Chittenango Falls State Park
Nestled in the scenic town of Cazenovia, New York, Chittenango Falls State Park is a hidden gem that showcases the
raw beauty of nature. The park’s centerpiece is a stunning 167-foot waterfall, formed by glacial sculpting over ancient bedrock dating
back 400 million years. This cascading wonder plunges dramatically into a gorge, creating a mesmerizing display that’s particularly
impressive in spring when water flow is at its peak.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities year-round. The park offers hiking trails, including a moderate 0.5-mile
path with 147 feet of elevation gain that leads to viewpoints of the falls. Note that the Gorge Trail may be closed for construction,
so check ahead for updates. Picnic areas with tables, pavilions, grills, and shelters make it ideal for family outings, while a
playground keeps younger visitors entertained. Fishing is permitted in the creek, and nature trails provide opportunities for
birdwatching and exploration. For those looking to extend their stay, the park includes camping facilities.
Geologically, the waterfall emerged around 10,000 years ago, carving through layered limestone cliffs. The park is
open from sunrise to sunset daily, with some restrictions—call 315-423-3744 for details on hours and shelter rentals. Whether you’re
seeking a peaceful picnic, a short hike, or simply the soothing sound of rushing water, Chittenango Falls offers a refreshing escape
just a short drive from Syracuse.
The Geological History of Chittenango Falls
Chittenango Falls, located in central New York, is a dramatic 167-foot cascade formed over ancient bedrock that tells a story spanning hundreds of millions of years. The falls and surrounding gorge are the result of both long-term sedimentary processes during the Paleozoic Era and more recent glacial activity at the end of the last Ice Age.Ancient Origins: The Paleozoic Sedimentary Record. The bedrock underlying Chittenango Falls dates back to the Late Silurian and Early Devonian periods, approximately 420 to 390 million years ago. During this time, the region was situated near the equator, covered by a shallow tropical sea. This environment led to the deposition of thick layers of dolomite and limestone, formed from marine sediments rich in fossils of extinct sea creatures such as stromatoporoids, eurypterids (ancient sea scorpions like Erieopterus), and gastropods (e.g., Maclurites). The exposed rocks include the “Cobleskill” Formation at the base, consisting of massive, fine-grained dolostone with rare stromatoporoids and fragmentary eurypterid remains, and the overlying Chrysler Formation, made up of thin- to medium-bedded dolostones containing celestite crystals in cavities (vugs) and mudcracked surfaces indicative of periodic drying.
These formations reflect deposition in near-shore lagoons under hypersaline conditions, influenced by carbonate buildups, microbial mats, and fluctuating sea levels. Periods of prolonged emergence created a playa-like setting with sun-baked sediments, before a marine transgression marked the Silurian-Devonian boundary with a thick layer of waterlime (part of the Helderberg Group). This boundary is visible in the gorge, where the resistant dolomitic layers create the stepped profile of the falls.
Recent Formation: Glacial and Post-Glacial Erosion. The modern landscape of Chittenango Falls emerged much more recently, around 12,500 years ago, with the retreat of the continental glacier at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. As the ice sheets melted, they sculpted the terrain, depositing glacial till and exposing the underlying Paleozoic bedrock. Chittenango Creek, fed by meltwater, began eroding the gorge through differential weathering—the harder dolomite and limestone layers resisted erosion, while softer shales (such as the Vernon Shale) wore away more quickly, forming the steep cliffs and cascading waterfall. Ongoing erosion by the creek, combined with climatic changes, continues to shape the north-facing gorge, with interglacial periods contributing to further deepening, as evidenced by historical observations of erosion features.
This interplay of ancient marine deposition and recent glacial forces makes Chittenango Falls a fascinating site for understanding New York’s geological evolution, from tropical seas to ice-age sculpting.
Chittenango Falls State Park
Fees and Rates
Vehicle Entrance Fee
Daily: $5/car
Non-Commercial Bus Fee: $35
Commercial Bus Fee: $75
Seasonal Bus Permit: $75
Hours of Operation
Open year-round, with restrictions. Call Clark Reservation at 315-492-1756 for specifics.
Park Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
Pavilion Information
Chittenango Falls has two pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $200 and can accommodate 25 or 100 people.
Check availability at reserveAmerica.com
Directions: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: Thruway (I-90) east to Exit 34A, Route 481, south to Fayetteville exit, Route 5 east to Route 13 south to park entrance. New York & Albany: Thruway (I-90) west to exit 34, Route 13 south to park entrance.
Chittenango Falls State Park
2300 Rathbun Rd.
Cazenovia, NY 13035
(315) 492-1756
Mailing Address
c/o Clark Reservation State Park
6105 East Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
For more info, latests updates, the latest hours, programs/events, etc. - go to
Chittenango Falls State Park
Pet Policy:
A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Also Check our Cookbook recipes put together by a small town Ladies Auxiliary in 1975.
