Location: About 11 miles south of the Village of Skaneateles, off Route 41A on Appletree Point Road in Niles, NY
There's something especially magical about a waterfall on a rainy day.
We visited Carpenter Falls in early September during a light rain, and instead of ruining our adventure, the weather made the woods feel even more peaceful and beautiful.
One of the things we love most about Carpenter Falls is that there are two very different ways to experience it.
The Short & Accessible Route
If you have young children, a stroller, use a wheelchair or simply aren't up for a hike, you can still experience the beauty of Carpenter Falls.
A short, accessible boardwalk—about 600 feet—leads from the parking area through the woods to an observation platform overlooking the 90-foot waterfall. It's an easy little nature outing that gives families a pretty impressive payoff without requiring a long hike.
Want More of an Adventure?
Keep going!
For families with older kids or confident younger hikers, Carpenter Falls can become a much bigger adventure. The trails connect with the neighboring Bahar Nature Preserve, where you can continue through the woods all the way toward the shore of Skaneateles Lake.
This portion is a completely different experience from the accessible boardwalk. Expect a true woodland trail with uneven terrain and plenty of exposed roots. If you're visiting during or after rain like we did, take your time and watch your footing.
Our early-September visit was lovely—the light rain, green woods and sound of rushing water made the whole place feel wonderfully quiet.
Kids Unplugged Tip
Don't feel like you have to do the entire hike for the outing to "count." Carpenter Falls is one of those wonderful places where you can choose the adventure that works for your family that day: take the short boardwalk to see the falls, or lace up your hiking shoes and turn it into a longer exploration through the woods toward Skaneateles Lake.
Pair It With: An Afternoon in Skaneateles
Turn your waterfall adventure into a half-day outing by heading into the Village of Skaneateles afterward. Take a walk along the lakefront and out onto the pier, wander through the downtown shops, and let everyone choose a treat.
It's a nice combination for families: a little adventure in the woods followed by an easy afternoon beside the lake.
Best for: Families, nature lovers, waterfall seekers and hikers
Accessibility: Accessible boardwalk and waterfall observation platform; the longer woodland trails are not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly
When we visited: Early September
Our weather: Light rain—and we loved it
Kids Unplugged category: Waterfalls
The wheels-friendly boardwalk, the main waterfall, and the more rugged trail at Carpenters Falls,