Wells Falls
Since the 1940s, the Van Nattas Pumping Station has sat abandoned next to Wells Falls creating quite a unique pairing of waterfall and abandoned buildings. How to Get to Wells Falls in Ithaca, New York November 6, 2020 by Jim Cheney How to get to Wells Falls in Ithaca, New York 3.7K shares Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you. Located a short distance southeast of downtown Ithaca is one of the most beautiful and unique Ithaca Waterfalls: Wells Falls. Wells Falls, which is also known by the interesting name of Businessman’s Lunch Falls or First Dam, is 65 feet tall and drops in a series of four drops. Of these, the largest is a 30-foot man-made dam. However, from the base of the falls, this dam can’t be seen well, so you’ll be able to enjoy the 35-foot natural portion of this waterfall. While Wells Falls in Ithaca is far from the tallest waterfalls in the area, what makes it unique is that it is located directly adjacent to an abandoned power plant. Close up of Businessman's Lunch Falls in Ithaca New York A close up look at Wells Falls. The Van Nattas Pumping Station was built in 1893 on the site of an old flour mill. It provided water for the city both for drinking and for fire stations. Over the years, the site grew with new pumps being added and the site being harnassed for electricity. Since the 1940s, the Van Nattas Pumping Station has sat abandoned next to Wells Falls creating one of the most unique waterfalls in New York. Today, Wells Falls is located on the Six Mile Creek Natural Area less than a mile outside of downtown Ithaca. Abandoned Building at Wells Falls in the Finger Lakes An abandoned building sits adjacent to the falls. From the parking area along Giles Road, it’s a short quarter-mile hike to the base of the falls. While the trail is a bit steep in places, it’s a fairly easy hike to the base of the falls. The falls tumble 65 feet tall and drops in a series of four drops. Of these, the largest is a 30-foot man-made dam. However, from the base of the falls, this dam can’t be seen well, so you’ll be able to enjoy the 35-foot natural portion of this waterfall. The exact spots from which you can shoot Wells Falls will vary depending upon the water levels. If levels are high, you may only be able to get a side view of the falls. However, if levels are a bit lower, you should be able to easily get a view of the falls from the front. It should be noted that while the trail and waterfall viewing area are on public property, the abandoned building is on private property. Please only enjoy it from a distance. (Ithaca, New York, USA)
