Wells Falls
| Wells Falls | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Wells Falls | |
| Coordinates | 42°26′01″N 76°29′06″W / 42.43367°N 76.48510°W |
| Total height | 65 ft (20 m) |
| Number of drops | 4 |
Wells Falls, also known as Businessman's Lunch Falls, is a 65 foot (20 m) waterfall located in Ithaca, New York. It is part of Six Mile Creek, a waterway that flows through Ithaca before merging with the Cayuga Inlet. The falls are notable for their four-tiered cascade, historical significance, and proximity to the Van Natta Pumping Station, an abandoned 19th-century water and power facility.[1]
Geography and description
Wells Falls consists of four distinct drops, with the largest being a 30-foot (9.1 m) man-made dam.[1] The remaining natural cascades contribute to its picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.[1] The falls are located within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, a protected region southeast of downtown Ithaca.[1]
History
The Van Natta Pumping Station, adjacent to Wells Falls, was constructed in 1893 on the site of an old flour mill.[1] It played a crucial role in supplying water for drinking and firefighting in Ithaca.[1] However, the typhoid outbreak in 1903 made people begin to be suspicious of the site and its construction. Because of this, a water purification plant was built nearby. The pump station received some improvements in 1906 and a dam improvement in 1925.[1] The station was abandoned in the 1940s, and there was a proposal to convert the place into a hydroelectric plant in the 1980's but it never happened.[1]
The name Businessman's Lunch Falls originated from the tradition of downtown workers visiting the site during lunch breaks, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.[1]
Accessibility and visitor information
Wells Falls is accessible via Giles Street, with parking available at the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve.[1] A quarter-mile trail leads to the base of the falls, offering views of both the cascades and the abandoned pumping station.[1] While the trail is steep in places, it is considered a moderate hike.[1]