Bucktail Falls

Location - On the southwest end of Otisco Lake.  Spafford, Otisco Valley, Onondaga County Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Topo GPS - 42.821736, -76.241236 Directions - Take Otisco Valley Rd to Sawmill Rd make a right onto Moon Hill Rd. The falls is close to the turn uphill (left). After the falls, the stream runs under Moon Hill Rd. Park on the side of the road. The gorge opens to the right of the road and it's only a few steps before you are there.

Information Number of falls: 1 Size: 35 feet Type: Half plunge/ half cascade Best time to visit: Year round Flow: Trickle Waterway: Otisco Creek Time: It only takes a few minutes to visit this falls.

Accessibility Seasons/Hours: Open year-round Parking: Roadside (residential neighborhood). Admission: Free. Handicap accessibility: it's a short journey, but no trails. Accommodations: None.

Description Set within a small green gorge, Otisco Creek freefalls 30 feet and tumbles over rock for the last 5. From there it passes under Moon Hill road on its way to Spafford Creek and Otisco Lake. The dense forest canopy and continual spray of the falls keep the area moist and ideal for vegetation. Ferns and moss grow well here, and because of the greenery, insects also thrive. This public watershed property is a nice hidden gem, but also undeveloped. No traces of this former mill site remain, and its current natural state is a testament to the natural beauty of this area. As the site has become more popular, visitor have been leaving large quantities of trash. If you visit, please help this site remain beautiful: bring a bag and pick up a few pieces of junk on your way out.

Trails - Easy None. The gully is damp and full of insects. Although you don't have to walk very far and can see the falls from the road, if you plan on getting a closer look or staying for a while, give yourself a decent coat of insect repellent first.

Do not miss... A unique "Green" gully that is almost completely covered in moss an ferns. The gorge walls are shale, frosted with moss.  This uniquely-shaped falls will look different from various angles.

Contact None.

Weather

Links Spafford, NY Town History (mentions history of the falls)