New York State has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Country. Many of these gorgeous waterfalls reside in the Catskill Park. Most of the waterfalls we have had the opportunity to see there haven’t been larger waterfalls, height-wise, but they are spread out over several levels. There are always these enormous rocks that the water has to go over and around, which makes these waterfalls even more stunning than the standard single-drop falls.
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Tompkins Falls was really magnificent and definitely worth the sojourn into the backroads of the northern Catskills. Fortunately for us, we were already camping at Little Pond Campground, so this waterfall was a hop, skip, and a jump away from us.
Exploring Tompkins Falls
I really enjoyed visiting this waterfall for a number of reasons. 1) It is fairly remote and we didn’t have to compete with others visiting the falls, jostling for photographs. 2) The Falls are just gorgeous. There is some stone stacking here that appears to be the remains of some sort of bridge or building. It just adds the absolute beauty of the falls. And 3) This waterfall is located right on the side of the road, and you can get a perfect shot without having to climb down into the creek.
We, of course, had to climb down into the creek, because this waterfall was just begging to be explored. While there is no “official” entrance or parking area, it is on state land, so it’s open to everyone. If you want to get a photograph of the entire waterfall, the best spot is on the roadside. To get down to the waterfall, you will want to walk to the top of the hill and cross over the guardrail. There are two trails that lead down to the creek. They are a little steep but manageable. (just make sure that you are wearing proper footwear. Hiking boots or sneakers are a must here. Absolutely NO FLIP FLOPS!
Once you get into the creek, it is hard not to be enchanted with the natural allure of this place. Between the massive old trees that cover the creek, the large boulders and rock outcroppings, covered in moss, and the way the water flows effortlessly through them, just really takes your breath away. We spent quite a while exploring every inch of the gully. We were even able to climb down to the base of the waterfall and get some really great pictures.
Getting to Tompkins Falls
Address: Barkaboom Road, Andes, NY
Google Map Link
Parking: There is no official parking lot for Tompkins Falls. You will need to park on the side of the road. Fortunately, Barkaboom Road isn’t a busy road. Just make sure to park well beyond the curve and the hill so traffic can spot your vehicle.
Other Places to Visit
Little Pond State Campground
Little Pond Campground is one of the best-kept secrets in the Catskill Park. This DEC run campground is a natural oasis that offers stunning beauty and complete peacefulness that aid in that whole, “getting away from it all” experience.
Russell Brook Falls
I will hike to the ends of the earth to find a beautiful waterfall. In the case of Russell Brook Falls, that almost became a literal truth. This waterfall is breathtakingly gorgeous and truly worth all the trouble that we went to find it.
Have you been to Tompkins Falls? What did you think? Did you climb down to the creek? Do you plan on visiting this waterfall? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.