Explore New York's Best Waterfalls
- Published on: January 19, 2025
- Last updated: January 19, 2025
- By: Dave Miller
New York Waterfall Guide
Explore New York's best waterfalls by using our ultimate guide! Whether you're planning a day hike, roadside stop, or a leisurely short walk, this guide provides hikers, travelers, and locals alike with 63 different locations to over 100 scenic waterfalls to help plan your next adventure!
Waterfall Locations:
- Watkins Glen
- Ithaca
- Letchworth State Park
- Syracuse
- Finger Lakes
- Rochester
- Buffalo
- Catskills
- Albany
- Adirondacks
View of Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park, New York
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Planning Ahead
Seasonal closures
Many of the waterfalls listed are closed during winter months, starting around November each year and re-opening around April. Winter waterfall trail closures are especially popular in parks with steep rocky (shale) gorges. Each park is different, so please read the trail guides below or find the official websites to plan your trip accordingly.
Entry Fees
Many of these waterfalls are located within the New York State Park system. As of 2025, most New York State Parks charge an entry fee of approximately $10 per vehicle. You can purchase an Empire Pass which allows you to skip paying entry fees for an up-front annual fee instead.
Some waterfalls on this list require no entry fee. Please read each trail guide for more details on whether or not exploring each waterfall has an entrance fee.
Waterfalls near Watkins Glen
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is 1.1-mile one-way hike passes through the heart of Watkins Glen, a gorge that feels like it's straight out of Lord of the Rings, and features large waterfalls like Cavern Falls, Rainbow Falls, and others. This magical trail, while very popular, is a must-see if planning a New York waterfall adventure.
Hector Falls in Burdet, New York - located outside of Watkins Glen - is a simple roadside waterfall, so no hiking is required. A short jaunt from the on-road parking turnout leads to a bridge view of this stunning, multi-tiered waterfall. Watch out for traffic though as fast cars zip by along the road.
Located at Havana Glen Park, Eagle Cliff Falls Eagle Cliff Falls is beautiful 30-foot tall waterfall that plunges over a large shale cliff. Small waterfalls fill the gorge as you hike up this quiet and mostly-secluded trail. Reaching Eagle Cliff Falls is a short and easy 0.2-mile out-and-back adventure.
Shequaga Falls is a massive 165-foot tall waterfall that cascades down shale bedrock and is located in downtown Montour Falls, New York. Visitors can take a short 0.1-mile walk to enjoy this stunning waterfall.
Deckertown Falls in Montour Fall, New York is another short hike, at 0.5-miles out-and-back. This trail leads to several waterfalls within Catlin Mill Creek. Deckertown Falls is a popular swimming hole during the summer as well.
Located right along NY-14 in Montour Falls, New York sits the 90-foot tall Aunt Sarah's Falls. While no hikng and virtually no walking is involved to enjoy this cascade, it's a sight worth exploring if you're in the Watkins Glen area.
Templar Falls, located just west of Watkins Glen, is a very short out-and-back walk along the Finger Lakes Trail that brings visitors downstream to views of Templar Falls. Note that these waterfalls are bit easier to see during colder months with no leaves on the trees.
Long exposure of Upper Carpenter Falls near Moravia, New York
Waterfalls near Ithaca
As the saying goes, "Ithaca is Gorges," and it certainly lives up to the name with an abundance of waterfalls to discover. Like other gorges in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca's gorges were formed over thousands of years by glacial runoff. These gorges are now water ways, often with steep cliffs and drop-offs, creating breathtaking waterfalls that are now a must-see for visitors. While many of these natural wonders are easily accessible, some do require a bit of hiking to fully enjoy.
Robert H. Tremen State Park is a popular day hike near Ithaca and for good reason - the park includes the massive waterfall known as Lucifer Falls. The waterfall is located near the far end of the Rim Trail where hikers can take-in its awe-inspiring beauty from high above the gorge.
The Gorge Trail at Robert H. Tremen State Park is another great way to explore waterfalls within the Enfield Gorge. By hiking the Gorge Trail visitors will find scenic stone staircases that lead up and alongside smaller waterfalls. Near the far end of the trail, it leads up a massive stone staircase alongside Lucifer Falls.
Lower Falls at Robert H. Tremen State Park is an easy and short walk that leads to a ~40-foot tall waterfall. For folks that don't have time to explore the entire gorge, this waterfall is a great way to see the park.
Exploring Buttermilk Falls State Park's Gorge Trail leads visitors up a ~450-foot tall gorge, passing several waterfalls along the way including Buttermilk Falls. The hike is short and should be considered moderate-to-hard, depending on your skill level.
Hiking to 1st & 2nd Dam along Six Mile Creek is an easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trek that leads to a view of two human-made dams. While not natural waterfalls, this fun hike near Ithaca is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Six Mile Creek.
The waterfalls of the Cascadilla Gorge, located in downtown Ithaca, is one of the town's best waterfall trails. Visitors will find several large waterfalls along with many other shorter cascades that flow through the gorge.
While a bit less exciting than the main gorge trail, the waterfalls of Upper Cascadilla Gorge have plenty for visitors to explore. A scenic footbridge crosses Cascadilla Creek with a couple of scenic waterfalls surrounding it. The gorge is steep, and dangerous, to stay on-trail for this one.
Another waterfall hike located in downtown Ithaca is the Fall Creek Gorge Loop which brings hikers through Fall Creek Gorge and features waterfalls like Triphammer Falls, Risley Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Ithaca Falls is yet another large waterfall located in downtown Ithaca. This waterfall is one of the most-popular cascades in town and for good reason - the trail is a short 0.2-mile out-and-back walk to reach the base of the ~75-foot tall waterfall.
Located a bit further out of town are the waterfalls within Lick Brook Gorge. Hikers will find this 1.8-mile loop trail moderate-to-difficult but the scenery, along with the seclusion, is unmatched. The trail includes at least two large waterfalls that are located on-trail. Upper Lick Brook Falls is only accessible via rappelling or ice climbing, but can be appreciated from the trail during colder months when no leaves are on the trees.
Taughannock Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park is a popular 2-mile out-and-back day hike near Ithaca. Hikers will follow the easy and mostly-flat trail as it leads through Taughannock Gorge to reach the 215-foot tall waterfall, Taughannock Falls.
Taughannock Falls Overlook at Taughannock Falls State Park is a popular 0.2-mile out-and-back walk that leads to a stunning overlook high above the 215-foot tall waterfall, Taughannock Falls. This overlook is a must-see especially if you do not plan to hike in along the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail
Located further from Ithaca is the less-popular, but still very interesting gorge waterfall known as Pocket Falls. Pocket Falls cascades down a steep bedrock gorge at about 60-feet tall. The waterfall is not very easy to see, however, unless there are no leaves on the trees. Watch your step as this waterfall can be dangerous to explore.
Winter shot of Roaring Brook Falls in the Adirondack Mountains, New York
Waterfalls of Letchworth State Park
First on the list is the ultra-scenic Letchworth State Park with its multitude of gorge waterfalls.
Upper Falls at Letchworth State Park is one of New York State's most iconic waterfalls. This 70-foot tall waterfall cascades down the bedrock within the Genesee River, in Letchworth Gorge, with the backdrop scenery of the Genesee Arch Bridge. Reaching Upper Falls is an easy walk from parking. Prepare for crowds during warmer months.
Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park is another one of New York State's most-photographed waterfalls. At 107-feet tall, this behemoth of a cascade spills over a bedrock cliff within Letchworth Gorge and creates a fantastic display of natural power.
Lower Falls at Letchworth State Park is the shortest waterfall at the park, but don't let its size deter you from hiking to the cascade. The hike begins at Inspiration Point and leads into the gorge to reach Lower Falls. Hikers will also find a scenic stone footbridge and more views of Letchworth Gorge, including views of Middle Falls from Inspiration Point.
Kaaterskill Falls near Haines Falls, New York
Waterfalls near Syracuse
Upper Carpenter Falls is one of New York's hidden gems, located in Moravia. To explore the waterfall, simply walk down the universally-accessible boardwalk to reach a view of the plummeting cascade. For a moderate hike, you can head down the staircase to reach the creek below where you'll find several short slide waterfalls.
Bucktail Falls near Preble, New York is an easy off-road waterfall walk that leads to the scenic free-falling waterfall, Bucktail Falls.
Tinker Falls in Tully, New York is an easy-to-moderate 0.6-mile hike that leads to the ~40-foot tall waterfall known as Tinker Falls.
Located in Pompey, New York is the 137-feet tall Pratt's Falls. To reach this must-see waterfall, simply hike the moderate trail for 0.3-miles out-and-back. At the bottom of the hill sits a stunning view of this massive cascade.
In Cazenovia lies a county park that boasts some of the best waterfalls around - Upper and Lower Delphi Falls. This moderate 0.8-mile out-and-back trail leads up along the top of the gorge to several viewpoints of both waterfalls in the creek below.
One of the most-popular waterfalls near Syracuse is the 167-foot tall Chittenango Falls. Hikers can take a moderate 0.6-mile out-and-back trail to reach the bottom of the waterfall where you can enjoy this massive cascade as it spills down Chittenango Creek.
Located a bit further from Syracuse, in Boonville New York, is the large and powerful Pixley Falls. The waterfall spills over a bedrock creek in Lansing Kill at about 50-feet tall. Surrounding this waterfall are a couple of different creeks that include their own waterfalls - while not as tall, they're well-worth exploring!
Stockbridge Falls is a short off-road walk in Munnsville, New York that leads to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall that spills down Onieda Creek.
Located across the street from Stockbridge Falls is the continuation of the waterfall, known as Lower Stockbridge Falls. This waterfall, including smaller surrounding cascades, is a must-see if planning to visit Stockbridge Falls.
North of Syracuse, near Orwell New York, is the very-popular 110-foot tall waterfall, Salmon River Falls. The Salmon River Falls Gorge Trail is by far the most-difficult way to view this waterfall, but it may be the most rewarding. The steep, and somewhat dangerous trail, leads downhill from the main path to reach the base of this massive 110-foot free-falling cascade.
For folks who want to enjoy Salmon River Falls with ease, you can instead hike the Salmon River Falls Trail to reach viewpoints and the top of the waterfall. This easy trail is meant for the general public to take-in views of the 110-foot tall free-falling cascade.
Finger Lakes area Waterfalls
Stony Brook State Park is one of upstate New York's best waterfall gorges that's just a bit out of the way for most travelers. Located near Dansville, New York, this park has a bit of everything for everyone. The Stony Brook Gorge Trail is the main attraction for visitors as it features several large waterfalls that cascade down the gorge's bedrock. The trail includes scenic stone staircases and footbridges that make this park well-worth visiting.
Located off of the beaten path near Wayland, New York, Gully Falls can be found plummeting down ~45-feet at The Gully Preserve.
Flume Gully Falls, an unofficial name for this waterfall that I coined, can be found at The Gully Preserve locate just across the street from Gully Falls. This short series of waterfalls is a sight to behold, but sits off-trail. Watch your step!
Another popular county park, located in Naples, New York is Grimes Glen where hikers will find a couple of very large waterfalls, including at least one ~60-foot cascade. At the very-end of the gorge sits another large waterfall with a swimming hole below.
While not located near a Finger Lake, Waverly Glen Falls in the town of Waverly, New York, is an easy walk out to a beautiful waterfall that slips down the bedrock at about 40-feet tall.
Two waterfalls in Penn Yan, New York should not be missed - Seneca Mills Falls & Cascade Mills Falls. These two waterfalls were once used, in the 1800s and early 1900s, to run mill factories, hence their names. An easy 2.8-mile out-and-back hike along the Keuka Outlet Trail will bring hikers to both waterfalls for a scenic day hike.
While not the tallest waterfall around, Keshequa Creek Falls is a scenic, and often quiet, day hike that leads hikers out to the short but very-wide waterfall within Keshequa Creek. Along the way is an even-more scenic waterfall that spills down the hillside about half-way through the trail. This waterfall hike is near Mount Morris, New York.
Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park, New York
Waterfalls near Rochester
Nestled in the suburbs of Rochester, New York is the scenic Waterfalls of Corbett's Glen. This popular day hike near the city provides hikers with a peaceful way to wind down from the noise, traffic, and daily routine. Walk along Allen Creek, through the glen, to find several scenic waterfalls
In the heart of Rochester, New York lies the Genesee River as it cuts through downtown buildings and streets. One of the more-popular waterfalls in the river is Lower Falls. This short hike leads to the top of the waterfall where you can enjoy its splendor from above.
The largest waterfall in Rochester, also located in the Genesee River, is the 100-foot tall High Falls. Visitors can take a very-short, universally-accessible trail, out to a lookout point above the waterfall. From the lookout, you'll find the massive cascade of the Genesee River that creates High Falls.
To the west of Rochester lies the small town of Holley, New York where you'll find the easily-accessible Clarendon Falls. This waterfall is located in a very small park where an easy walk through the grass will lead visitors to the base of this 25-foot tall waterfall.
View of Niagara Falls from Prospect Point
Waterfalls near Buffalo
The largest, and most renowned waterfall near Buffalo is by far the cascades of Niagara Falls. Keeping things easy, no passports required for US citizens, visitors can explore the American side of Niagara Falls. This route leads visitors along an easy 2.1-mile out-and-back hike that leads to Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. Visitors will reach Terrapin Point, Luna Island, and Prospect Point to take-in the best views along the way.
Given you have the time and passport (unless a Canadian citizen), you can explore the best views of Niagara from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This easy 1.3-mile (2.1km) out-and-back walk leads along the Niagara Gorge to take-in the best views of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil, and American Falls.
One of the most-unique waterfalls in New York is located south of Buffalo in the town of Orchard Park - Eternal Flame Falls. As the name suggests, Eternal Flame Falls is a waterfall with a small notch cut-out from the bedrock where natual gas has been leaking from the rock. Visitors make sure to re-light the gas leak, igniting the "eternal flame", which does in fact go out from time to time. Hikers, if lucky, will hike up through the gorge to reach the waterfall and will find the eternal flame dancing behind the cascading water.
Waterfalls of the Catskills
In the heart of the Catskills in Haines Falls, New York lies one of New York's most-popular waterfalls, Kaaterskill Falls. At approximately 230-feet tall, Kaaterskill Falls is a sight to behold. To reach the waterfall, hikers will head down a trail full of switchbacks to reach the rugged gorge landscape below the waterfall. During summer, Kaaterskill Falls is a popular swimming hole.
If you aren't up for a difficult hike, you can instead explore Kaaterskill Falls from an accessible overlook. This short and easy walk to reach the viewpoint is well-worth it if you've never experienced the waterfall from below.
While difficult to reach, Bastion Falls is a scenic cascade in Haines Falls, New York. No parking is allowed at the trailhead, so you must find a different way to reach this waterfall.
Another waterfall located in Haines Falls, New York is the scenic multi-tiered cascade known as Ashley Falls. This short, but moderate, 0.6-mile out-and-back hike leads to the less-popular Ashley Falls.
A short off-road hike in the town of Roxbury, New York, in the heart of the Catskills, is the unexpected but stunning 20-foot tall Hardenburgh Falls. Visitors will take a short hike downhill, plus a short rock scramble, to reach a view from the base of this beautiful cascade.
Another very-popular waterfall in the Catskills, located in Gardiner, New York is the stunning free-falling waterfall known as Awosting Falls.
While more of a roadside attraction, Tompkin Falls in Andes, New York is a multi-tiered waterfall nestled in the middle of nowhere in the Catskill mountains. Visitors can walk right up to the top of the upper-most cascade, with a view of the lower, from the parking area. As you drive to/from the waterfall parking, you'll find an awesome view of the cascades from the road.
While not a hike, this short off-road bushwhack leads to small but scenic waterfalls within Bryant's Brook. Upper Canada Falls is simply a series of small waterfalls located upstream from the larger, but extremely-difficult-to-access Canada Falls. Canada Falls sits next to private property, but Upper Canada Falls is on public land and can be enjoyed by experienced hikers, if you don't mind a short hill scramble.
Waterfalls near Albany
In the town of Cherry Valley, New York - outside of Albany - is the 80-foot tall semi-hidden waterfall known as Judds Falls. This hike is moderate and can be a bit dangerous, so watch your step near the cliffs. Follow the guide provided which leads to the base of the beautiful Judds Falls. If you explore the trails upstream from the main cascade, you'll find distant views as well.
In Sprakers, New York sits a waterfall tucked away in a state forest that very few people visit - Yatesville Falls. This waterfall is approximately 30-feet tall and spans the Yatesville Creek. The waterfall is also known as Buttermilk Falls, but Yatesville Falls makes it easier to find on the map!
Wolf Creek Falls near Albany is a moderate 1.5-mile loop hike that passes several waterfalls within Wolf Creek and one other unnamed creek. Note that these waterfalls are seasonal - with Spring being the best time to explore them.
Standing under Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen
Waterfalls of the Adirondacks
Looking for a backcountry adventure in New York that leads to a massive waterfall? Look no further than hiking to Rainbow Falls within the Adirondack mountains near Keene Valley, New York. Rainbow Falls spills over a mountain cliff at ~130-feet tall. During the winter, this behemoth of a waterfall is mostly all frozen over in a stunning display of ice.
Another mostly-seasonal waterfall, Death Brook Falls sits in the heart of the Adirondacks and spills down Death Brook at about 35-feet tall. The waterfall sits near the town of Piesco, New York and is one of the most-visited waterfalls along NY-28.
In the Adirondacks lies, you guessed it, another Buttermilk Falls in the town of Long Lake, New York. This multi-tiered waterfall is approximately 15-feet tall and 150-feet long. While not the tallest or most-impressive waterfall, Buttermilk Falls is well-worth a stop along this short and easy 0.3-mile trail.
Up in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondacks, located on the MacIntyre mountain range, lies MacIntyre Falls. In order to reach MacIntyre Falls hikers will have to hike up toward Wright Peak or Algonquin Peak where they'll pass this waterfall along the way. Personally, I've seen this waterfall twice but it's always been frozen!
In Sevey, New York, tucked away in a remote pocket of the Adirondacks is the short but scenic Jamestown Falls. This waterfall can only be appreciated from afar as the land that sits along the cascade is private. Hikers will head down a forest road along a 0.5-mile out-and-back hike to reach a view of the waterfall from downstream. A zoom lens is best for this one
If willing to take some risk, this next waterfall in the town of Wilmington, New York is well-worth checking out - Flume Falls. This waterfall sits off-trail and through the forest, so only experienced hikers and bushwhackers should attempt this one. The hike leads along a very-steep rock gorge before leading downhill and around some rock ledges to a view of Flume Falls as it plunges down the West Branch Ausable River at about 12 to 15-feet tall. This waterfall is great for folks who like off-trail exploration.
Uncover the Best Hikes in New York
New York is home to more than just cityscapes—think rugged peaks, peaceful forests, and hidden waterfalls. Keep exploring to discover the best hikes in New York for your next scenic adventure.
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