Potter's Falls

Potter's Falls

About Potter's Falls

Welcome to Potter's Falls: A Naturist's Retreat

Located in a serene natural setting, Potter's Falls is celebrated among the nudist and naturist communities for its privacy and beauty. This clothing-optional trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and embrace a liberating experience. The falls themselves provide a picturesque backdrop, perfect for nude sunbathing and swimming.

Historically, Potter's Falls has been a popular spot for those who practice naturism, dating back to the 1960s. It's a place where the ethos of body positivity and freedom from societal norms can be fully enjoyed. The trail leading to the falls is well-maintained, ensuring a safe and accessible journey for visitors of all ages.

While the area is recognized for its clothing-optional status, visitors are encouraged to respect the choice of others, whether they choose to wear clothes or not. Amenities such as picnic areas and basic restroom facilities are available, making it convenient for day visitors to enjoy the surroundings comfortably.

As always, it's important to check current local regulations regarding the use of nude beaches and naturist activities to ensure compliance and respect for local customs. Potter's Falls remains a beloved spot for those in the FKK community to gather, relax, and celebrate the naturist lifestyle.

Embrace the tranquility and freedom at Potter's Falls, where nature and natural living meet.

Potter's Falls Directions

In Ithaca, take Route 79 east, past Route 366. Turn right onto Giles Street. Just before the bridge over Six Mile Creek, turn left into a parking area. It's marked by a brown sign "Mulholland Wildflower Preserve" and a white sign "VanNattas Dam Watershed Area."

From the parking area head south across a wooden bridge toward the creek.
Walk upstream on a mulched trail (Greenway Trail), parallel to the creek.
At 0.5 mile, pass a side trail to the left. Continue straight.
At 0.6 mile, look across the creek at a wide dirt area. In spring a waterfall tumbles down to Six Mile Creek. Also look upstream on Six Mile Creek to see your first small waterfall.
The side loop trail comes in on the left, but continue straight.
The trail will narrow. Continue straight until you can see a small dam with an 8-foot cascade. Just beyond it is a larger dam with a 30-foot free-fall waterfall. (The two dams help minimize siltation problems in the drinking water. ) This is as far as you can go on this trail.
Backtrack to the last side trail and turn right, away from the creek.
Shortly, in the woods, turn right and take the trail uphill, heading north.
Reach a junction at 1.1 miles and turn right (E).
At 1.2 miles cross a tributary creek (with waterfalls in spring).
Pass the two dam falls far below.
At the reservoir, turn left and head uphill. (The trail straight ahead will be part of your return loop.)
At 1.5 miles turn right (E) onto an old gravel roadway (East Rim Trail).
The roadway disappears and the trail narrows above a swampy reservoir pond.
At 1.7 miles, cross a gully (with waterfalls in spring) on an old water pipe.
Climb a steep hill to get a great view from the end of the swampy reservoir pond.
At the top of the hill, continue straight, downhill. (A trail to the left leads to houses.)
At 2 miles, cross a gully that sports a 12-foot waterfall even in mid-June.
Continue straight as a trail merges from houses.
With the creek in view, turn left onto a side trail to stay upland on a trail that leads to Potter's Falls.
The trail ends at Potter's Falls at 2.4 miles.
To Return:
Put your back to the waterfall and turn left to take the trail down at water level (East Gorge Trail).
Continue straight, passing several small side trails.
At 2.8 miles pass a gully with a waterfall.
Continue straight at water level (Cattail Trail), passing the swampy reservoir pond.
At 3.4 miles climb a hill to get around the dam.
Cross a gully at 3.7 miles (with waterfalls in spring).
At 3.8 miles, turn left at a junction and head downhill.
At the base of the hill, bear right, then turn right onto a wide dirt trail.
Turn right when you reach the water's edge and follow this trail (Greenway Trail) back to the parking area.