There are so many waterfalls in the Finger Lakes! And although many other waterfalls hold the attention of visitors, Eagle Cliff Falls is worth visiting. Especially if you’re looking for a short and easy waterfall trail.
We stopped at Eagle Cliff Falls at Havana Glen Park on our way home from camping at Watkins Glen State Park. The walk to the waterfall was quick, but the kids also enjoyed the playground next to the parking lot. It was a great way to burn off some energy before our long drive home.
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Eagle Cliff Falls at Havana Glen Park
Eagle Cliff Falls is a 41-foot-tall plunge waterfall that is tucked away inside Havana Glen Park. What makes this waterfall so impressive is the surrounding rock amphitheater and the 100-foot-tall Eagle Cliff.
The waterfall is about 10 minutes from Watkins Glen State Park, making it a perfect addition to all of your Finger Lakes waterfall hunting. We actually stopped at Shequaga Falls first on the way to Havana Glen. You could also add Aunt Sarah’s Falls to your list, giving you three waterfall stops within a 10-minute drive of Watkins Glen.
The trail to Eagle Cliff Falls is very short. It took us 3 minutes to reach the waterfall from the trailhead. Nowhere near the 30-60 minutes AllTrails has listed! And, even though it’s not an accessible trail, it’s very easy. There are several sets of steps along the trail, so keep that in mind.
Prepare For Your Hike to Eagle Cliff Falls
Park Fees
Eagle Cliff Falls is tucked away in the back of Havana Glen Park. The park charges a $3 entry fee, cash only, based on the honor system. There is a slot at the entrance to put your money.
Parking
Follow the road all the way to the back of the park, and you’ll find a large parking lot. It holds about two dozen cars. If for some reason the lot is full, there are other places to park within Havana Glen, and then it’s a short walk to the trailhead.
Amenities
Havana Glen is a small town park, but it still has plenty of amenities.
There are plenty of picnic tables, a restroom at the playground, and also a playground that will send you back to your childhood in the 1980s! Havana Glen is also a small campground, so you can camp there if you’d like. Though I’d recommend camping at Watkins Glen instead.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
The Trail to Eagle Cliff Falls
| Trail Location: | The trailhead is at the back of the parking area. |
| Trail Length: | 2/10 miles. |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy, but there are steps and uneven parts of the trail. |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 20 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Starting the Trail
I always love it when a waterfall trail starts with a small waterfall. And this one is no different. Enjoy the sound of flowing water as you ascend the stone steps.
Along the Trail
A majority of the trail is flat, packed earth or boardwalk. This is not an accessible trail, though, as there are plenty of steps. Most are stone steps, but there is one section of tall metal stairs.
As you approach the waterfall, the trail becomes slightly uneven and uses natural stones. None of this is difficult, but the stones can be slippery, so be mindful.
At the Waterfall
Eagle Cliff Falls and the surrounding rock amphitheater feel like a small version of the other gorge trails in the Finger Lakes. But that doesn’t make it any less impressive.
I love how the rocky cliffs surround you, creating a bit of a cocoon so you can enjoy the sound, sight, and smells of the waterfall. It’s quite a nice payoff for such a short walk!
Other Waterfalls Near Eagle Cliff Falls
As mentioned above, there are several waterfalls within a short drive of Eagle Cliff Falls. You have Deckertown Falls, Shequaga Falls, and Aunt Sarah’s Falls within a few minutes. And of course, the incredible 19-waterfall trail at Watkins Glen.
If you want to travel further, there are plenty of other waterfalls to see in the Finger Lakes, including the gorgeous Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca.
Eagle Cliff Falls Wrap-Up
We enjoyed our short walk to see Eagle Cliff Falls. It was worth the few-minute detour on our way home to stop and see the waterfall and enjoy the playground at the park. I wouldn’t make a special trip just for Eagle Cliff Falls, but it’s worth combining it with the other nearby waterfalls and, of course, the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
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