Hector Falls is a splendid waterfall located on Seneca Lake in the Town of Hector. This waterfall is easy to visit as it is right alongside the highway. If you find yourself in the Watkins Glen area, this waterfall is something you don’t want to miss.
About Hector Falls
This waterfall, which flows from Hector Falls Creek and empties directly into Seneca Lake, is approximately 165 feet high (only about 50 feet is visible from the road). The falls are at their fullest in the spring, autumn, and after heavy rain. The falls still flow in the summer and are still very pretty; just not nearly as full as at other times of the year.
Hector Falls is located on Route 414 in the Town of Hector. There is no actual parking lot here, but there is room to pull your vehicle off the road. Be careful, the traffic is fairly constant in this area and fast. Visitors can either view the falls from the bridge or climb down under the bridge into the creek bed for a closer look.
Important: This waterfall is located right along the highway (where traffic is traveling at 55 miles/hour.) Please use extra caution when visiting this waterfall as you will be right along the highway. Please use caution and be aware of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic at Hector Falls.
If you decide to take the trail down to the falls, please make sure that you have proper footwear- sneaker or hiking boots. Flip flops are not acceptable hiking footwear and can lead to injury.
Best Views of Hector Falls
Only the upper portion of the falls is visible from Route 414. The other part of the falls that flows into Seneca Lake is on private property. Visitors can only view the complete falls from a boat on the water or by reserving a tour with Falling Waters Boat Tours. This company offers boat tours, but more importantly their dock and patio are mere steps away from the base of Hector Falls. You can reserve a time to visit and explore the Falls. You can also enjoy a refreshing glass of wine and some cheese, while taking in the beauty of the Falls.
Wintertime at Hector Falls
When we visited Hector Falls in the wintertime, I was shocked to see it quite so frozen over, as it had only been below freezing for just over a week or so. But it was indeed covered in thick, waving layers of ice and snow. There were spots where you could still see the flowing water underneath its icy shell. It was an enchanting scene.
Getting to Hector Falls
Address: Route 414, Hector, NY
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