A loop through the George W. Childs site along Dingmans Creek — three waterfalls (Factory, Fulmer, Deer Leap) and the stone ruins of an 1820s woolen mill. Steep, wet steps in places.
To see this one, turn west off US-209 and follow the signs a couple of miles up to the George W. Childs parking area — a bit of a detour, but worth it. From the lot it's a treasure: a loop trail along Dingmans Creek that strings together three separate waterfalls, with the ruins of an old mill thrown in. It's more of a real walk than the Dingmans boardwalk, with some steep and wet stone steps, so take your time and mind your footing.
The three falls each have their character. Factory Falls is named for what's beside it: the roofless stone shell of a woolen mill, built here in the eighteen-twenties to run its machinery off the creek's power, and abandoned within a decade or so — now a mossy ruin the forest is slowly eating. Below it, Fulmer Falls drops about fifty-six feet, the biggest of the three, into a deep green pool. And Deer Leap Falls finishes the set. The whole gorge is a chain of pools and drops and old stonework, cool and green and lovely.
A word to the wise, and I mean it: these falls are beautiful and they have killed people. The rocks are slick, the drops are real, and there are no fences. Stay on the trail and the steps, keep the kids close, and do not climb the wet rock for a photo. Enjoy it with respect, and it's one of the prettiest miles in the park.
Photo: NPS · Public domain
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