At Goulds Mill, the river is more than just scenery: at the geological outcrop, the described rock surfaces extend to the riverbanks. Nearby, there is also a two-tiered waterfall, a reservoir, and a portage route. This makes the area particularly suited to travelers who want to combine geological observations with different waterscapes.
Geological Outcrop at Goulds Mill
A 1997 field guide first describes access to the geological outcrop at Goulds Mill as traveling about 50 meters along an unpaved road parallel to the river. The route then leads through trees to broad outcrops along the riverbanks. This description gives a clear picture of the route, but does not confirm current access conditions. Check whether access is currently possible before visiting.
Gneiss and Mineral Features
The rock features also give the location a specific natural focus. Quartz-rich gneiss is well exposed at the outcrops on the Moose River near Kosterville and Goulds Mill. Weathered surfaces are often stained by hematite. The rocks also contain abundant sillimanite, several percent magnetite, and scattered garnet grains.
The details refer to different aspects of the rock: hematite appears as staining on weathered surfaces, while sillimanite, magnetite, and garnet are part of its mineral composition. This gives geology enthusiasts more than a general landscape description: both the surfaces and the named rock components offer their own starting points for observation.
Waterfalls and Whitewater in Lyonsdale
Goulds Mills Falls is on the Moose River in Lyonsdale. The similarly named waterfall should be considered a location in the vicinity of Goulds Mill. The falls consist of two drops on opposite sides of an island. A small parking area is described on Kosterville Road; from there, a short trail leads down to the river. The directions were last updated in 2017, so check current access conditions before setting out.
A different riverscape defines the Town of Lyonsdale: Class V rapids attract whitewater rafters and other outdoor visitors. This information applies to the town and adds a distinct whitewater focus to the geological outcrops and waterfall.
Portage Route and Reservoir Nearby
In the vicinity of Goulds Mill, the Gouldtown Development on the north shore of the reservoir includes a portage route. Its take-out is about 200 feet above Gouldtown Dam, and its put-in is about 800 feet below it. The route is therefore described in relation to two different points on the dam: the take-out is upstream, and the put-in is downstream. Both distances are approximate.
The reservoir’s dimensions are also tied to a specific condition: it covers 10 acres with a crest elevation of 855 feet above sea level when the flashboards are in place. Gouldtown Dam is on the Moose River and borders a four-acre island between its southern and northern sections. The Gouldtown Development parking area is next to the intersection of Kosterville Road and Shibley Road.
This gives a clear comparison of the destination’s main draws: the outcrop at Goulds Mill is known for gneiss and riverbanks, while the waterfall and portage route are distinct additional points of interest in the area.
For the broader travel overview: Lewis.
