The Finger Lakes region in New York consists of 11 glacial carved lakes and over 1,000 waterfalls. The area’s beautyand over 100 wineries spread around it draw in crowds for good reason. It’s an amazing region to visit while in New York. Due to the area having so much to offer, it can be overwhelming to narrow it all down. If beautiful views, gorges, and nature are your thing, keep reading to learn more about the Top 7 Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, NY!
When to Visit the Top 7 Waterfalls in Finger Lakes, NY
The area is great for all seasons, but if you’re coming to explore the Top 7 Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes Region NY, you’ll want to plan when to come depending on what activities you and your family will enjoy.
Even during the busiest of seasons, which happens to be late Spring into Fall, you can find peace and solitude while exploring the area. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at full force, Summer is great for cooling off in the spots where swimming is allowed, and Fall is beautiful with the leaves changing color. Below is all the information you need to know to plan your visit to some of the BEST waterfalls in the Finger Lakes!
Pro Tip: If visiting more than one State Park in a day to see waterfalls, just show the receipt of your first state park and you won’t have to pay for the others in the same day.
Top 7 Waterfalls in Finger Lakes, NY Map
Must See Finger Lakes’ Waterfalls and Where to Find them
Trying to find which waterfalls will be worth your time while visiting the Finger Lakes can be a lot of research since there is so much to do and see. As someone who has been to the area to explore, I’ve done the footwork for you and will share key points to visiting the Top 7 Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes Region during your stay.
Robert H Treman State Park – Lucifer Falls
Robert H. Treman State Park is highly underrated in my opinion. Just down the road from Buttermilk Falls State Park, or about 25 minutes drive from Watkins Glen, this park is less crowded and should be added to your list. There are 12 waterfalls to admire along the Gorge Trail which makes every step worth it.
Location: 105 Enfield Falls Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
Fee: $9 per car. More information here.
Parking: For a shorter route to Lucifer falls, park at the upper parking area. The lower parking area is ideal for if you’re going swimming or if you’d like to hike the entire Rim/Gorge Trail Loop for a more advanced hike.
Trail Name: Gorge Trail
Distance: 2.12 mi
Trail Name: Rim Trail
Distance: 2.09 mi
Waterfall Highlights: Lucifer Falls, 115 ft high
Swimming: Yes in a marked area, with a waterfall. Park at the lower parking area for easier access.
Tips & Other Info: Connect the Gorge Trail and Rim trail either fully around the park for 4.5 miles, or right after Lucifer Falls from the upper parking lot to shorten it down to 1 mile total. Limited cell service in area, plan accordingly.
Buttermilk State Park – Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk State Park is right outside of Ithaca. The lower portion of the park boasts most of the waterfalls, all 10 of them and the closest to the parking area is the main attraction. This park also has a swimming area right under the falls.
Image by zrfphoto from Getty Images on Canva
Location: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Road Ithaca, NY 14850
Fee: $9 per Vehicle. More information here.
Parking: Park in the lower parking area to see Buttermilk Falls without the hike. The lower parking area is also ideal if you’re going for swimming.
Trail Name: Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.65 mi
Waterfall Highlights: Buttermilk Falls, 165 ft high
Swimming: Yes, in a marked area with a waterfall. Park at the lower parking area for easier access.
Tips & Other Info: Connect the Gorge and Rim trail for a 1.6 mile hike with 462 elevation gain to explore all of the waterfalls this park has to offer. Limited cell service in area, plan accordingly.
Taughannock Falls State Park – Taughannock Falls
Known as the tallest single drop waterfall East of the Mississippi, Taughannock Falls is well known so don’t expect to enjoy this waterfall alone. It is absolutely worth the adventure though, even in dryer months the plunging waterfall will have you in awe. If you’re not a hiker, just make a stop to the overlook, but if you can do the Gorge Trail, I’d highly recommend it. It’s amazing how small one feels alongside the 400 ft Gorge Walls.
Location: 1740 Taughannock Blvd. Trumansburg, NY 14886
Fee: $9 per vehicle. More information here.
Parking: Falls Overlook Parking and multiple lots in the Lower Parking areas.
Trail Name: Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.95 mi
Waterfall Highlights: Taughannock Falls, 215 ft high
Swimming: You can swim in the creek leading up to the falls up until a certain area that becomes marked off due to rock falls. There is also swimming available in Cayuga Lake on the other side of the park.
Tips & Other Info: The Gorge Trail is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers. There is a small hill at the trailhead and a waterfall right outside of the parking lot. Limited cell service in area, plan accordingly. Here is a full post on more hiking trails that Taughannock State Park has to offer.
Hector Falls
Hector falls is a roadside waterfall, located along one of the main roads leading around Seneca Lake. It is visible from both roadside or via boat on the lake.
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Location: Route 414 South Eastern side of Seneca Lake
Fee: None.
Parking: Roadside, no official parking area just pull offs.
Trail Name: No official trail.
Distance: Roadside, pull offs are located before or after bridge.
Waterfall Highlights: Hector Falls, 250 ft high.
Swimming: None.
Tips & Other Info: You can view from either the road or if you have a boat, from the lake. There are private tours you can take if you don’t have your own boat to see the falls. Route 414 is VERY busy during some seasons and cars are not going slow. If you stop, use pull offs and if you exit your vehicle, do so with caution.
Watkins Glen State Park – Rainbow Falls
This is a VERY well known State Park in the Finger Lakes. Many travel to this region specifically to see the Gorge and 19 waterfalls that Watkins Glen State Park has to offer. Due to its popularity, if you can adventure here on a weekday or early in the morning when the park first opens you’ll have more time to enjoy the hikes without the crowds.
Location: 1009 N. Franklin St. Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Fee: $10 per vehicle. More information here.
Parking: Upper or Lower parking areas. Lower area is right in town, upper parking area has less traffic but both fill quickly during busy seasons.
Trail Name: Gorge Trail – Closed in Winter
Distance: 1.5 mi
Waterfall Highlights: Rainbow Falls, 101 ft
Swimming: None.
Tips & Other Info: There are many areas on this trail that are wet, so wear appropriate footwear due to rocks being slippery and many stairs to climb. Some say you get better views starting at the lower lot, but I found no issues seeing the waterfalls starting at the upper lot to avoid overcrowded parking situations and to descend the staircase instead of having to climb up. Shuttles run to all 3 parking areas for an additional $6 per adult (children 10 and under are free) if you only want to hike one way. See shuttle schedule here.
Montour Falls – SheQuaGa Falls
SheQuaGa Falls is a unique waterfall located directly in between two houses in town. There is a small park that is open to the public with benches and walkways that overlook the base of the falls. The best route to get there is drive down W. Main Street and you’ll see the falls towards the end of the road behind the white house.
Location: W. Main St and Genesee St Intersection at the SheQuaGa Falls Park.
Parking: Roadside, a few spots in front of the park or plenty of spaces at no cost on W. Main St.
Trail Name: None
Distance: Can see from the road, or walk into the small park.
Waterfall Highlights: SheQuaGa Falls, 156 ft high.
Swimming: None
Tips & Other Info: You can drive over the Mill Street bridge for another view from the car if you want to see more of the falls, but the park provides a nice overlook at the base. Also a great way to take a break and just enjoy a snack while resting between other hikes.
Montour Falls – Aunt Sarah’s Falls
After you leave Watkins Glen State Park, this is a great waterfall to see along with SheQuaGa Falls mentioned above. They are all about a 5 minute drive from one another and great add ons to your waterfall adventures.
Location: Roadside along route 14 (if coming from Watkins Glen, waterfall will be on your right before going into the town of Montour Falls).
Fee: None
Parking: Small area across the road from the waterfall.
Trail Name: None.
Distance: Roadside.
Waterfall Highlights: Aunt Sarah’s Falls, 200 ft but only 90 are visible from the base.
Swimming: None
Tips & Other Info: This is a waterfall you’ll want to try to check out in Spring or after a rainfall due to a lower flow. It only takes a few minutes to check out. Use caution if crossing the road to access the falls due to high speeding cars on a busy road.
Montour Falls – Eagle Cliff Falls
Image by JimVallee from Getty Images on Canva
While in the area, there is a hidden gem of a waterfall that hides away behind a campground. Eagle Cliff Falls is a short hike with a nice view!
Location: Havana Glen Park: 135 Havana Glen Road, Montour Falls, NY 14865
Fee: $3
Parking: Small area near the trailhead.
Trail Name: Eagle Cliff Falls Trail
Distance: 0.3 mi
Waterfall Highlights: Eagle Cliff Falls, 41 ft.
Swimming: You can splash around in the shallow water at the end.
Tips & Other Info: Some stairs involved on this short hike. Keep going past the campground to get to the trailhead.
Don’t forget to explore the lakes, NOT just the waterfalls!
If you’re over near Ithaca, while you’re at Taughannock State Park, you pay for access to has lake access which is great for picnics or a nice break to cool off.
If you’re near Watkins Glen, Clute Park is a great spot to access Seneca Lake, plus there is a playground with a splash pad.
Time Needed to Visit The Top 7 Waterfalls in Finger Lakes
Most people only have a short time to explore the Finger Lakes region, so if you’re near the Cayuga Lake or Seneca Lake areas while visiting, many of these stops are completely doable in just 2 short days. We were able to complete these as just a mom and 1 year old daughter duo without feeling completely overwhelmed.
We truly enjoyed our weekend getaway chasing waterfalls and I can’t recommend it enough to families or couples looking to explore the beauty of what New York’s Finger Lake Region has to offer!
Leave No Trace
While enjoying the top 7 waterfalls in Finger Lakes NY, preserve what nature has to offer so everyone can enjoy them. Follow the principles of “Leave No Trace” and ensure that our impact on these environments is minimal. Pack out all waste if hiking or use trash cans if available. Don’t forget to stay on designated trails, and enjoy the beauty of the amazing waterfalls in the Finger Lakes of New York while leaving them untouched for generations to come. Always be cautious when near water and know your and your children’s limits. Please respect signs to stay on the trail and ensure you’re safety.
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