wearing "Chinese wooden shoes." Jenkins had previously crossed Niagara Falls gorge. State park Taughannock Falls State Park was created in 1925 on a parcel of land acquired by New York State. Roads and trails at the park were improved by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. The park has since grown to its current size of . Origin of name Several possible sources have been proposed for the name Taughannock, all of which describe Native American origins. One translation suggests that the name is derived from a combination of Iroquois and Algonquin terms meaning "great fall in the woods". An alternate theory suggests that the name may refer to a Lenni Lenape (Delaware) chief named Taughannock who died near the falls during a battle. Park description Taughannock Falls State Park offers hiking and nature trails, camping and picnicking. The park includes a stretch of Cayuga Lake's shoreline, where swimming, fishing, and a boat launch are available. In the winter, the park offers facilities and trails for ice-skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. In addition to the Taughannock Falls, two additional waterfalls are located along Taughannock Creek within the park. A cascade, known as Little or Lower Falls, is located downstream of Taughannock Falls, while the Upper Falls are found upstream of Taughannock Falls. Views of Taughannock Falls are available from two trails. The Gorge Trail leads to a viewing area at the base of the falls and also passes by Lower Falls. The North Rim Trail and South Rim Trail can be connected to form a loop hike which offers views of Upper Falls. The Gorge Trail is open all year long, unlike the Rim Trails which are closed to the public in winter. Swimming under the waterfall is hazardous and strictly forbidden. Taughannock Falls Taughannock Falls' main cataract is a , making it taller than Niagara Falls. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The waterfall is located along Taughannock Creek, which flows through a long gorge with cliffs up to high. Geology and natural history The waterfall and gorge comprise an example of a hanging valley, formed where Taughannock Creek's stream-carved valley meets the deeper glacially carved valley that contains Cayuga Lake. The gorge has continued to retreat westward from Cayuga Lake as easily eroded shale near the fall's base is worn away by the stream, which supports erosion-resistant siltstone and sandstone found in