When they say the Finger Lakes are gorgeous, they are not kidding!
This beautiful area in the Southern Tier Region of New York State offers visitors natural beauty and some of the best hiking on the East Coast.
One of the reasons the place is so gorgeous is the many gorges (see what I did there?). These gorges were formed over 12,000 years ago, which is 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!
In this day and age, I feel the need to mention 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!
Preparing for Your Finger Lakes Waterfall Hike
State Park Fees
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.
Most parks charge a vehicle entry fee, ranging from $6 to $10. However, several passes allow entry to the park, 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.
Seasonal Closures
Remember that the gorge trails listed below are typically closed from mid-October to early May for safety reasons, so double-check that they are open. You can also download the Parks Explorer App to keep up-to-date on everything related to the New York State Parks.
Be Prepared
It’s always good to have your hiking essentials with you. Also, pack a swimsuit and water shoes – some of the trails have swimming holes at the base of the falls!
Bring a Map
The New York State Parks have maps you can download before your visit.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit these trails, 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, ranging from 1/10 mile to 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!
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: 60 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 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 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.
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 having to navigate the steps, making it accessible to all.
Next to the overlook is a small visitor center and gift shop. This is a great place to purchase a snack, drink, or some Ithaca memorabilia.
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 out-and-back
- 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 number 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.
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 Park 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 about 4.5 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, the route includes several staircases, 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.
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 or take the Rim Trail back to your starting
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate due to the number of stairs. For the easiest route, start at the Upper entrance, walk down the stairs, then take the 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 trails in 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, offering visitors a more leisurely descent down the 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. Follow the Rim Trail to the right, which will start your hike at Couch’s Staircase, so you can enjoy the full trail.
Good to Know: If you’re camping at Watkins Glen, it’s easy to access the Rim Trail from the Onondaga Village Loop.
Ithaca Falls Trail
- Trail Location: The footpath is accessible 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
The Ithaca Falls Trail is a super-short walk through the woods that leads to a gorgeous waterfall. Ithaca Falls is a 150-foot-high cascading waterfall and 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 a sign describing the geological history of the gorge, too. It’s crazy to think how long it took for them to form!
Eagle Cliff Falls
- Trail Location: Havana Glen Park in Montour Falls
- Trail Length: .2 miles out-and-back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy; however, there are multiple sets of stairs along the trail
- Elevation Gain: 20 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Another super-short trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall is the one to Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park.
The trail is less than .2 miles, out and back, and leads you to a 41-foot plunge waterfall surrounded by 100-foot-tall cliffs! It’s one of those trails where you just feel relaxed standing at the waterfall, taking in the smell, sight, and sounds.
Things to know ahead of time: There is a $3-per-car entry fee for Havana Glen Park. And even though there is a natural pool at the bottom of the falls, swimming is not allowed!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 challenging hikes to easy walking paths, everyone can enjoy the area’s beauty. 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.
Pin It For Later
