This Mother’s Day, my amazing boys surprised me with the perfect gift: a brand new pair of hiking boots! They knew I’d been itching to get out and explore some trails, so they planned a fantastic outing to Pratt’s Falls Park in Pompey, New York.
Pratt’s Falls turned out to be the ideal destination for a family hike. The park itself is beautiful, with scenic trails leading to a cascading 137-foot waterfall. What I especially loved was that you can actually view the falls from an observation area right near the parking lot – perfect for those who might not be up for a hike, or families with young children. There are even picnic tables, pavilions, and a small playground with swings and seesaws, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
But of course, with my new boots begging to be put to the test, we opted to explore further. Little did I know, Pratt’s Falls boasts a rich history as the site of Onondaga County’s first mill operation in 1796! The boys filled me in on all the fun facts they learned about the saw mill and flour mill that once stood here, powered by the very waterfall we were about to explore.
The park offers a variety of trails to suit all interests. We conquered the Falls Trail, a moderate 0.6-mile trek that led us down to a breathtaking lower view of the cascading water. The trail was well-maintained and easy to navigate, even with my brand new boots (although a slight break-in period was definitely required!).
For the more adventurous hikers, Pratt’s Falls has a network of four trails to choose from: the North Rim Trail (a scenic 2.6-mile adventure), the West Branch Trail (a shorter 1.2-mile option), and the North Rim Crossover Trail (clocking in at 1.6 miles). We decided to save those for another visit – gotta give those new boots a proper workout, right?
One thing to keep in mind is that while Pratt’s Falls is a dog-friendly park, furry companions must be on a 6-foot leash and have proof of rabies vaccination. It is always great when we can bring our rescue pup, Lily along for the hike. There’s also a public restroom on-site, which is always a plus!
The best part? Entering the park is a breeze – just a $2 donation via a convenient honor system box.
Overall, our hike at Pratt’s Falls was the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was a beautiful escape into nature, filled with stunning scenery, a touch of history, and the joy of spending time with my wonderful boys. If you’re looking for a family-friendly park with easy access to waterfalls and hiking trails, I highly recommend checking out Pratt’s Falls!
