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DON'T MISS THE FALLS!

The waterfalls of the Rondout River give my town its name. They are just across from the orchard entrance. You can walk down or drive and park right there. After entering the zigzag gate, walk a few steps closer for a view of the main falls. Is that old apple tree still stuck on the rocks?

But do not stop now! A bit more along the small road brings you to a close up confrontation with the small falls and the river. The cascading water and booming sound of both falls uplifts the soul: flowing and flowing until the end of time.

Through the years the falls were used for various projects. In 1783 a watermill was built for grinding grain. Aqueducts for the Delaware & Hudson canal were built across the river. Electricity was first produced at the falls in 1909. The electrons sparked along until 1972, when the generators were closed down in favor of oil power. With a big "oops", the electric plant was re-opened in 1986. It produces enough energy to supply 1600 average homes.

The geologic layers of the area were formed 365 million years ago (I do not remember the exact date). This was about the same time as the formation of the Catskill Mountains. The creek was pushed to its present route by a retreating glacier. Little by little… the falls were born.

Sorry, barrels for going over the falls (sometimes called the "Little Niagara") are not available.

Please: Leave no garbage or trash here, if you want this area to remain open. Picnic at my orchard first.