Springstead Creek Falls

Springstead Creek Falls and Grimes Glen are found just outside of the town of Naples, south of Canandaigua Lake. From the intersection of Routes 21 and 53 at the south end of Naples, go north on Route 21 for half of a mile, then turn left onto Vine Street and follow Vine Street for another half of a mile to the entrance to Grimes Glen Park at the end of the road. From the parking lot, follow the trail across Grimes Creek and head upstream. Springstead Creek Falls will be encountered after hiking about one-third of a mile. It will likely be necessary to walk in the creek for part of the journey to the falls - fording at least once is necessary.Springstead Creek Falls is the first waterfall encountered as one progresses upstream through Grimes Glen. The falls occur where Springstead Creek pours into the gully of Grimes Creek, tumbling over a very attractive veiling style horsetail fall as it drops 61 feet down the side of the gully, terminating immediately as Springstead Creek enters Grimes Creek. The terraces at the bottom of the falls seem to be a popular spot for visitors to splash around in and cool off in during the warm months of the year. Note that in order to get to the very bottom of the falls, one must ford Grimes Creek (which shouldn't be more than shin deep outside of flood events).
The basin which Springstead Creek drains from covers an area of about 3.25 square miles, is largely forested, and features several areas of swamp which will help to promote ground water retention during the dry season. When we surveyed the falls at the end of May 2018, the flow in the creek was quite healthy, suggesting that the falls should remain visually prominent well into the summer season. Expect to see the volume reduced to just a trickle, if not entirely dry out, by mid to late August without the stream's basin being replenished by passing storms.