Waterfall Wednesday: Enfield Falls

Have you visited Enfield Falls before? I hadn’t until this summer! The coolest thing about this waterfall – you can swim in front of it!

Did I swim in front of it? Nope. I completely forgot that that was a possibility and didn’t have a swimsuit with me on this 93 degree day. So this item is still on my bucket list.

It was a very hot summer this year. Most of my hikes ended up being in 90 degree weather. I don’t recommend it. Also, never underestimate the importance of having plenty of water with you (and twice as much as you think you’ll need on a hot day).

Enfield Falls is a 70 foot cascade on the lower end of Robert H. Treman State Park right outside of Ithaca, New York. The park is 1072 acres and has camping, picnic areas, swimming, and nine miles of hiking trails. The trail to Enfield Falls is a .5 mile fairly level, handicap accessible walk that goes right through the picnic and swim areas. The Gorge Trail is 2.25 miles and passes by 11 additional waterfalls (including a 117 foot cascade – Lucifier Falls). This trail is very heavy on the steps and steep areas.

Although the trail is said to have many waterfalls, only a few are visible from the trail other than the main ones. Lucifer Falls may be worth it (we’ll talk about Lucifer Falls later on in the series). Also, I was given the genius tip that if you hike with someone you could each park on each end and then only walk the full length once (I did not take this advice).

What's in a Name?

Prior to the park being called Robert H. Treman State Park it was called Enfield Glen Reservation due to Enfield Creek which runs through the property.

Robert H. Treman was born in 1858 to an influential Ithaca family and also attended Cornell University. Later in life he became a successful banker and was director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for 18 years. In 1891 he was a trustee of Cornell University and worked to preserve Cascadilla Gorge and Fall Creek Gorge which are located inbetween the Cornell campus. He began to purchase land throughout the area, including the area which would become Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park. He later donated these lands to the state for the purpose of preservation and public use. Upon his death, Enfield Glen Reservation was renamed to Robert H. Treman State Park in his honor.

The Painting

The most challenging part of painting this particular waterfall was getting a photograph that did not include tons of people. Luckily I was able to stay late when I was at the park and captured a few photos as everyone was being told to get out of the pool.

Both waterfalls of Treman State Park are available for purchase in my shop and would look great displayed as a set or individually. (Click here for Enfield falls, here for Lucifer Falls)

Fall Happenings

Thank you everyone that came out this past Friday during the Urban Arts Crawl to visit during the opening reception of Waterfalls of the Finger Lakes! It was such a treat to meet all of you! If you were unable to make it (or you want take another look) this exhibit will be on display through December 14th at the Corning branch of First Heritage Federal Credit Union (23 W Market Street) and available to view during regular business hours.

Last chance in the next coming weeks to see my art at these venues:

The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes: Member Show will be ending October 12th. My painting of Stony Brook Falls is currently at this location.

Dansville ArtWorks: Fall Juried Show will be ending October 26th. My painting of Middle Falls from Letchworth State Park is currently on display. Don’t forget to vote for the People’s Choice award when you visit!