2020 Vacationer | Page 79
The “Valley of Tumbling Waters”
S
urrounded by hills rising 1,000 feet, Montour Falls is the focal point for seven natural glens that radiate from its borders, with more than a score of waterfalls to see. The 165-foot waterfall located on the west end of the village is of special note as it seems like it should flow right down Main Street. History permeates the village. Montour Falls was once the site of a Seneca Indian tribe, which was destroyed along with 40 other Amerindian villages by Sullivan’s army in 1779. The Iroquois Long House Council Chambers of the Haudenosaunee was located here. The village was named after Queen Catherine Montour, a prominent Native American woman of Seneca Indian heritage who lived at the village site during the 18th century. Montour Falls was an important trade stop and travel hub, playing an important role on the Seneca Lake inlet when the Chemung Canal was built in 1827 to connect Seneca Lake with the Chemung River. Homes in the Historic District offer a glimpse into this era. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this Finger Lakes gem.
Montour Falls Attractions Eagle Cliff Falls
Located in a beautiful city park, complete with a picnic area, campground and playground, you will find beautiful Eagle Cliff Falls. At the far end of the park, a quarter mile trail follows along McClure Creek. The first water feature is a tiered cascade, as the creek descends a series of rock steps. Not too far up the trail, a series of steps leads beside the 40-foot Eagle Falls as it pours out of a deep gorge. The small gorge by steep-sided cliffs is made up of layers of stained limestone. Look closely and you will discover a spread-wing eagle profile in the stone.
The Glorious T
The village streets of Montour Falls are lined with a pleasant mix of architectural styles, varying from the clean lines of craftsman to the ornate designs of Greek Revival and Victorian. The best examples are located at what is called “the Glorious T,” where West Main Street meets Genesee Street and mid19th century homes surround the 156-foot Shequa-ga Falls. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the Village of Montour Falls offers a self-guided tour of the historic district. The audio journey is free and can be accessed via your cell phone and lasts about 25 minutes.
Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail
The Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail (MFHLT) was created by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and is part of the nearly 1,000-mile Finger Lakes Trail Sys-
tem. The MFHLT is around 5-miles and features three waterfalls, including She-Qua-Ga Falls, Eagle Cliff Falls and Deckertown Falls. The hike is described as easy, mostly level walking. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (fingerlakestrail.org) features a special map of the Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail with description that they sell on their website.
Newfield Covered Bridge
Built in the1850s, the Newfield Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in New York State that still supports daily traffic. Saved from being torn down in the 60s by dedicated citizens, the bridge was restored in 1972, raising the entire bridge a foot, increasing the height of the portal entrances and adding two additional trusses. By 1998, a large-scale restoration included abutment and bank stabilization, new decking and roofing, a pedestrian bridge, the Musser overlook and a picnic area. Located close to Montour Falls, make a stop and enjoy this picturesque touch of history.
Schuyler County Historical Society
108 N. Catherine St./Route 14, Montour Falls 607-535-9741; schuylerhistory.org The Schuyler County Historical Society tells the big history of this small county at its Brick Tavern Museum (a large Federal-style structure built in 1828 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and at the Wickham Rural Life Center and Lee School. From the Lamoka Village, one of the earliest human settlements in the Northeastern United States to the area’s spectacular glacially formed waterfalls, the stories of Schuyler County are told in exhibits of artifacts, paintings, furniture, tools, toys, clothing and more. Genealogical resources and educational speakers and workshops are available throughout the year. A gift shop offers books on local history and handmade items from area artists. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday in July, August and September). Closed on Mon. and holidays. Free admission.
She-Qua-Ga Falls
Dropping 156-feet into the “Glorious T,” She-qua-ga Falls seems to flow right into the heart of Montour Falls. Located at the intersection of Main and Genesee Streets, it is a big part of the Montour Falls Historic District. Two dozen structures line Genesee Street, including the courthouse, sheriff’s office, the lovely Montour Memorial Library and many wellkept 19th-century homes. Known as Tumbling Waters to Native Americans, She-qua-ga Falls is often referred to simply as Montour Falls by those having difficulty pronouncing the Indian name. From the park, built at the base of the falls, banks of lights create a beautiful night setting. Mill Creek Bridge spans the head of the falls and offers another great view of the town and the waterfall.