When they say the Finger Lakes are gorgeous, they are not kidding!
This beautiful area in the Southern Tier Region of New York State bestows its visitors with beauty and offers some of the best hiking on the East Coast.
One of the reasons the place is so gorgeous are the many gorges (see what I did there?). These gorges were formed over 12,000 years ago and are why there are so many beautiful waterfall hikes in the Finger Lakes area.
But there are several waterfalls that are easy to see without a hike! So, they are also included on this list. Because who doesn’t need more waterfalls in their life?
The guide below shares some of the best hikes (and non-hikes) to waterfalls in the Finger Lakes. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Preparing for Your Finger Lakes Waterfall Hike
Before you go on a waterfall hike in the Finger Lakes, you’ll need to be prepared. We recommend wearing and bringing these items.
- Shoes: Wear supportive, comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. There are options to dip toes in the water on these hikes, so make sure to pack along a pair of water shoes or bring a small towel to dry off.
- Clothing: Layers are essential when hiking! Mornings may be cool, but you usually heat up while hiking. A lightweight sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt over a t-shirt or tank top is never a bad idea.
- Water Bottles: Obvious, but always good to have a reminder.
- Snacks or Picnic Lunch: Some of the hikes listed can take a few hours, so be prepared with snacks or a small lunch. Some of the parks below do not have trash cans, so be prepared to carry in/carry out.
- Bug Spray and Sunscreen: Mosquitoes and other bothersome insects can ruin outdoor fun. A good insect repellant will make any hike more pleasant. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Hand sanitizer / Hand Wipes: Good to have before eating or after using the bathroom.
- Bandages: Some bandages or a small first aid kit are always good to have when hiking. Scrapes and scratches often occur on the trail.
- Backpack: We recommend one with side pockets to hold the water bottles and a front pocket to hold the wipes and bandages. But you can use whatever you own!
- Swimsuit & Towel: Some of these waterfalls have swimming areas at the base of the falls. They are the perfect way to cool off after a hike.
Things to Know Before Hiking in the Finger Lakes
State Park Fees and Closures
Before you leave for your waterfall hike, visit the New York State Park website for information like park fees, park hours, other activities available at the park, and trail maps.
Remember that the gorge trails listed below are closed during the winter and early spring for safety reasons, so double-check that the trails are open. You can also download the Parks Explorer App to keep up-to-date on everything related to the New York State Parks.
Most parks charge a vehicle entry fee, ranging from $6 to $10. However, several passes allow park entry, including the National Park Service’s Every-Kid-in-a-Park pass. Visit their website for more information. If you visit more than one park daily, save your receipt! You can use it to get free access for the remainder of the day.
If you are up for the challenge, the Taughannock, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman trails are all within a 15-minute drive from each other. Depending on your chosen trails, you could hike at all three parks in one day.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit these trails 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 Best Waterfall Hikes in the Finger Lakes
Although there are several waterfall hikes in the Finger Lakes, they are not all equal. These hikes range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
They also differ in length, as short as 1/10 mile or more than 2 miles in one direction. And some are more popular than others which can make them very crowded.
Several of these waterfalls can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. And we all know being around water can make you feel better!
1. Taughannock Falls State Park Gorge Trail
- Trail Location: You can access the gorge trail from the parking lot off State Route 89 in Taughannock Falls State Park
- Trail Length: The gorge trail is about 1 mile long (2 miles out and back)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, thanks to the flat trail. It is considered “stroller friendly”.
- Elevation Gain: 180 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are permitted.
Taughannock Falls (pronounced “tah-GAN-nick”) is a 215-foot tall waterfall near Cayuga Lake in Trumansburg, NY. The falls and overlook are a part of the Taughannock Falls State Park.
-This two-mile out-and-back trail is flat enough to be considered “stroller friendly“, so it’s relatively easy. And during the summer months, the trees shade the path until you cross the creek to access the waterfall viewing area.
The trail’s end leads to the Taughannock Falls, giving you fantastic views of the waterfall.
To access the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail, you’ll want to park at the lot off of State Route 89, near the Inn at Taughannock Falls, or across the street at Taughannock Point. Look for the “P” to the right of the Gorge Trail on this map.
Visitor Tip: If you are looking for a longer hike, consider taking the North Rim or South Rim trails and make a loop where they connect near the upper falls. This option will be just over 2.6 miles.
See Taughannock Falls Without the Hike
Whether you’ve completed the hike to Taughannock Falls and want a different perspective, or you just want to avoid the hike, you’ll want to visit the Taughannock Falls Overlook.
There is a small parking lot next to the overlook and one across the street. Although the parking lot can fill up quickly, cars tend to move in frequently as visitors don’t stay too long.
Even though the waterfall is far away, the overlook still provides a beautiful view of Taughannock Falls without hiking. There are steps leading down to get a closer view of the falls. However, visitors can easily see the waterfall without navigating the steps, making it accessible for all.
Next to the overlook is a small visitor’s center and gift shop. This is a great place to purchase a snack, drink, or some Ithaca memorabilia.
2. Buttermilk Falls State Park Gorge Trail
- Trail Location: To access the Buttermilk Falls Gorge trail, you’ll have to park at either the Lower or Upper Entrances of Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Trail Length: The gorge trail is 3/4 mile one way, 1.5 miles in-and-out
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate due to the number of stairs along the trail
- Elevation Gain: 460 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are permitted
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is magnificent and not to be missed! It doesn’t draw in visitors like Watkins Glen, but it is still worth your time and attention. We loved how close you were to the creek and various waterfalls.
The trail is just about 3/4 miles long, one way, so it isn’t too long, but it can be considered strenuous, with several staircases along it.
Depending on what you want out of the trail and what you think you can handle will determine where you start. Starting at the Lower Park Entrance (off of state routes 13,34, &96), you must climb several stairs.
We didn’t count the stairs, but I read somewhere that you’ll climb 400 feet in elevation within the first half of the trail. The good news is, if you come back via the Gorge Trail, you’ll walk down the steps at the end of your hike!
If the amount of steps at the Lower Entrance makes you nervous, try starting at the Upper Park Entrance (off of West King Road) and walking down the Gorge Trail until you reach the top of the big staircase. Then turn around and head back to the Upper Entrance.
You can also make a loop if you prefer. To do that, hike the Rim Trail in one direction and then take the Gorge Trail in the other direction. No matter your choice, the hike will be about 1.5 miles.
You can lengthen any of the trails you choose by adding the Bear and Lake Treman trails to your hike. The Bear trail is 3/4 mile one way, and the Lake Treman trail is 1.5 miles. Check out the map to determine your best route!
See Buttermilk Falls Without the Hike
You can easily see Buttermilk Falls without having to complete the strenuous hike since it is right next to the parking area at the Lower Park Entrance off of Elmira Road (state routes 12, 34, & 96)
At the Lower Entrance, visitors can sit by the natural pool and enjoy the sights and sounds of the cascades without climbing a single step.
The natural pool is open for swimming during the summer months! Visit the New York State Park website for more information.
3. Robert H. Treman State Park Gorge Trail
- Trail Location: To access the Robert H. Treman Gorge trail, you’ll have to park at either the Lower Parl or Upper Park entrances of Robert H. Treman State Park
- Trail Length: The gorge trail is just over 2 miles one way (full loop is just over 4 miles). However, you can shorten your hike to a 1-mile loop or 3-mile loop, depending on where you start and where you cross the creek.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate due to the number of stairs on the trail
- Elevation Gain: 810 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are permitted
Bring your bathing suit to Robert H. Treman State Park because you’ll want to jump into the natural pool after your hike!
At just over 2 miles one way, the Robert H. Treman State Park Gorge Trail is the longest waterfall trail on this list. And like most of the other trails on this list, several staircases are along the route, making it quite strenuous.
You have a few options to see Lucifer Falls, the main attraction along this waterfall hike. Starting at the bottom of the trail, at the Lower Park entrance off of state route 327, you can either hike the Gorge Trail or the Rim Trail to the top and then either backtrack or head down the other trail. Both trails are just over 2 miles, making the entire loop just over 4 miles.
A shorter option to see Lucifer Falls is to start at the Upper Park entrance and hike the loop from the Rim Trail to the Gorge Trail by crossing the creek at the bottom of the Cliff Staircase. This loop is about 1 mile long.
You can use that same crossing to shorten the main Gorge/Rim loop from the Lower Entrance to about 3 miles instead of going all the way to the top. Look at the map to help you decide which trail is right for you!
See the Lower Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park Without the Hike
Like its neighbor, Buttermilk Falls, the Lower Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park offers easily accessible views of the cascades and swimming in its natural pool.
You’ll want to park near the Lower Park Entrance off Park Road to access this beautiful cascade.
Look for the signs for the swimming area. It’s about a 1000-foot walk from the parking lot toward the restrooms and swimming area.
4. Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail
- Trail Location: You can access the Watkins Glen Gorge trail at any park entrance. The Main and Upper entrances will start you on opposite ends of the trail, while the South entrance gets you close to the beginning via Couch’s Staircase.
- Trail Length: The gorge trail is 1.5 miles one way. You can hike one way and take the shuttle (for a fee) back to your starting spot.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate due to the number of stairs on the trail. For the easiest route, start at the Upper entrance, walk down the stairs, and then shuttle back to the top.
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are not permitted on the Gorge Trail
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is probably the most well-known and popular among visitors to the Finger Lakes of the four trails mentioned. It is also the only one located near Lake Seneca.
Due to its popularity among tourists, the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is not your typical hiking trail. The trail is more crowded than the other parks. A shuttle bus also runs between the three entrances (for an additional fee).
There are three entrances to Watkins Glen State Park, and all three have access to the 1.5-mile Gorge Trail. If you start at the Main Entrance, you’ll hike up the Gorge Trail, climbing several staircases along the way.
The Upper Entrance begins at the top of the Gorge Trail, giving visitors a more leisurely hike down those staircases. Many visitors will only hike the Gorge Trail one way and either take the shuttle bus or a car service back to their car on the other end.
If you park at the South Entrance, you’ll see signs for the Gorge Trail, which will start your hike at the suspension bridge.
If you choose to start there and hike to the Upper Entrance, you’ll miss some fantastic features like walking behind a waterfall and the spiral staircase inside the rocks. So don’t follow those signs! Instead, after you pass Lily Pond, you’ll see a sign for the Rim Trail. Follow that to your right (downhill towards the Main Entrance) and take Couch’s Staircase down to the Gorge Trail. That will drop you off near Sentry Bridge, close to the start of the trail.
Like the other trails, you have a few options at Watkins Glen. You can either hike the Gorge Trail just one way and then get a ride back to your starting place via the shuttle.
You can backtrack on the Gorge Trail, and see the 19 different waterfalls again. Or you can take the Rim Trail back to your starting position. To access the Rim Trail from the Gorge Trail, you’ll have to cross at the Mile Point Bridge towards the top or climb up Couch’s Staircase at the bottom.
5. Ithaca Falls Trail
- Trail Location: The footpath can be accessed from Lake Street. A parking lot is next to the trail.
- Trail Length: .2 miles out-and-back, following Fall Creek
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, however, the trail is dirt, not paved
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
I hesitate to call this trail a “hike”, but since you are walking in the woods, we’ll go with it!
The Ithaca Falls Trail is a super short walk through the woods leading to a gorgeous waterfall. Ithaca Falls is a 150-foot cascading waterfall that is also the region’s most powerful.
Even though there is a pool at the base of the falls, swimming is not allowed. But it makes a perfect place to have lunch.
View Ithaca Falls From the Road
Even though the trail to Ithaca Falls is short and easy, it still might be difficult for some to navigate. Thankfully, you can still see the beautiful 150-foot waterfall from Lake Street.
Park in the small lot on Lake Street, and then follow the sidewalk towards the bridge. There, you’ll find a small jut out over the creek and a full view of the waterfall. There is sign describing the geological history of the gorge, too. It’s crazy to think how long it took for them to form!
Other Finger Lakes Waterfalls Without the Hike
Lucky for us, there are a few locations where you can enjoy the view of a waterfall in the Finger Lakes without exerting too much energy.
This is perfect if you have a member of your group that would love to be able to experience the beauty of a Finger Lakes waterfall, but hiking is not an option for them.
6. Upper Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park
The Upper Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park isn’t the star of the show, so it often is forgotten about. However, it’s worth stopping by, especially if you only did the Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls, or just the overlook.
To see the Upper Falls, you’ll want to park at the small lot on Jacksonville Road between Gorge and Park Roads. Follow the short path through the woods to the bridge that connects the North Rim and South Rim Trails. There, you’ll see the roaring falls from above.
7. Triphammer Falls at Cornell University
Cornell University has 15 waterfalls on its campus! Triphammer Falls is one of the most accessible, with a walking bridge crossing over Fall Creek to give visitors and students an up-close look at the falls.
Park near the Martin Y. Yang welcome center off Thurston Avenue and walk less than 500 feet to the bridge. You’ll also get a gorgeous view of the Beebe Lake dam.
8. Shequagua Falls
Shequagua Falls is the largest waterfall in Montour Falls. At 300 feet tall, it’s easily seen from the road. But you can park along S. Genesee Street and walk the paved 120-foot path to get a closer look.
The falls are right between two private residences, so remember to be respectful when visiting.
9. Aunt Sarah’s Falls
Another gorgeous waterfall in Montour Falls, this one is also visible from the road. However, if you want a closer look, there is a parking area across the street on the N. Catherine Street.
Aunt Sarah’s Falls is hundreds of feet tall, but only 90 feet are visible from the viewing area. These falls flow lightly, so the best time to see them is early spring or after a big rainfall.
10. High Falls
Rochester, New York, is in the most northern part of the Finger Lakes region and has tons of fun things to do. There are several waterfalls within Rochester, but High Falls is one of the most impressive!
You can get a great view of the High Falls waterfall by taking the Pont de Rennes Bridge, a footbridge that spans the Genesee River. There are several benches along the bridge for those who want to sit and enjoy the beautiful view.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfall Hikes in the Finger Lakes
What Town in the Finger Lakes Has a Waterfall?
Many towns in the Finger Lakes have waterfalls, but the towns with the most popular waterfalls are Watkins Glen near Seneca Lake and Ithaca near Cayuga Lake.
Which Finger Lake Has the Most Waterfalls?
Ithaca has many waterfalls near Cayuga Lake. But if you want to see a lot of waterfalls in one place, Watkins Glen near Seneca Lake has 19 waterfalls along its gorge trail.
How Many Steps Are There to the Top of Watkins Glen Gorge Trail?
Over the 1.5-mile trail through the Watkins Glen Gorge, visitors will climb 832 steps! You can start at the top and work your way down the steps and then take a shuttle back to the top if climbing that many steps seems daunting.
Where to Stay For Hiking the Finger Lakes Waterfall Trails
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park and the gorge trail. It sits right along Seneca Lake and has many restaurants and shops close by.
Inn a Taughannock Falls
The Inn at Taughannock Falls is within walking distance to the Taughannock Falls trail and is right next to Cayuga Lake. They offer several room options, from hotel rooms to private cottages.
Hotels in Ithaca
You’re bound to find your favorite chain in Ithaca. Ithaca has several hotels in town that are a short drive to many of the waterfall hikes on this list.
Wrapping Up Finger Lakes Waterfall Hikes
The best part about the Finger Lakes is that there are so many waterfalls and several ways to see them. From more difficult hikes, to easy walking paths, everyone can enjoy the beauty of the area. It’s one of the best places for hiking whether you’re a novice or an expert!
If you love these hikes, you’ll love the hike to Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills.
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