Hector Falls is a 189-foot tiered cascade on Hector Falls Creek in Schuyler County, New York, cut in half by the NY 414 bridge as it drops toward Seneca Lake. The World Waterfall Database calls it the highest waterfall in the Watkins Glen area; only the upper half is open to the public, from the road.
The falls
The creek falls in seven steps over shale and limestone ledges. Above the highway, four stair-stepped tiers descend 84 feet, widening from about 25 feet across to about 70. A 16-foot drop runs beneath the bridge, and two more tiers fall 89 feet to the lake. The tallest single drop is 50 feet. The creek drains about 12.5 square miles, averages about 10 cubic feet per second for eight months of the year and 1 for the other four.
Getting there
The falls are 2.5 miles north of Watkins Glen on NY 414, along the east shore of Seneca Lake. Shoulder parking holds about five cars; there is no fee and no facilities. The lower falls sit between private homes, and there is no public access to the base. Falling Waters Boat Tours in Burdett runs 1.5-hour public and 2-hour private tours on Seneca Lake that include the falls, viewed from a natural shale patio.
When to go
Flow is best in spring, in fall and after heavy rain. In summer the creek can shrink to a trickle.
On site
Traffic on NY 414 moves at 45 to 65 mph right beside the parking spot, so check behind before opening the car door and stay off the roadway. The lower tiers are visible only from the water. Respect the privacy of the homes and do not attempt to reach them on foot.
History and name
Samuel Seely built a grist mill at the falls in 1801, the first mill in Schuyler County. The falls were once known as Factory Falls.
Nearby
Burdett Falls, on the same creek, is about 0.8 mile away. Big Hollow Run Falls is about 1.5 miles away, and Lower Excelsior Glen Falls and Excelsior Glen Falls are about 2 miles away. Watkins Glen is the nearest town.
Distances are straight-line.