I am a sucker for waterfalls. We go out of our way to find them, and New York is full of beautiful waterfalls. This waterfall is in a gorgeous wooded area. Pratt’s Falls Park is very secluded and peaceful. We had a hard time initially finding the park (the GPS sent us to Camp Brockway- which is close but not close enough.) Once we found it, we weren’t disappointed. The entire park is splendid. We visited during the week, and while the park was not totally empty, we weren’t competing to view the falls, which was fantastic.
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The Falls
Pratt’s Falls is a really lovely place to visit. The 137-foot waterfall isn’t as full as some of the other waterfalls in the area, but the viewing area is one of the most serene places I have found. The waterfall is almost completely hidden in the woods. The hike down to the falls isn’t too strenuous, and although the signs posted said that it was a mile, it didn’t seem that long at all.
Clearly, this waterfall is more impressive when viewed after a good rain or in the early spring from the melting snow, but it is still a lovely waterfall no matter when you see it. I think the wooded setting is what makes this waterfall, as well as this park, so exquisite.
Trails
There are several trails throughout Pratt’s Falls Park. The trails are graveled and easy to traverse. the trail down to the falls is steep but not a long walk. The Falls Trail is a circular trail that travels through the forest around Pratt’s Falls, but you don’t have to walk the entire Falls Trail to view the falls themselves. You can take the branch off of the trail and just go and see the falls.
All the other trails (The Rim Trail, West Branch, and The North Rim Crossover) travel throughout the park and cover a variety of terrain.
Park Facilities
There is a $2.00 fee to get into the park. Bring cash because the money needs to be placed in a box at the entrance. This is done by the honor system. You could very well enter the park without paying, but please remember that this very small fee keeps this park beautiful.
Pratt’s Falls is actually quite an old park, opened in 1934. There are picnic areas with grills as well as pavilions. One of the interesting facilities in Pratt’s Falls Park is the archery range. Bring your own bow and target sheets, and you can use the Excelsior bales set up for the public, including the one-mile 28 target course.
This park is dog-friendly, as long as your dog is on less than a 6-foot lead and has proof of rabies vaccine. Orienteering events (local, state, and national events) are often held at Pratt’s Falls. Fishing is permitted in the pond within the main portion of the park.
Getting There
7671 Pratt’s Falls Road
Manlius, NY 13104
Other Places to Visit
Delphi Falls Park
Delphi Falls Park is a park that is made for everyone. The straight, flat, graveled path makes it easy for those pushing strollers or using wheelchairs or walkers. The falls are spectacular and shouldn’t be missed.
Chittenango Falls State Park
Chittenango Falls is a seriously impressive waterfall with multiple viewing areas. The waterfall is 167 feet tall and is comprised of a series of drops to form an awe-inspiring view from the bottom.