PULASKI, N.Y. -- It's not quite Niagara, but the natural sights and sounds of the Salmon River Falls Unique Area are almost as spectacular.

"It's one of the best kept secrets of this area," said Pulaski resident Claudia Hurne while snapping pictures with her camera. "It's just gorgeous. The sound is so thundering and beautiful and refreshing and relaxing."

But for many, it still is just a secret. The falls, just a few miles past the Fish Hatchery on the properly named Falls Road in Altmar, weren't even open to the public until the mid-90s. And still to this day many, even locals, don't even know it exists.

"I believe it was 1993 when the DEC acquired this land and began improving it to allow public access so that people can drive here to enjoy the sights and scenery," said New York Sea Grant Salmon River Steward Greg Chapman.

And it's been since then that the DEC and other groups have joined forces to do just that and spread the word that the falls are a place that people can come enjoy.

"A lot of work has been done to create these trails. None of these trails were here and none of the signage was here," said New York Sea Grant Steward Coordinator Mary Penney.

And the Stewards say this weekend might be the last chance to take advantage of another amazing sight in this area, the fall foliage.

They say it just adds to the picturesque view, but it won't be long until the leaves have all fallen.

Another improvement to the falls area is the fact the water flow is somewhat controlled. So, gone are the days where there's no water going down the fall.

There's also a parking lot for people who drive to the falls.