Trenton Falls is a gorgeous place to visit. It features several falls that drop 300 vertical feet, a two-mile trail, two NYS DEC fishing accesses, and new interpretive signs. It's only open to the public a few weekends out of the year. 

Trenton Falls is where the West Canada Creek roars through, spilling several hundred feet to create the breathtaking falls. In 1805, John Sherman fell in love with the area and a few years later with some donated money he created a path to the waterfalls. A short time after that he purchased 60 acres of surrounding land. In 1825, Sherman turned it into a world-famous retreat. The falls attracted artists, poets and the wealthy.

According to the Town of Trenton website, geologists estimate that the rocks in the Trenton Gorge are approximately 450 million years old. Trenton limestone is abundant with fossils, including one spectacular trilobite fossil Isotelus gigas.

Limestone deposits are extremely common at Trenton Falls, and limestone has played a role in the Upstate New York economy since the latter half of the 19th century. Various quarries of Trenton Group limestone served commercial needs, including use in the construction of several local buildings such as the Utica State Hospital, the Wethersfield School and the Barneveld Library. Ten locks of the Black River canal were built with Trenton limestone. In addition, limestone is used to manufacture medicines and toothpaste.

 

May 7 and 8, folks can enjoy Trenton Falls Gorge to hike the trails and picnic. There are two types of paths are available: the primary trail (stone dust) takes visitors from the entrance/parking area to the Trenton Falls Hydro Dam overlook. This trail is approximately 1 mile long and will take 1 to 1.5 hours to enjoy. The secondary trails (wood mulch) allow visitors to experience nature and scenic vistas along the gorge with informational panels at points of historical interest.

Trenton Falls is open the public May 7-8, Sept. 6-7 and again Oct. 4-5.


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