New parkland along Cayuga Lake will officially be known as Three Falls State Park, according to an announcement from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
State officials say the name recognizes three scenic waterfalls located on and near the 90-acre property, which was formerly the Camp Barton scout camp. Along with the new name, state parks officials and local partners also released a conceptual development plan aimed at preserving the site’s natural features while expanding recreational access.
Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser on Monday said the designation reflects the state’s goal of encouraging more outdoor recreation.
“Through important partnerships like this, we’re advancing Governor Hochul’s vision to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside,’ making it easier for them to stay active and connect with nature,” Moser said.
The park will be operated by the Three Falls Local Development Corporation, a partnership between the Towns of Covert, and Ulysses, and the Village of Trumansburg.
Local leaders say the project represents a rare opportunity to preserve waterfront land and expand public access to the lake. Officials noted that Trumansburg Creek flows through the three municipalities and forms the waterfalls that inspired the park’s name.
The newly released conceptual development plan outlines a long-term vision for the property, including restoring former camp cabins, building new docks and kayak launches, creating a nature center and environmental education space, and developing additional hiking trails and waterfall viewing areas. The plan also calls for a permanent parking area with more than 110 spaces and improvements to restroom facilities.
Many of the upgrades would repurpose existing buildings and infrastructure from the former scout camp while improving accessibility and sustainability across the park.
Environmental preservation is also a major focus of the plan. State officials say efforts will include protecting peregrine falcon nesting areas, removing invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, and limiting human activity in sensitive woodland areas near the gorge along Trumansburg Creek.
The park sits just north of Taughannock Falls State Park and includes about a half-mile of shoreline along Cayuga Lake, as well as the 128-foot Frontenac Falls.
New York State acquired the property in 2025 from the Boy Scouts of America’s Baden-Powell Council, which had operated the site as Camp Barton for decades.
Officials say improvements will be completed in phases as funding becomes available, with support expected from state funding, grants, and community partnerships. The development corporation will also oversee future programming and events at the park.
Once developed, Three Falls State Park is expected to offer expanded recreation and educational opportunities while preserving one of the Finger Lakes region’s unique natural landscapes.
You can review the draft plan, please click here.
