Swimming holes and creek pools are a cherished part of many people’s summer memories. They seem to be harder and harder to find these days. We came upon one quite by accident, and it was a fantastic discovery. This is a beautiful spot and hidden gem that seems to be well-known to locals but is kind of off the radar for everyone else.
Hiking
This is a super short trail. It takes literally no time to walk down the wide path to the waterfall. The trail goes in and out of the creek bed, once you reach the first waterfall. So plan on getting your feet wet if the water is really flowing. This hike is good for any skill level and excellent for kids. The kids will love safely splashing in the creek.
Waterfall & Swimming Hole
The first waterfall on the trail isn’t huge, but it is enough to feed the creek pool continuously. When we visited, the creek was all but dried up, the waterfall was still somehow flowing, and the pool was full. If the water is flowing in the creek, there are other places further up the creek where you can enjoy the water rather than compete over the first pool. There is a bigger waterfall up the creek, but it can be hard to get to when the creek is blocked up with downed trees.
Winter at Great Gully
This is a lovely destination to visit in winter to see the frozen waterfall. This waterfall is easily accessible during winter since it is located only a few feet from the parking lot.
Great Gully, like all frozen waterfalls, is breathtaking when covered in ice and snow. Surrounded by woods, it creates a truly picturesque scene. During our visit, we had the entire place to ourselves, allowing us to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of this remarkable destination.
If you visit, please stay off the ice, which is extremely dangerous. You can easily view the waterfall from the trail; there is no need to walk on the ice to see it.
Leave No Trace
This amazing destination is actually private property that has been generously opened to the public for use. In recent months there have been numerous complaints of litter being left all over. Please remember that this is a carry-in/carry-out area, and take your trash with you. Please do not ruin it for everyone else by being a litterbug. Our responsibility is to leave the places we visit clean and be respectful to those who visit after us. We appreciate your help in keeping our wild and natural places in New York clean.
Getting to Great Gully
Great Gully is located on Route 90, 11.5 miles south of 5 & 20 on the east side of Cayuga Lake. The parking area will be on the left-hand side if you are heading south down the lake. There is no signage, but a large dirt parking lot will hold about 10-15 cars. The parking is just after the town of Union Spring.
Google Map Link
Other Places To Visit
Long Point State Park
There appears to be a surplus of Long Point State Parks in New York State. There are 3, in fact. The one that we recently visited is on Cayuga Lake. This is the smallest of the three, but it is just as lovely and charming. Long Point State Park allows visitors to enjoy a splendid view of Cayuga Lake as well as enjoy all the amenities available there. Explore miles of trails, a stunning beach, a vacation cottage rental, and an excellent boat launch.
Ludlowville Falls
I am excited to share this particular waterfall because it knocked our socks off. We find most of the waterfalls a decent size and beautiful, but this stunning waterfall was massive with a large cavern behind it and a deep pool under it. The craziest part is that it is hidden in plain sight just beneath a public park.
Have you visited Great Gully? What did you think of it? Do you have a favorite swimming hole? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.