One of the easiest waterfalls trails in the Finger Lakes leads you to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies. The Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail is a one-mile, flat trail near Ithaca, NY, that offers a ton of reward for little effort.
We completed the trail during our second visit to the Finger Lakes. You can also see the massive waterfall from the overlook, which we did during our first visit. Obviously, we think this waterfall is worth seeing!
If you’re in the Finger Lakes, you’ll want to take the time to do the Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls. Before you rush out the door, the guide below has everything you need to know.
In this day and age, I feel the need to announce that I don’t use AI to write my posts!
I’ve hiked these trails, taken these photos, and collected this information personally (sometimes with the help of my friends, who are also real, live people). I appreciate you being here and utilizing my work for your future endeavors.
Also: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Thank you for your support!
Two Ways to See Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls is a 215-foot-tall waterfall, making it the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains! It’s also the second-tallest waterfall in New York, second only to Kaaterskill Falls. And you can enjoy the beauty of this waterfall from two different perspectives, making it a perfect stop on your quest to see all of the waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
First, I highly recommend you take the Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls (which is probably why you’re reading this post). It’s one mile to the waterfall, but the trail is very easy and flat. You could easily push a stroller along the trail if you’re concerned about little kids. (More info below!)
However, you don’t want to miss the higher perspective! The Taughannock Falls Overlook is right off Taughannock Park Road. There are steps leading down to a small terrace to get a closer view of the falls. However, visitors can easily see the waterfall without having to navigate the steps, making it accessible to all.
There is a parking lot next to the overlook and one across the street. Although the parking lots can fill up quickly, visitors spend only a short time at the overlook, turning over parking spots quickly.
Next to the overlook is a small visitor center and gift shop where you can grab a snack, drink, or some Ithaca memorabilia.
Prepare For Your Visit to Taughannock Falls
Parking
There is a parking lot at the Taughannock Falls trailhead that holds about 40 cars. This trail is extremely popular! We arrived around 9:30 on a Tuesday morning, and the parking lot was almost full.
There is additional parking across the street at Taughannock Point if the lot is full.
Both parking areas are part of Taughannock Falls State Park.
Park Fees
New York State Parks charge an entrance fee. As of publication, it’s $10 for Taughannock Falls State Park.
Good to Know: Are you visiting multiple New York State Parks in one day? Hold on to your receipt. You can enter more than one park per day showing the receipt to the gate attendant.
Amenities
There are some picnic tables near the parking lot. There are no bathrooms at the Taughannock Falls trailhead. However, there are several bathrooms across the street at both the beach and boat launch.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Cellular Service
We had cell service at the start of the trail, but lost it as we got closer to the waterfall.
Bring The Essentials
It’s not a long or strenuous trail, but it’s always good to bring water. Also, you can access parts of the Taughannock Creek along the trail, so bring water shoes and a towel to dry off.
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 Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls
| Trail Location: | The trailhead is on the south side of the parking lot. |
| Trail Length: | 2 miles out and back |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy and stroller accessible |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 60 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Starting the Trail
The trailhead for the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail is clearly marked.
There are a few signs explaining the area’s geological history (you’ll find several informative ones along the trail). It also starts with a small cascade on Taughannock Creek, which itself provides a beautiful backdrop.
Along the Trail
The trail to Taughannock Falls is wide and flat.
It’s very pretty to walk along, but also uneventful, though the views of the tall gorge walls are incredible. It’s hard to capture in a photo, but you feel so small! Don’t laugh, but it kind of reminded me of Zion National Park (in a smaller, east coast kind of way).
The trees provide plenty of shade during the summer months, and there are several opportunities to access Taughannock Creek to walk along the creek bed and dip your toes in the water.
Before you reach the waterfall, there is a sign stating that it’s the end of the trail and that “hiking only” applies going forward.
From there, you’ll cross a footbridge and reach a terrace to get a closer view of the waterfall. I’m not sure why they label that part right before the bridge as the “end,” since it’s still flat and pretty accessible to the terrace.
At the Waterfall
The terrace doesn’t get you too close to the waterfall, but you can still appreciate its size, as well as the height of the tower rock cliffs around you.
At 215 feet tall, Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies (even taller than Niagara Falls!).
Other Things to Do Near Taughannock Falls
Once you’ve seen the beautiful waterfall, you can head across the street to swim or boat in Cayuga Lake.
Of course, heading up to the overlook and shopping at the gift shop is always fun too! Both times we visited Taughannock Falls, we stopped at the Cayuga Nature Center to climb around the six-story treehouse.
There are also several other hiking trails at Taughannock Falls State Park. The South Rim Trail will give you yet another view of Taughannock Falls, plus some other views of the gorge from above.
Lastly, you can maximize your state park fees by hiking at Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park. Both of them are worth visiting.
Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail Wrap-Up
I’m so glad we did the Taughannock Falls trail! On our last visit to the Finger Lakes, we only went up to the overlook. This time, we really got to appreciate the size and beauty of this massive waterfall.
Pin It For Later
