wonder of nature.
Waterfalls
This destination is a must-visit for waterfall chasers. I was amazed by the abundance of waterfalls we encountered right along the trails. The preserve offers a unique experience as most of the waterfalls are conveniently located along the paths, making them easily accessible. Although the waterfalls are seasonal and dependent on the water table, their sheer number makes the visit truly unforgettable.
We visited at the beginning of the summer, and the creeks here were just trickling. Even without much water, the falls here were beautiful. I can only imagine what they would be like when they were full and flowing. We are planning to return when there has been some rain, and we can see the falls in action.
It is obvious at first, but there is a large waterfall that flows over the Cayuga Cliffs. It was just trickling when we visited, but from the looks of it, this is a massive waterfall when it’s flowing, and I’m willing to bet it is spectacular.
Scenic Vistas & Gorges
I love places that also provide great views, and this preserve delivers!
Cayuga Cliffs
The Cayuga Cliffs are absolutely stunning. The chiseled rock face is clearly visible from two scenic benches set at just the right positions to showcase not only the Cliffs’ beauty but also Cayuga Lake in the distance.
Warning: Stay on the trail! You can fall off the cliffs if you venture too close.
Meadow Vista
We almost didn’t take the short trail to the Meadow Vista because a thunderstorm was rolling in, but I’m glad we did. If you hike to the very top of the meadow, you can get another great view of Cayuga Lake. While the trail marker says “vista loop,” the trail definitely gets a little narrower (aka -not mowed) and less defined. If you decide to do the entire loop, make sure you check yourself for ticks.
Gorges
There are several gorges in this preserve, and although you can’t actually explore them, you can view them from about or walk over one of the short wooden bridges.
Trails
There are 4 trails at Sims-Jennings Preserve totaling almost 2 miles.
White Trail – (0.5 miles)This mowed trail runs from the parking area in between the edge of the woods and a meadow. This trail is mostly flat, although it does have a slightly downward trajectory.
Danny’s Trail (Blue Trail) – (0.5 miles) This trail leads to the main waterfall in the preserve and a small loop trail that runs along the top of the bluffs. We visited in the summer, and the leaves on the trees made it hard to see the lake from here. However, I am willing to bet that you can get a better view in the late fall – early spring when the leaves are gone. This trail is mostly flat until you get to the loop. You go downhill, flatten out along the cliff, and then head back uphill. Nothing too strenuous, but definitely not a flat trail.
Red Trail – (0.1 miles) From the top of the meadow, you can get a scenic view of Cayuga Lake in the distance. At the preserve, the sign says this is a loop. On the preserve map, it is just a straight line to the vista point at the top of the meadow. As I mentioned before, a trail circles the meadow, but once you pass the vista, it becomes quite narrow. This trail is slightly inclined but nothing very strenuous.
Yellow Trail – (0.5 miles) This trail cuts through the middle of the preserve. It has several small waterfalls along it. It is also wooded and very pretty. This is not a flat trail as it travels up and down over the small ravines in the preserve. It is nothing too difficult, but again, it is not flat.
Out and About with Nova
This was a great outing for Nova! She loves the woods, and there was a lot here for her to explore. We did encounter a few people when we visited and it was easy here to step off the trail and let them pass here. I recommend that you have your dog on some kind of tick-repellent medication if you plan on hiking here, as they will be walking through tall grass, in places. As always, please clean up after your pets (that means bag up your dog’s poop and take it with you.) Please don’t leave poop or bags of poop (honestly… what is the point of bagging it up in the first place) on the trail.
Dogs MUST be leashed here. This is a preserve where other animals live and are protected; keep your dog on the leash and under control.
Getting To Sims-Jennings Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs
Google Map Link
