Great Gully is a beautiful waterfall secluded by luscious greenery in Upstate New York along Cayuga Lake. I would definitely consider this spot a hidden gem because I hadn’t heard of it until the day before visiting. Also, I hadn’t seen anyone that I follow post anything here. I am hesitant to make this post because I don’t want this beautiful little gem to become overpopulated, but I also know that there are other people out there, just like me, looking for a new adventure!

In this blog, I will share how to find Great Gully so you can explore more of our beautiful state of New York this summer!

Finding the Great Gully

I recognized the drive to Great Gully immediately as I pulled off of the thruway. I had driven the same exact roads to work at the Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale at the Wolf’s Patio Pizza food truck! I loved driving out here every day because the backroads are so peaceful, and driving through the countryside while listening to country music puts me in the best mood!

When you arrive, if you are coming from the thruway, the parking lot will be on your left hand side just after you pass the town of Union Springs. The parking lot is very small, it holds less than 15 cars. I had to park in the grass right next to the road but I wouldn’t do that unless your car has 4 wheel drive, otherwise you’ll get stuck. I, thankfully, was driving a truck so I didn’t get stuck!

As you enter the trail, you’ll see a waterfall almost immediately. I personally didn’t swim here but you definitely can! It looked like a great spot, however since that is the first thing you see, most people will hangout there.

After the first waterfall, continue walking upstream for less than a mile and you will eventually come across the main attraction! This was a little bit of a hike because we were walking in the stream. For me, it was easier to walk barefoot but it is also a great idea to bring water shoes.

By the time my friend and I arrived to the main waterfall we were sweating bullets! We immediately stripped down and jumped in. Boy did it feel good! Walking up to the waterfall, it gave me the illusion that it would be shallow, but to my surprise it was roughly 7 feet deep!

If you look closely in the picture to the left, you’ll see a rope with a small log attached to it. This rope is wrapped around a fallen tree multiple times. My friend and I tried swinging from the rope and landing in the water but it was pretty difficult haha.

Also, I came here at the end of May so all of the leaves on the trees have bloomed!

I think this is my new favorite spot to swim in a waterfall! There weren’t many people here when we were, so I loved that it was very quiet. If you visit, let me know what your thoughts are!

Address: 42.808, -76.701 (in Union Springs, NY)