Guppy Falls is actually more of a very steep cascade than a true falls. It is 23 feet in height and has a crest that is 12 feet wide. The falls faces to the northeast and has a crest elevation of 840 feet above sea level. There is a slight overhang in the southeast side of the crest. The falls is developed in the Skaneateles Formation of the Hamilton Group. The formation consists of the Butternut, Pompey, and Delphi Station Shale Members, and the Mottville Sandstone Member. The Skaneateles Formation dates from the Middle and Early Devonian Period, roughly 390 to 415 million years ago.
According to local records, the land was purchased by the military so that soldiers stationed at the local bases and armory, such as Hancock Field, would have a place for recreation, camping, and even partying. When the military stopped using the area, it became known as a popular place for high-schoolers to hang out on weekend nights.
Having issues with late night underage activities, the town of Skaneateles purchased the land, as well as some surrounding acreage, and created the Skaneateles Conservation Area. Over the years, trails have been created, picnic benches put in, and a nice pavilion and parking area were constructed near the northern end of the park. Families come to picnic here or fish in one of the many small ponds in the area.
The former Guppy Farm, which surrounded the land of the gully, began in the 1850s as a dairy farm operated by William Guppy and family. After William’s death the farm fell into disarray and was eventually abandoned. The property was purchased by the town from the Evans family in 2001 and the nature trail, which was partially created by nature enthusiasts to explore above the falls, was established as an official trail.
Hunting is permitted in the conservation area. During deer hunting season visitors to the area must dress appropriately, wearing a hat or other article of clothing in the color of Hunter or Blaze Orange. The hunting seasons are prominently posted at the parking area.