Enchanted Hollow Falls - Photos, Maps, Information

Enchanted Hollow Falls

AKA Hemlock Falls
Location 25 miles south/east of Syracuse. Within Morgan Hill State Forest, Between Fabius and Truxton, Cortland County
Maps - Google Map, Multi
GPS/Locations N 42.76603 / W 76.01582
Directions - Take 81 to Exit 14 and proceed east on Rt. 11 through Tully. Make a right onto Rt. 91 heading south. Shortly after passing through Fabius, turn south onto Shackham Rd. for about 5 miles. Just before Shackham ends at Rt 91 look for signs for the the Finger Lakes Trail.
Or use Google Maps.

Information
Number of falls: 1
Size/Types: 15 feet tall cascade in two equal parts.
Best time to visit: Winter snow melt, spring, after heavy rain. Dry in summer.
Flow: low.
Waterway: Hemlock Brook, a tributary into Shackham Brook.
Time: 30 minutes.

Accessibility
Seasons/Hours: Year round. All day, all night.
Parking: Roadside parking at the trail junction at Shackham Rd. Please do not block the trail.
Admission: Free
Handicap accessibility: no
Pets: Allowed on leash.
Accommodations: campsite.

Trails
Difficulty: Moderate.
From the junction at Shackham Rd., head east winding down towards Shackham Brook and the bridge. Follow the orange blazes. From the creek, you may be able to spot a small seasonal tributary that looks almost silver, due to the way the light hits the shale bedrock. Cross the bridge and follow the trail, you see white blazes when crossing Enchanted Hollow, and Blue Blazes when approaching the falls on Hemlock Brook. Stay on the orange blaze trail and you will see the falls as the trail hooks around to follow Hemlock Brook. Trails hug both side of the creek.
Map: buy map O1 from the FLTC
Markings: Finger Lakes Trail signs and orange blazes on the trees.

Description...
We'll admit, this small, seasonal waterfall is not much of a sight. Roughly 15 feet tall, divided in two sections, it barely has water in during the dry summer months. But you should take some time to see it. The Enchanted Hollow area is a spectacular sight with pristine, peaceful forest, spotted with the calming sound of its various brooks. It's a beautiful spot to explore and we could tell from the numerous circles of charcoal surrounding the falls, a popular spot for camping along the Finger Lakes Trail. If you are in the area checking out Tinkers Falls, we highly recommend you take the time to check out this falls and see if it is flowing.

History...
This small waterfall is located along the southern end of the Onondaga Trail (a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail). For more information on the Finger Lakes Trail, visit the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website.

Do not miss...
Labrador Pond, located just across the street from the nearby Tinkers Falls, is a great location for fishing and canoeing.

Photography Tips
▪ Carefully climb down into the creek bed for a better angle.
▪ There's plenty of stuff here here, other than waterfalls, you can shoot.
▪ Keep your gear safe and dry. The difficult hike may get you dirty and wet. Be sure to protect your gear in case of a fall.
▪ See the Articles section for more waterfall photography tips.

Weather

Contact
Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 7
1285 Fisher Ave.
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-3095

Links
Morgan Hill State Forest
DEC policy: Tips for Using State Forests
Finger Lakes Trail Conference