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- Even More Waterfalls In Upstate New York
New York is home to thousands of waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular is based in the Upstate region. Exploring these adorable natural wonders is one of the best things vacationers can do in Upstate New York. If planning to explore multiple waterfalls, it is advisable to rent a car to have an unforgettable experience of New York's most impressive hidden gems. Most of these waterfalls boast prime swimming holes and incredibly scenic natural surroundings. These waterfalls are the most beautiful in Upstate New York.
UPDATE: 2023/02/28 17:47 EST BY AARON SPRAY
Even More Waterfalls In Upstate New York
There are plenty of stunning waterfalls in Upstate New York to visit (after all there's not much by way of waterfalls in New York City). This list has been updated and expanded with more great waterfalls to consider visiting when touring Upstate New York. Many people may be surprised at just how many excellent waterfalls are to be found around the state.
14 Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a renowned travel destination recognized for being of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The sound of water roaring as they rush over the ledge and the breathtaking lights created when the mist comes off the falls is incredibly spectacular. Millions are drawn to the falls to see the scenic beauty of New York’s top tourist attraction. The closest town to the falls is Buffalo, located just about 20 miles away.
- The average cost of a seven-day trip: $1,399 for one person, $2,513 for a couple, and $4,710 for a family of four.
- Best time to visit: Summer (August and September)
13 Eternal Flame Falls, Orchard Park
Located in Orchard Park, Eternal Flame Falls is definitely a sight to behold and attracts plenty of vacationers who come to witness its year-round natural beauty. To get to the falls, vacationers follow the Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, found within western New York’s Shale Creek Preserve in Chestnut Ridge Park. The Eternal Flame Falls may be small, but it's one of the most beautiful sights to explore in Upstate New York.
- Best time to visit: Spring because the rain is steady, and visitors can see large volumes of water falling over the rocks.
12 Middle Falls, Letchworth State Park
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, the Middle Falls is located on the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park. Of all the falls along this river, these are the largest and the most breathtaking, and they are definitely worth visiting on a tour of Upstate New York. Around it, several walkways allow vacationers to enjoy the sight of the falls from different viewpoints and take beautiful photographs for memories. The frontal view of Middle Falls allows travelers to take in the breadth of the falling water and enjoy a little splash.
- Best time to visit: Fall
11 Chittenango Falls, Cazenovia Lake
Chittenango Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in Upstate New York and is located right in the middle of Chittenango Falls State Park. The sight of the large volumes of water falling against the mossy rock is absolutely spectacular. This area is also known for its incredible and is home to a unique animal found nowhere else in the world; the Chittenango Ovate amber snail. If staying in Syracuse, one of New York's most charming cities, the falls are only a 25-minute drive away.
- Best time to visit: Spring
- Cost of entrance: Free for vacationers entering on foot, $3 for vehicles during weekdays, and $5 for weekends and holidays.
10 Rainbow Falls, Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular, thanks to its spectacular hikes, cliffs, gorges, and 19 adorable waterfalls. Rainbow Falls is, of course, the most stunning. Located a few steps past the Glen Cathedral, Rainbow is about a 90-minute drive from Rochester. It is nestled about a mile to the west of the main entrance of the park, and travelers can reach it by following the Gorge Trail, which spreads for one and a half miles. The sight of the falls is incredibly photo-worthy, and one will find other tourists trying to locate nice angles to capture the scene.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Entrance cost: Free
- Parking fee in the designated areas: $10
9 Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls State Park is located in the Southern Tier and is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Upstate New York. Measuring 215 feet high, Taughannock Falls is taller than the famous Niagara Falls and is reachable from Ithaca in a few minutes, making it perfect for a day trip. Visitors can follow the Gorge Trail, but it’s not necessary to view the falls. To enjoy the gorgeous sight of this waterfall without having to hike, vacationers should park at the Overlook Visitor Center.
- Cost of entrance: Free for walk-ins, $8 for every vehicle
- Best time to visit: Summer, after the rains.
8 Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is found within the Buttermilk Falls State Park, located in the Ithaca area, among the most beautiful waterfalls in Upstate New York and the best swimming holes in the state. The falls' magnificent scenery draws visitors from different parts of the country, while the pool below is a wonderful spot for cooling off after a long day hiking on a summer day. There may be lifeguards to protect swimmers.
- Cost of entrance: Free for walk-ins, $8 for parking
- Best time to visit: Spring, early summer, and fall
Being one of the most powerful waterfalls, swimmers must avoid going in secluded areas. It is advisable to stay within sight of the lifeguards on duty.
7 Lower Enfield Falls, Robert H. Treman State Park
Located in Robert H. Treman State Park, southwest of Ithaca, Lower Enfield Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Upstate New York. It can be combined with a visit to Lucifer Falls, another breathtaking sight within the park. Lower Falls boasts a nice swimming area at the bottom, and there are lifeguards to protect hikers. To get to the falls, vacationers can start hiking from the park's parking spot on the famous Gorge Trail. There are several nearby waterfalls to check out from here, including Buttermilk and Taughannock.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for the best water flow
- Cost of entrance: $7 for parking
6 Kaaterskill Falls, Catskills
Catskills is home to many spectacular waterfalls, but Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls and among the most beautiful in Upstate New York. Because it receives many visitors, sometimes the trail is closed for public access. When the trail is inaccessible, vacationers can still enjoy the spectacular sight of the falls from the parking spot, but one must get there early and claim a space before other tourists take all the good places. It is important to abide by all the rules, including the parking guidelines.
- Best time to visit: Spring
5 Salmon River Falls, Oswego County
Located in the Salmon River Falls Unique Area, this waterfall is one of the most spectacular and popular attractions in this region and is worthy of exploring. The spectacular sight of the falls is something hard to resist, and some vacationers, especially those from New York, find themselves there every day. There are numerous hiking trails in the area. Visiting the falls also gives travelers an incredible chance to admire the breathtaking view of the scenic gorge in the area. Vacationers follow the Gorge Trail to get to the scene.
- The Gorge Trail is closed: November 15 through May 1 and when the water level is too high.
4 High Falls, Rochester
Rochester may not be a city high on most people's travel itineraries for Upstate New York, but for those who do venture there, High Falls is a must. High Falls is one of the few examples of a waterfall in the middle of a large city. High Falls is round on the Genesee River and plummet around 100 feet. There are other falls as well on the Genesee River called Middle Falls and Lower Falls. It is hard to miss the High Falls as they are next to the downtown core of the city, and visitors can use the pedestrian Pont de Rennes Bridge for great views of the falls.
- Best Time To Visit: Anytime
3 Ithaca Falls
The Finger Lakes region of New York is stunning, and in one area of around 10 miles, there are some 150 waterfalls. The most noted waterfalls of the area include the aforementioned Taughannock and Buttermilk Falls. Another waterfall worth seeing is the 150-foot Ithaca Falls. Access is easy by crossing the bridge over Lake Street.
2 Upper Falls
Also located in Letchworth State Park is the Upper Falls. These falls may be smaller than the Middle Falls, tumbling only 70 feet, but they are still very much worth visiting. They are encompassed by rock cliffs and lush forests. Gaze out at the falls from the Portage High Bridge and then spend a few minutes walking along the path from the parking lot.
- Best Time To Visit: Fall
1 Bash Bish Falls
The Bash Bish Falls is a bit of a cheat as they are technically located over the state line in Massachusetts. But they are accessed by parking lots from both the New York and Massachusetts sides of the border. They are tucked away in the Taconic Mountains and fall around 200 feet in multiple drops. They are the highest waterfall in Massachusetts.