My Favorite Local Waterfalls - Reynolds Gully

Waterfalls in Western, NY are common.

Less common, however, to find one not littered with the effects of people or “No Trespassing” signs. Waterfalls are beautiful, serene, and should be enjoyed. However, the beauty of such locations tends to attract the multitudes.

When waterfalls become popular, taking photos of them becomes increasingly more difficult. As a photographer you know this reality all too well. Kids are swimming in the naturally dug out pool, fishermen are casting lines, remnants of campfires are smoldering off to the side, maybe some beer cans laying around from a high school fling. So why would I expose my favorite waterfall to all these potential distractions?

Beauty should never be kept hidden.

This spot has meant more to me than most people will ever understand. Though only a half mile hike, Reynolds Gully was the first full hike I accomplished while recovering from my most challenging stint of anxiety. And to be honest, I didn’t make it to the first waterfall on my initial attempt. As the story goes, it was May 9th, 2020; the day I took an iconic selfie.

Having been cooped up in my apartment for weeks due to the unmentionable virus, I was determined to go out and take photos on a Saturday morning. I lived alone and had no other responsibilities other than a sleepy feline wondering why I was still puttering about the apartment. I noticed the weather was less than ideal, but it didn’t matter. I was determined. I never expected the dreaded “s” word. Welcome to Western, NY, home of the freak snow storms in May.

My face should explain everything you need to know.

I drove out to the North end of Hemlock Lake to start. In full winter gear, I ventured out on a short hike to the waterside to capture some spring-like shots. Funny thing is, as soon as I set up my tripod the entire Southern sky turned dark gray. A large snow squall was pushing through and left me taking shots that looked more like a winter wonderland than color-filled spring.

It was time to move on.

Recommended to me by an old friend of mine, I then went on a wild scavenger hunt just to find this gully with the promise of glorious waterfalls. With nothing but a text message and a pin on Google Maps of where it “should be”, I drove South-ish. I stumbled across Reynolds Gully on my first try, not to pat myself on the back. It was a slow and unsure drive, but luckily there weren’t many cars around to become hostile towards my uncertainty.

Pulling into the parking lot, exiting my car, I immediately was hit with the sound of rushing water. The creek was nearby. I grabbed my camera and began exploring the area. The first thing I noticed is the well worn trail that goes straight into the woods. This quickly gives way to excellent views about 8 feet above the water level. Obvious trails that lead directly to the water were spotted, but the water was a bit too cold for my liking.

Then the trail stops.

No choice at this point. To continue upstream you are getting wet. Great for summer days filled with sunshine, not so great for spring days reminiscent of late February. Holding far too much cash in camera gear, an unwillingness to get hypothermia, and having no idea how much further until the waterfall, I turned back only to get hit with another whiteout. It’s May, why are you dropping frozen precipitation?!

A month later I returned. Beginning of June shouldn’t have snow, right? This time it was warm, warm enough for my feet to get wet and not cause life-altering illness. It was proper spring weather with a lovely flow of water. I hiked into the waterfall, snapped some long exposure photos, and headed home. The conclusion of my first full hike I had accomplished in years.

Standing in that spot at the end of the hike was one of peace and serenity. This was the furthest I had walked away from my car in years. I was completely enclosed by steep walls of slate and dirt. The sound was nothing but rushing water and chirping birds. Not a single human in sight. I was alone, but my mind was full of hope.

I conquered a hike, I expanded my boundaries, I reached a spot worthy of taking photos. I had been limited for too long, taking photos of places that were easily accessible. Then this location fell into my lap and became one of my favorite spots in Western, NY. Sure, it’s pretty, but it means so much more to me. This spot will always hold that place in my mind as a place of freedom. A place where anxiety began to break and my ability to pursue my passion in photography grew.

Here is the simplest way to find this hike.

Driving South on 15A down the East side of Hemlock Lake, as you approach the Southern end you will begin a ear popping descent down a hill. Near the bottom of said hill you will see a sign for a boat launch. Instead of turning right into the boat launch, turn left into a small gravel parking lot. You’ve arrived.

Be kind to this area. Sometimes spots like this are more beautiful than you’ll be able to see.