Burrville Falls

County: Jefferson
Town: Watertown
USGS Map: Rutland Center
Waterway: Jacobs Creek
Latitude: N 43.93010o
Longitude: W 75.85920o
Drop: 30'

To access these falls, proceed on NYSR 12 south out of Watertown.  When you reach the hamlet of Burrville, take a right on the Plank Road.  Almost immediately, you will see the Burrville Cider Mill on the left.  The waterfall is visible from the bridge or from the grounds of the mill.

Officially, these falls are unnamed.  They are known locally as Burrville Falls or Cider Mill Falls.  They are adjacent to the Burrville Cider Mill, which is a landmark in Jefferson County.  In fact, it is one of the first buildings built in the county.  Anyone in the area will tell you they look forward each fall to visiting the cider mill where the cider and cider doughnuts are legendary.  Due to the reputation of the cider mill, these falls are one of the two most popular falls in Jefferson County.  When the mill is producing cider between Labor Day and Thanksgiving they are definitely the most visited falls in the county.

In addition to the two names previously mentioned, this site has had a number of other aliases.  The hamlet and this mill were once known as Burr’s Mills, in honor of John Burr who built the original building.  As a result, they were at one point known as Burr’s Mills Falls.  Located on Jacobs Creek, they are referred to in some documents as Jacobs Creek Falls.  This is somewhat deceiving however, because there are three other waterfalls upstream on this waterway.  They have also been referred to as Boynton Creek Falls.  That is definitely a misconception because the Boynton Creek joins the Jacobs Creek about a quarter mile upstream from this location.  The 90' Boynton Creek Falls is just above this junction.  That waterfall, and two others within sight of it are on private property and not available for viewing.

Our thanks to Greg Steiner of the Burrville Cider Mill for allowing us access to the grounds.  The Steiners encourage you to enjoy the falls when you visit the mill.  They provide a viewing platform, complete with seats and railings for your convenience.  They do ask that you not use this area during the winter months.  It is not maintained during the winter and could be treacherous when snow-covered.

The Jacobs Creek flows into the North Branch of the Sandy Creek, which then flows into the Sandy Creek, which eventually reaches Lake Ontario.

Hover on any of the thumbnails to see an enlarged image

 
©2011
Reproduction of this World Wide Web Site in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. All rights reserved.
Pictures, trademarks and copyrights are the property of the respective owners and may not be used without permission.

Fourth Coast Creations ... Web Sites by David J. Schryver