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Havana Glen Park, which includes Eagle Cliff Falls, is a well-developed town park at the south end of the village of Montour Falls. It provides for excellent recreational opportunities as it has ball fields, playgrounds, camping facilities, and a beautiful (but short) hike through Havana Glen. The found this to be an excellent location to spend the day, but one may want to avoid hot summer weekends as the place can get very busy.
The park contains various species of rare native New York State plants, and has been classified as an important area for birding, as over 100 species have been documented here. McClure creek, the source of Eagle Cliff Falls, has been designated a trout stream, and is thus protected to allow for migratory fish from Seneca Lake to safely spawn.
Eagle Cliff Falls is interesting in that it pours down from a deep gouge cut by the stream halfway into the gorge. Currently it sits in a hanging valley at least 60' below the towering cliffs on each side. The narrow notch cut by the creek above the falls propels the water at a formidable speed, keeping this falls strong year-round. The crest spans 15 feet across, and more than half the water that passes it rebounds off a smaller ledge a few feet below. The water then plunges out into the creek bed 40' below.
Surrounding the falls area is a seemingly enclosed cathedral of vertical rock, complete with towering spires, moss covered limestone and Eagle Cliff, an spread-wing eagle profile naturally carved into the rock face. The amphitheatre is so large, it gives the impression of the waterfall being very narrow, but step directly in front of the falls and you'll see that it is actually quite wide.
Havana Glen is part of the Points of Inspiration Scenic Views Trail. For more information and stops on the trail, visit www.pointsofinspiration.net.