Tramp & Trail

Write-up by Barb Thomas.

The remote falls are located on the Independence River near the Otter Creek Horse Trails. We had a beautiful day for this remote hike. It was necessary to drive on Beach Mill Rd. for about two miles to reach the parking area. As we started up Beach Mill Rd., we could see a small buggy with a horse and driver. We followed her, as with the narrow road there was not room to pass. When she arrived at a place she could pull over, there was an elderly lady driving the small white horse. We talked with her for several minutes and it was a pleasure to have this conversation. She apologized for being so slow on the hill. We assured her that we enjoyed following her horse and buggy up the hill. She explained she was driving the dirt road down to Cleveland Lake and planned to do a loop.
She said her horse was 20 years old and slow on the hills. (The horse is not the only one that moves slowly up the hills.) As we were leaving her, she said it was a delight to talk with us and we were very kind. We left her with a good impression of the Tramp and Trail Club. It was indeed a pleasure to meet with her.

We continued on the dirt road to the end and parking area. Everyone prepared for the hike and we were off. We crossed Burnt Creek on a large wooden bridge. The trail is well marked and not difficult. We did have a couple wet areas due to recent rain but it truly is an enjoyable trail to hike. As we proceeded, we passed an old large pond area with fallen trees and old beaver house. We continued on this well-maintained trail but it does have hills.

As we hiked along the trail we could hear the waterfalls in the distance. We crossed another stream over a small creek and climb up a hill and came to the informal campsite. Roger built a fire and this helped to keep the bugs away from us.

After lunch, we made our way up the path along the falls, stopping to get great views of the rushing water through narrow ledges and over rocks. We reached the top of the falls and as you looked up stream the water was calm and flat—what a difference!
Of course, there was picture taking along the falls. We turned around at the top and returned to the informal campsite. We gathered up our packs and made our way back along this interesting trail. There were a variety of wildflowers near the trail. This area is a great place to visit and the hike is only six miles in total.

It was back to the parking area and the Tramps prepared to move slowly down the dirt road and back to Erie Canal Road. We continued back to the Boonville Hotel for some cold refreshments. It truly was a beautiful day and we visited an area that many Tramps had never seen. It was enjoyable to sit outside at the Boonville Hotel and enjoy conversation and exchange memories.