Warsaw Falls - Photos, Maps, Information

Warsaw Falls

Please read the property status warning (below) before visiting this site.
AKA Stony Creek Falls, Crystal Brook Falls
Location In the town of Warsaw, adjacent to Warsaw Village Park. Wyoming County
Maps - Google Map, Multi (terrain), Bird's eye
GPS/Locations Falls: N 42.73253 / W 78.15238
Park: N 42.73545 / W 78.13730
Directions - Take 20A to Warsaw and turn south on Liberty St. Turn into the park.
Or use Google Maps.

Information
Number of falls: Several
Size/Types: One 80 ft drop and several smaller falls.
Best time to visit: Spring, through Fall. May dry to a trickle in summer.
Flow: low.
Waterway: Stony Creek, a tributary to Oatka Creek
Time: Two hours or more.

Accessibility
Property Status Warning: We have heard from some sources that the gully is on Private Land and that the owners of the gully allow respectful and safe hikers to visit. Other sources indicate that the gully is part of the adjacent village park. Attempts to seek out the owners have been unsuccessful, but we will keep trying. As of September 2008 there are no posted signs indicating that this is private property. We ask that if you attempt to visit this site, you are respectful of any signs that you come across. Please tread lightly; do not leave any trash; and certainly: be safe. If you have any information about the ownership of this land, please let us know.
Seasons/Hours: Adjacent park is open from dawn until dusk.
Parking: Parking is available along the road that loops through the park or in the lot to the north by the lodge.
Admission: park admission is free.
Handicap accessibility: no
Pets: unknown.
Accommodations: the park has playing fields, tennis courts, swimming pool, picnic facilities, pavilion, ice-skating rink, lodge.

Description...
This beautiful natural setting has seemingly untouched waterfalls and pristine water. The hike is a spectacular one, especially in the fall, when the water level is low and the leaves blanket the dark limestone rocks of the gorge.

The creek walk up to the main falls is certainly a beautiful one, with small waterfalls and interesting rock formations along the way, but the real attraction here is Warsaw Falls, an 80 ft plus cascade. With nearly a straight drop, its water manages to hug the steep cliffs of this narrow cataract, filling this end of the gorge with the sounds of rushing water. It then rushes along a flat ledge at the bottom where it fans out and drops another ten or so feet down a wider falls. The contrast and positioning of these two falls makes for several photographic possibilities. We found ourselves with full memory cards in no time.

When we approached from the top, we couldn't get a good angle on the large falls or the gorge below, but a small waterfall pouring out of the railroad bridge just upstream proved to be just as photogenic as the falls itself.

Trails
Difficulty: Difficult (due to lack of trails, steep incline, climbing, and slippery conditions).
There are two ways to get a look at these falls. Along both routes we did not find any posted signs, although walking along the northern gorge rim we did see several "no hunting" signs.
The rim: From the park's western end (the back near the wooded area), follow the mowed trail uphill through the woods and then head left (south) until you reach the gorge rim. Proceed uphill and along the rim until you reach the railroad trestle. A difficult scramble down hill will get you a good look at the creek flowing under the bridge, and downstream is the crest of the tallest falls. There is no way down the gorge from here and it is extremely dangerous.
Creek walk: From the park's southwestern end (the back near the wooded area), look for a trail that leads into the woods. After a short while it will come to a muddy gully filled with a large utility pipe. Follow this pipe to Stony Creek and head upstream. The creek gets slippery in the autumn and there are no trails- so expect to walk through the water. There are a few small falls to climb, but nothing major. The walk is long and uphill. You reach the end at the large falls.
Markings: none.
Distance: just under 2 miles round trip.

History...
Know anything about the history of this falls or property? Let us know.

Photography Tips
▪ There are plenty of photo opportunities along the creek walk. Look up on the cliff, not just in the creek bed.
▪ 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.
▪ Warsaw Falls is pretty big and there's not much room to back up. Bring a wide-angle lens.
▪ See the Articles section for more waterfall photography tips.

Weather

Contact
Unknown.

Links
Warsaw, NY history
Warsaw chamber of commerce

Discussion
Share your opinion, experiences and photos.
Warsaw Falls