Split-Rock; A Product of Nature

The best things about the North Country exist in its variety of natural outdoor attractions. Whether you are interested in hiking, fishing, canoeing or kayaking, it has the best of it.

One less known attraction is cliff jumping.

When the weather is warm, many people from the area decide to kick off their shoes and go swimming in one of the North Country's most awesome creations, Split-Rock.

Off exit 35 of the Adirondack Northway (I-87), lies Elizabethtown a little town with a population of no more then 1,400. This town is home to Split-Rock, one of the most recognizable names of cliff jumping.

Many people from the local area and out of town come to Split Rock to see nature's product of erosion, that has been occurring for millions of years.

Steve Piatt, the Communications Manager of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau says, "Throughout the years, nature has taken a toll on the land which has created a huge waterhole known as Split-rock."

Split-Rock is a waterfall of natural spring water that drops from a cliff about 25 feet high. This past summer, its water level was high enough for people to enjoy an adrenaline-pumped free fall into the water below.

Julie Tromblee, the assistant manager at the Elizabethtown Hospital Emergency Room says, "The past few years have been really quiet. People are a lot more safer now than they use to be."

However, in the past, conditions were not always so safe.

Tromblee says that in past years, there have been extensive injuries and some fatalities.

"We find that mostly out of town people get hurt, not the locals. The locals know the water a little better and might be able to tell the difference between a safe jump and a dangerous jump," says Tromblee.

Plattsburgh University student and North Country resident Brad Fuller says, "I don't see the big deal in cliff jumping. In the summer, my co-workers and I would go jumping on our lunch break, it's a lot of fun: not everything in life is safe, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it."

The deaths that have taken place at Split-Rock have occurred on account of low water levels and hidden objects in the water such as large branches, big rocks and garbage. Elizabethtown Hospital has never taken any official stand against Split-Rock, but they have expressed their concern in the past and continue to do so.

"Split-Rock is posted property and the New York State Police do patrol the area, but there is only so much that can be done."

Cliff jumping isn't the only activity that goes on at Split-Rock. It's breathless scenery and impressive rock formations remind you that you're in the heart of the wilderness.

"I have jumped a couple times. It's truly not the smartest thing in the world. What I really like about coming here is the view you get when you stand on top of the rocks," says Kevin Fox, a Plattsburgh University student.

Bottom of Split Rock

Bottom of cliff. Area of Split-Rock where people can hangout and enjoy the sun.

"Besides jumping off the cliff, Split-Rock is a big hangout spot, many people go to relax by the waterfall or sit by the still water at the bottom," says Piatt.

Cliff jumping, like almost everything we dare ourselves to do is not always safe. Going with someone that is familiar with the area and has jumped before is your best bet. Safety should always come first, and then you can start to have fun.

Any questions? Email us.