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We visited Tinker Falls in the middle of Winter and the first thing we saw was a woman scaling one of the towers of ice at frozen Tinker Falls. This is one of the most amazing winter waterfalls that we encountered so far. This is an incredible waterfall with a cavern behind it that visitors can climb up behind the waterfall. At this time of year, when the cascades are frozen ice towers, it is a splendid sight that everyone should see.
We revisited in the summer when the falls were at an all-time low. Regardless of the lack of water, it was still a beautiful waterfall. If you visit in the early spring or after a heavy rain, you might have better luck seeing the falls in all their glory.
Labrador Hollow Unique Area
Tinker Falls is actually part of what is known as the Labrador Hollow Unique Area. “Unique Area” is a very appropriate name for this wild area. This area supports all sorts of outdoor recreation, some of which might surprise you. Even though it was wintertime, we found Labrador Hollow breathtaking and exceptionally peaceful.
When we visited in the summer, we were able to hike up to the hang glider launch site. There are tons of trails, including the wooden boardwalk. Visitors can also visit Labrador Pond.
The Waterfall
While Tinker Falls, an excellent example of a hanging waterfall, is part of Labrador Hollow it was so spectacular I felt it deserved its own post. The waterfalls may not be as wide and robust as some of the others that we have visited, but it is still amazingly beautiful. The falls are in a natural amphitheater-like cavern that is wide enough to allow hikers to walk behind the falls. The view from behind the falls is fantastic especially when the sun hits it just right.
I recommend wearing microspikes or yaktrax if you plan to climb up behind the waterfall, as it is very slippery and more or less solid ice.
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.
Ice Climbing
When we visited there was an ice climbing class in session and people climbing the ice. This is a unique feature of this park. It is unusual to find places to ice climb in New York State. It was quite facinating to see people scaling the ice. I have never witnessed this firsthand, and it looked like a lot of fun. The park allows ice climbing at your own risk. Climbers must use proper equipment such as ropes, helmets, ice axes, and crampons. To protect the amphitheater surrounding the falls, rock climbing is prohibited if there isn’t any ice formed.
Trails
The trail from the parking area is fairly short only about a 1/2 a mile long. It runs along Labrador Creek and it makes for a really pretty hike. There are several benches along the way where visitors can sit and rest while taking in the lovely scenery.
There is a scenic overlook trail that is about 2 miles long that leads to the top of Jones Hill, where there is an opening in the trees at the top of the hill overlooking the area. We started up the hill but it is not an easy climb in the snow. We decide to leave this trail for the spring.
Getting to Tinker Falls
Address: 7499 State Route 91, Tully, NY
Other Places to Visit
Three Falls Woods
Three Woods Falls has three large waterfalls that can be viewed all in a line across the top part of the Onondaga Escarpment. It is not something you see every day and it makes this hidden gem an absolute treasure.
Have you visited Tinker Falls before? What did you think of it? Have you visited in Winter? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.