Among the most beautiful and romantic cascades of the United States, may
justly be reckoned Trenton falls, situated about eighteen miles
north-east of Utica, in the state of New York, on West Canada creek.
Here, within a course of two miles, there are six falls, with an
aggregate descent of three hundred and twelve feet. The scenery is the
most wild and picturesque imaginable; the stream flowing through a
narrow ravine, between perpendicular walls of limestone, which in some
places are one hundred and fifty feet high. The pathway of the spectator
is mostly along the very margin of the chasm which forms the channel of
the rushing waters, on a ledge, or shelf, so narrow and perilous, that
the head often is giddy from the sight; and sometimes it is difficult to
sustain one’s self. These cascades are more remarkable for the wildness
and variety of scenery, than for the volume of water they present. The
hight of the principal fall is estimated at one hundred feet.