Tinker Falls is a 45-foot plunge waterfall on Tinker Creek, a tributary of Labrador Creek, in Cortland County, New York, within the Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
The falls
The creek drops in a single overhanging plunge measured at 45 feet. More resistant limestone above softer shale forms the recessed amphitheater behind the fall. NYFalls describes the drop in two parts instead, an overhanging plunge above a wooded cascade: a roughly 50-foot fall over about 30 feet of cascades, for a combined 80 feet.
Getting there
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages the falls within the Labrador Hollow Unique Area, free and open year-round. Parking sits across Route 91 from the entrance. An accessible path of compacted stone, at least 8 feet wide with a maximum 5 percent slope, covers the first 0.25 mile one way; accessibility beyond that point is not documented.
When to go
Flow is medium to low and sometimes drops to a trickle in summer; the falls are also a winter viewing destination.
On site
Swimming and bathing are prohibited, as are camping and fires, and dogs must stay under the handler's complete control. Forest rangers rescued a hiker with a broken leg here on August 12, 2023.
History and name
Tinker Falls is also known as Tully Falls.
Nearby
Morgan Hill Falls is about 4.4 miles away, Spicer Falls about 4.5 miles, Cascades, The about 5.6 miles, and Maxon Creek Falls about 6 miles.
Distances are straight-line.