The Great Falls at Duke Farms

An Engineered Waterfall Showcasing Innovation And Conservation

The Great Falls at Duke Farms is a historic, engineered waterfall designed by James Buchanan Duke in the early 1900s as part of his vision to transform what was once farmland into a scenic and innovative landscape.

Located approximately 1.5 miles from the Orientation Center, the Great Falls are situated between the Duke Reservoir and Vista Lake, creating a striking visual feature. The Great Falls is more than a scenic feature—it's part of the original hydrological design that helps flush and circulate water through Duke Farms’ artificial lake system, supporting water quality and aquatic health.

The Great Falls at Duke Farms

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lakes aerated

Typically water flows from the Duke Reservoir down through the Falls, helping to aerate the lakes and move water through the interconnected system.

Visitors can enjoy scenic views which often feature a Bald Eagle soaring overhead, reflecting on Duke Farms' commitment to preserving history while promoting ecological stewardship

Where to Find the Great Falls

The Great Falls is a constructed waterfall that automatically turns on at 12:00pm.

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Did You Know?

The Great Falls features one of the only knife valves of its type in the state. This unique engineering feature allows water to flow through the lake systems and down the falls when we aren't conserving water.