New York’s wet spring has given way to sunny weather—making it a prime time to plan a day trip to one of the state’s breathtaking waterfalls. While Niagara Falls is the most iconic, there are dozens of lesser-known cascades across the state that promise equally memorable experiences.
From the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes and beyond, here are 14 waterfalls to visit this summer:
1. Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this park features three massive waterfalls powered by the Genesee River. In addition to 66 miles of hiking trails, the park offers an Autism Nature Trail with sensory stations for an inclusive outdoor experience.
2. Chittenango Falls State Park (Madison County)
A 167-foot waterfall formed over ancient bedrock sits in this Central New York gem. Visitors can hike down into the gorge to get a footbridge view or admire the falls from above.
3. High Falls Conservation Area (Columbia County)
The tallest waterfall in Columbia County (150 feet) is accessible via a one-mile trail in Chatham that leads to a scenic overlook above Agawamuck Creek.
4. Watkins Glen State Park (Schuyler County)
This Finger Lakes favorite features 19 waterfalls along a two-mile gorge trail with over 800 stone steps. It’s a must-see destination for hikers and photographers alike.
5. Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
Towering 215 feet—making it taller than Niagara—Taughannock Falls drops into a dramatic gorge outside of Ithaca. Visitors can view the falls from multiple trails and vantage points.
6. Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Ulster County)
Home to Awosting Falls and over 50 miles of trails, this Hudson Valley preserve offers scenic beauty year-round and is ideal for hiking and biking.
7. Kaaterskill Falls (Greene County)
Cascading in two tiers for a total of 260 feet, this historic Catskills waterfall is both a natural wonder and a muse for American artists and writers.
8. Buttermilk Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
Located near Ithaca, this park includes wooded trails, campgrounds, and a natural swimming area. Its namesake falls create a foamy cascade down toward Cayuga Lake.
9. Chestnut Ridge Park (Erie County)
The Eternal Flame Falls features a unique natural gas spring that produces a flickering flame inside the waterfall—a rare and magical sight.
10. Salmon River Falls (Oswego County)
A 110-foot waterfall with several trail options, including a fully accessible 0.2-mile overlook path, makes this a top pick for all mobility levels.
11. Grimes Glen Park (Ontario County)
Located in Naples, this park is home to picturesque waterfalls and is notable for housing the oldest fossilized tree remains found in New York.
12. Mine Kill State Park (Schoharie County)
Mine Kill Falls plunges 80 feet and includes viewing platforms and hiking trails, including access via the scenic Long Path.
13. Tinker Falls (Cortland County)
This 50-foot waterfall in Labrador Hollow features a short accessible trail and more adventurous paths for hikers who want to climb to the top.
14. Robert H. Treman State Park (Tompkins County)
Home to 12 waterfalls, including the dramatic 115-foot Lucifer Falls, this Ithaca-area park also offers a stream-fed swimming pool under the falls.
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