Wells Falls

Wells Falls (Van Nattas Falls) is a 65-foot multi-tiered cascade adjacent to an abandoned pumping station in Ithaca, New York.

The waterfall is one of the more unique natural landmarks in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It is adjacent to a circa 1893 pumping station that was used to deliver water to the burgeoning city from a far-flung reservoir, which made using regular kinds of shallow water pumps difficult.It was built on the site of the former Van Natta & Jones Mill that at one point, produced seven grades of flour.

The pumping station was abandoned decades ago and today, Wells Falls serves as a popular swimming hole and recreation area only minutes from downtown.

Gallery

Directions

From Ithaca Commons in downtown, follow South Aurora Street / NY Route 96B south over Six Mile Creek for one block. Turn left onto Hudson Street and follow for .3 mile. Turn left onto Columbia Street and descend down the hill. Turn right onto Giles Street and follow for .4 mile. Cross Six Mile Creek and turn right into the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve parking lot. The trail down to Wells Falls is on the west side of the Six Mile Creek bridge.