The Best Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, New York

If you’re in the mood for a New York-based adventure and some of the most gorgeous nature you’ve ever seen, then chasing waterfalls in the Finger Lakes will be a dream come true.

The Finger Lakes region is also one of the most romantic getaways in upstate New York, so if you’re traveling with a partner, you’re in for an extra special treat!

With countless waterfalls, stunning hikes, jaw-dropping scenic roads and myriad exquisite wineries, it’s no wonder that the NY Finger Lakes are such a popular visitor attraction. No matter what most attracts you to visit the area, you won’t be disappointed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. About the Finger Lakes
2. Where are the Finger Lakes?
3. Best time to visit the Finger Lakes
4. Taughannock Falls
5. Lucifer Falls
6. Buttermilk Falls
7. Ithaca Falls
8. Carpenter Falls
9. Fillmore Glen State Park (Cowshed Falls)
10. Watkins Glen Gorge
11. Shequaga Falls
12. Hector Falls
13. Grimes Glen Park
14. Letchworth Park
15. Tannery Creek

About the Finger Lakes of NY

The Finger Lakes is a huge region that covers over 9,000 miles and encompasses 14 NY counties. It was formed during the Ice Age over 2,000 years ago when glaciers chiseled out the terrain that would eventually manifest 11 “finger-looking” glacial lakes, endless waterfalls and rolling hills.

It has since become the home of some of the most-visited and best waterfalls in NY and some of the USA’s most renowned state parks—not to mention some of the top wineries in the country. Hiking, unwinding and wine tasting are what people come here for!

Where are the Finger Lakes?

The Finger Lakes are located roughly 230 miles from New York City, or about four to five hours by car. Due to its proximity to the largest city in the country, you can bet this is one popular road trip!

There’s also a ton of ground to cover, if you choose to do so. The region lies in the western part of Upstate New York that stretches from the Pennsylvania border, all the way up to Lake Ontario.

Best time to visit the NY Finger Lakes

While some say that any time of year is the best time to visit the area, spring is usually the best, as this is when the Finger Lakes waterfalls are cascading at their full power. The weather is also warm and best suited for enjoying the many Finger Lakes hiking trails.

The wineries and breweries can be popular in the summer, but many waterfalls dry up in the hottest months of the year, so you won’t experience some of them in their full glory.

Fall in the Finger Lakes is also a favorable and picturesque time to visit—the red and orange foliage that encompasses the waterfalls makes for some breathtaking scenery.

Best waterfalls in the Finger Lakes

Really, there are so many waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region. In the Ithaca area alone, there are over 150 famous waterfalls within a 10-mile radius! So, to narrow it down, I’ve made this list of the best waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.

For planning purposes, the list is organized by the three best base towns in the area that offer accommodations and easy access to the Finger Lakes falls listed—Ithaca, Watkins Glen and Naples.

Finger Lakes Waterfalls near Ithaca

Taughannock Falls

If you’re looking for a waterfall that’s taller than Niagara Falls, you’ve found it! Cascading 215 feet down from cliffs located 400 feet above, Taughannock Falls is the tallest waterfall in NY and is every bit as impressive as it sounds.

There are two ways to admire this most theatrical of waterfalls in Finger Lakes NY: from the overlook and the basin.

To get to the basin, simply take the 0.75-mile Gorge Trail that takes you along Taughannock Creek to reach the base of the falls. It’s a flat, easy 1.5 mile-round trip that’s worth taking for the stunning vistas.

How to get to Taughannock Falls

From Ithaca, take Route 89 north to Taughannock Falls State Park. Follow the signs on Taughannock to reach the free one-hour overlook parking, or there’s paid parking for a longer visit.

Lucifer Falls

Just six miles from Ithaca you’ll find a 1,100-acre New York natural treasure, the Robert H. Treman State Park. These lush grounds are home to one of the most magnificent Ithaca NY waterfalls: the Lucifer Falls.

You’ll get the best vistas along the two-mile rim trail that takes you to the base of the 115-foot waterfall and then up for a stunning view from above.

If taking a dip in a waterfall after hiking in the Finger Lakes is on your to-do list, pack a swimsuit for this one because here you’ll get your chance!

How to get to Lucifer Falls

Robert H. Treman State Park is south west of Ithaca on Route 13 and is easy to find on a map. You’ll find the Lucifer Falls near the park’s West entrance. Parking is $8 per vehicle.

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is one of the best New York waterfalls because it’s one of the few Finger Lake waterfalls that allows public swimming when there’s a lifeguard on duty. The 165-foot cascade makes for one impressive pool backdrop!

You can actually look at the Buttermilk Falls just steps from the parking lot. To get a closer look, you can take the .75 mile gorge hike up one side to the top of the falls and back down into the pool.

How to get to Buttermilk Falls

Traveling 1.5 miles from Ithaca on Route 13, you’ll find Buttermilk Falls State Park’s lower parking area. To reach the rim trail, you’ll need to cross the bridge over Buttermilk Creek.

Ithaca Falls

Probably because it’s the easiest to get to of all the waterfalls in Finger Lakes NY, Ithaca Falls is also one of the most well known. It’s on Fall Creek right by the heart of downtown Ithaca, so marveling at this 150-foot cascade is a must.

Ithaca Falls is accessible year-round and just takes a one-minute walk to get so close that you can feel the thundering vibration as the water cascades down. It’s really something to experience!

How to get to Ithaca Falls

Head just north of downtown Ithaca on Lake Street and you can see the falls from the bridge over Fall Creek. Or take a short 150-yard walk along the creek for the full experience.

Carpenter Falls

Among the more challenging Finger Lakes hikes is the short but steep track to Carpenter Falls. There’s a 3.2-mile round trip trail you can take to venture through some amazing woods—or you can opt to park closer and take the shorter .25 mile loop. Just go carefully, as the trail can get very slippery!

No matter how you choose to get there, the powerful 90-foot cascade is well worth it.

How to get to Carpenter Falls

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the falls from Ithaca via Route 41 in the town of Marietta at the intersection of Appletree Point Road and Carver Road. There’s a free, very small parking lot.

Fillmore Glen State Park

Fillmore Glen is one of the most rustic and picturesque Finger Lakes parks. You’ll find dense, lush woods with hiking trails that offer stunning views and five waterfalls.

The easiest one to get to is Cowshed Falls, a 37-foot waterfall tucked away in a secluded part of the gorge. It’s accessible via a short .25 mile trail from the parking lot.

How to get to Cowshed Falls

Fillmore Glen State Park is a 20-mile drive from Ithaca, one mile south of Moravia village. There’s plenty of paid parking available.

Waterfalls near Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen Gorge

Watkins Glen Gorge is a treasure trove of Finger Lakes waterfalls! Just by venturing along Gorge Trail for a relaxed 1.5-mile hike, you’ll encounter 19 splendid Watkins Glen NY waterfalls, all unique and equally beautiful.

Start at the lower entrance and enjoy the lush green scenery and waterfall tour as you make your way to the glorious Rainbow Falls as the final reward. Be sure to have your camera handy because the photo ops here are non-stop!

How to get to Watkins Glen Gorge

The park is in the middle of the town of Watkins Glen. It has three main parking areas but the main entrance is best for accessing the Gorge Trail.

Shequaga Falls

In the village of Montour Falls, you’ll find one of the most impressive waterfalls near Watkins Glen—Shequaga Falls—which means “tumbling waters” in the Native American Seneca language.

You can see this majestic 165-foot waterfall from the road, but the viewing area is just steps away if you want to park and walk for a closer look.

How to get to Shequaga Falls:

Just five minutes from Watkins Glen, you can find the Shequaga Falls in a small park in Montour Falls along South Genesee Street.

Hector Falls

This roadside waterfall is one of the most beautiful of the Seneca Lake falls. Hector Falls features an impressive 165-foot cascade that flows year round, so visitors have the chance to admire its beauty in all seasons.

You’ll get a great view of the falls and capture some amazing photos from the road, but getting up close and personal is the best way to appreciate this cascading wonder. If you pull over at Hector Falls Point, you can cross the road and admire the upper part of the falls.

How to get to Hector Falls:

From Watkins Glen, head north on 414 until you reach a bridge that crosses right in front of the waterfall. There’s a pull off for people to stop their cars and hop out for a look.

Waterfalls near Naples

Grimes Glen Park

You can view three waterfalls by taking the .75 mile Grimes Glen Trail. You’ll see the first two easily from the trail while the third requires more skill. You’ll need to follow the rope on the left side of the second falls to make the hike up if you dare!

Be forewarned that the trail runs upstream along Grimes Creek, so the grounds get very slippery and you will definitely get wet.

How to get to Grimes Glen Park:

Drive to the end of Vine Street off of Main Street in downtown Naples where you’ll find a small parking lot for Grimes Glen.

Letchworth Park

Letchworth State Park—also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”—sits on the periphery of the Finger Lakes near the Greater Niagara region.

You’ll find many hidden waterfalls throughout the park with three main waterfalls that are the real show stoppers—Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls.

Upper Falls is 70-feet high and features a marvelous bridge 200 feet above the river. It’s a short distance from the parking lot. Not far from here you’ll find the 107-foot Middle Falls, the tallest in the park.

Reaching the Lower Falls requires a short, .5 mile hike down 125 steps along semi-rough terrain. But it’s definitely worth working up a bit of a sweat to get there.

How to get to Letchworth Park

It’s a 35 mile drive along I-390 from Naples to reach Letchworth Park. For easy access to the falls, park at either the Middle/Upper Falls Glen parking lot of the Iris Inn lot.

Tannery Creek

Tannery Creek is not as well-known as Grimes Glen but features several small waterfalls and 50-foot falls that are definitely worth visiting. As you walk up the creek, you’ll pass 10-foot waterfalls followed by a 15-foot fall and, finally, a grand, two-tiered 50-foot high cascade.

The upper section of the gully has more falls, including another 50-foot beauty. This requires climbing up a rugged, steep road if you feel up to the challenge.

How to get to Tannery Creek:

From Main Street in Naples, you can access the creek from behind some buildings at the end of Tannery Road. You’ll need to walk down to the creek bed, which is about 10 feet below road level.

There you have it! My list of best waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, New York. I hope you enjoy this incredible piece of nature and capture some once-in-a-lifetime photos. Happy waterfall hunting!

Map of the Finger Lakes waterfalls

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