Emilie Jonas Falls

Tompkins County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Tompkins County, New York
Access status: Short steep preserve trail on private land opened to the public
The walk: Short but steep; NYFalls allows about 45 minutes there and back
Ground & access: Primitive trail, short but steep, with slippery spots, rocks and fallen trees to scramble over. No facilities except a bench near the falls.

Emilie Jonas Falls, also called Goodwins Falls or Upper Gulf Creek Falls, is a 65-foot cascade on Gulf Creek in the Town of Lansing. It is on private property in the Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Preserve, opened through Lansing Pathways and the Town of Lansing with the landowners. From the small lot, a short, steep dirt trail drops into the gorge, then follows the creek to the base of the falls. Downstream waterfalls are on private property and closed. NYFalls notes the hiking privilege can be revoked without warning.

Plan your visit

Small gravel lot on East Shore Circle in Lansing, Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Preserve trail down into the Gulf Creek gorge to the base of the falls

NYFalls gives time, not distance: about 45 minutes there and back on a short, steep trail.

Primitive trail, short but steep, with slippery spots, rocks and fallen trees to scramble over. No facilities except a bench near the falls.

Where to start

Small gravel lot for about 3 cars on East Shore Circle, after the fourth house on the right and across from 89 E Shore Circle, beside a crop field. If full, come back another time.

Timing & water

Open 9 am to sunset. Dogs are not permitted. Flow is often a trickle by mid-summer, and the trail can be dangerous in winter.

Before you go

Free.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Tompkins County, New York.

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