Guppy Falls is a tiny part of the Skaneateles Conservation Area, more than 300 acres of natural area outside Skaneateles. This beautiful waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem and not on many people’s radars. We have visited this lovely waterfall numerous times and every time it was an absolutely wonderful experience.
Viewing the Falls
There are two ways to see the falls, via the creek or from above, on the Guppy Falls Trail. We did both routes. The Guppy Falls Trail is a rim trail that takes visitors up above the creek to a scenic overlook where the falls can be viewed from above. Visitors must ascend quite a few steps to reach the top. However, it is more or less a straight path once you are up there. The trail follows the cliffside, and the view is truly fantastic.
The other way to the falls is through the creek. This isn’t always an option if the creek is too full (unless you don’t mind getting wet.) We visited in the Fall, after a relatively dry summer, and the creek was easy to navigate. There was still enough water to let us know the falls were running, even just a little bit.
The creek hike up to Guppy Falls is really spectacular in the Autumn, with trees hanging over the creek, creating a colorful canopy. The ravine walls are high on both sides but on occasion, you can see hikers above you on the rim trail.
As you get closer to the falls, you will start seeing small cascades in the creek, until you round a corner and there is Guppy Falls, a wall of rock blocking the end of the creek. The day we visited the Falls weren’t flowing like they have the potential to but it was still exquisitely beautiful.
Winter at Guppy Falls
We visited in the heart of winter when the falls were frozen, and the trails were covered in almost knee-deep snow. We love frozen waterfalls, and Guppy Falls was no exception.
Warning: As with all winter waterfalls that require a significant hike up a creek to reach, we recommend that only experienced hikers attempt to visit via the creek. I recommend wearing microspikes and yaktraks while hiking here in the winter. While the creek is beautiful to see in the winter, hiking over a frozen creek bed can be dangerous. The water is still running under the ice, and there can be weak spots in the ice. I do not endorse taking the creek in the winter.
Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Hiking and Walking
Don’t let the ice and snow stop you from enjoying the breathtaking beauty of winter. These traction grips help outdoor adventurers explore icy terrain safely.
I didn’t expect the hike through the creek to be as long as it was. On the map, it looks short. We had recently had a significant snowfall, and the trees and surrounding hillsides were covered in snow. It was really breathtaking. Interestingly, there are some thawed areas in the creek where the snow had melted, and it was muddy. My husband pointed out there must be a natural gas pocket in the creek.
Guppy Falls Trail
We have only hiked this trail in the winter but it was absolutely worth the climb in the snow to the top. In the winter, the trail is snow-covered and can be slippery. Proper footwear here is imperative.
Picnic at Guppy Falls
One of the nice features at Guppy Falls is a small picnic area right on the creek. There is only one picnic table, so it is first come, first serve, but I couldn’t imagine a more lovely place for an afternoon picnic.
