Fun Facts about Hector Falls and Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region of New York is the perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy some of the most spectacular nature settings. And is a destination for all four seasons. 

Here are some fun facts about Hector Falls and Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes:

Hector Falls

Hidden away from bustling cities and tourist crowds, Hector Falls offers a serene escape into nature. Its remote location adds to its mystique and allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings. The water flowing through Hector Falls remains remarkably pure and transparent.

When we traveled up to Watkins Glen, New York, we were amazed at the wealth of beautiful waterfalls that were in the area. Hector Falls is located along the eastern shores of Seneca Lake and is considered to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in New York State. This beautiful waterfall is right on the side of the road and is located along Rt. 414 heading north just 3.5 miles from Watkins Glen, New York in the Finger Lakes. This natural wonder boasts a stunning cascade of water that flows gracefully down a steep cliff, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors.

If you are in Watkins Glen, it is 3.5 miles north, and as you drive up, you will be able to see the lake from the road. When you cross a bridge, you will see Hector Falls to your right.

There are few fun facts about Hector falls:

1. Although most commonly recorded as 165 ft high, Hector Falls, can be considered a lot taller, if you begin counting the series of cascading drops from what’s commonly seen of the falls. Over 250 feet of waterfalls combined cascade down this hill from near the top and into Seneca Lake. 
2. The founder of the town of Hector was Richard Ely, he named his first born son Hector and named the town and waterfall after his son. In 1801 the falls water powered a wool mill.
3. Similar to many other waterfalls in the Finger Lake region, Hector Falls is made out of limestone and shale rock. 
4. You will only see the top portion of it from the bridge. This is due to the fact that the lower areas of it are close to the Seneca Lake on private property. It is possible to see more of the formation from on the lake itself when we do a boat tour on the water later on.

I highly recommend checking out the gorgeous Hector Falls.

Best time to visit: Spring, fall and after heavy rain. 

Fun facts about Seneca Lake:

1. The lake takes it’s name from the Seneca nation of Native Americans.
2. The deepest of all the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake has a maximum depth of just over 618 feet.  It is also the region’s second-longest lake – measuring an impressive 38 miles from north to south. 
3. Seneca Lake is the deepest and widest of the Finger Lakes, holds nearly half of their total volume.
4. The lake does not freeze in winter, and acts as a giant heat storage unit for the vineyards surrounding the lake, extending the growing season. 
5. Seneca Lake, with its cool and stable microclimate proved to be better for vineyards than the other lakes. Today, over 50 wineries surround the lake; offering varieties with diverse heritage and astounding creativity. And we will be visiting one of the wineries today.
6. Despite being a freshwater lake, one of its principal industries is salt. Salt deposits, from an ancient evaporated ocean, lie embedded thousands of feet below the bedrock. This deposit is massive; stretching from Albany across parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Southern Ontario, and all of Michigan. The Cargill and US Salt plants located at the southern end of the lake in Watkins Glen, utilize the Lake’s waters to dissolve the deposits. They then pipe the saline up from a well and evaporate the salt into crystals. The salt mined here ends up on tables, roads, and in factories across the US.
7. Seneca Lake has a rich naval history as well. In 1942 the US Navy constructed the 2,600 acre Sampson Naval Training Base on the eastern shore . Over 400,000 Navy personnel went through training here in order to serve in WWII. After the war, the grounds served as a college, educating thousands of returning veterans. 
8. Seneca Lake wines have won national awards and many garner favorable reviews from critics. Most Seneca Lake wineries offer tastings and tours, which has bloomed into a multi-million dollar tourism industry. Various shops, cafes, restaurants and resorts fill in the voids between wineries, offering visitors a taste of local crafts and cuisine.

Seneca Harbor Park on Seneca Lake

This Watkins Glen waterfront is small, but beautiful. With the marina on one side and the new Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on the other, there’s room for a just few picnic tables and a comfort station. A pier with a small red shelter offers not only a great fishing platform, but a short scenic walk. What makes this park so special is what surrounds it. Right next door you have the Seneca Harbor Station Restaurant where you can enjoy the lake from their covered deck. The Finger Lakes scenic railway passes by here!

Views from the shore is iconic, but the best way to experience the Seneca Lake is to get on the water.  To discover the beauty and charm of Seneca Lake as it can only be seen from the water.

Featuring 11 lakes in the heart of upstate New York, the Finger Lake region is the ideal vacation, weekend getaway, business trip, or overnight is never far away. From hiking and biking, to boating and fishing or even, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy some of the most spectacular nature settings, and is such a great spot to check out.