| 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.
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