By Michael Johnson
ORWELL, NY – A beautiful cascade tucked away in the western flank of Tug Hill, Salmon River Falls Unique Area is an easily accessed gorge to explore and enjoy in all seasons.
The waters of the Salmon River tumble over a rocky precipice as they make their winding way from the forest of Redfield and Osceola to Lake Ontario, creating a cooling mist and forming a deep pool at the base of the cataract.
Due to ongoing bridge construction work on Rt. 22 east of the hamlet of Altmar, the Unique Area must be accessed by traveling east on County Rt. 2 from Pulaski to the hamlet of Orwell, then south on County Rt. 22 to Falls Road, a reasonable drive from anywhere in Oswego County.
My wife and I recently paid a visit to the area, and we thoroughly explored the trails and examined the accessibility of the site.
The Salmon River Falls Unique Area comprises 112 acres surrounding the 110 foot waterfall. The falls are situated 19 miles upstream from the Salmon River’s entrance to Lake Ontario at Selkirk. Part of a large parcel of land sold to New York state by what is now known as National Grid in 1993, the Unique Area is one of a number of scenic attractions along the Salmon River corridor.
There are several trails to enjoy in the Salmon River Falls Unique Area, including a 1,100 foot long wheelchair accessible trail. This pathway leads to several viewing areas for those with mobility challenges to enjoy.
The formation of the waterfall and gorge is a product of the geology of the region. Two types of bedrock underlie the area – Oswego sandstone and Pulaski shale. Water flowing from receding glaciers eroded the softer shale at a faster rate, leaving behind the harder sandstone and forming the falls.
The most physically challenging trail at the Unique Area, the Gorge Trail, is currently undergoing renovation. This demanding path drops 100 feet along its 600 foot length, twisting and turning as it makes its way to the bottom of the canyon. Members of the Adirondack Mountain Club are stabilizing the surface of the trail and its surrounding banks, hoping to preserve the pathway and to create a safer experience for visitors.
This trail was built in 2000, improved by the Adirondack Mountain Club in 2008, and will now see the benefit of trail widening, stabilization, and replacement of portions of the upper stone staircase.
We decided to tackle the Upper Falls Trail, a meandering pathway that follows the river east from the top of the falls to the base of the dam, one mile each way. The trail twists and winds along the north bank of the gurgling waters, passing in and out of sun and shade, presenting some steep side hills to negotiate. A sturdy hiking shoe or boot is highly recommended. Wildlife abounds in the deep forest, with the occasional serenade of a bullfrog breaking the silence of the verdant riverbank.
We felt fortunate to not have too many insects accompanying us as we ambled, but bug repellent containing an ample amount of DEET should always be included in your daypack when visiting Tug Hill during the summer months.
A few sections of the trail require hopping from rock to rock, so care must be taken when traversing these sections, especially if the rocks are wet.
Due to the increased use of recreational areas during the coronavirus pandemic, Salmon River Falls Unique Area has seen an increase in visitors in recent months. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recommends planning your visit for off-peak times.
Use caution and follow posted regulations. Keep in mind that the river rock is slippery when wet, and keep back at least fifteen feet from the cliff’s edge. The DEC also requires visitors to stay on designated trails.NYSDEC.gov
A visit to Salmon River Falls Unique Area is a refreshing taste of the natural world right here in Oswego County. If you go, please follow the suggestions of the NYSDEC, and plan your visit for a time of low usage. We can all ensure the availability of this beautiful resource by just working together and remembering to leave no trace.
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