14 gorgeous NY waterfalls to explore this summer: See the list
While Niagara Falls might be what first comes to mind, there are several other smaller and possibly less known wonders scattered throughout the state that are worth a day trip.
Here's a list of 14 places to check out throughout the state.
Located in Castile, the Wyoming County park is home to three major waterfalls sourced from the Genesee River. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," visitors have 66 miles of hiking trails to choose from as well as an Autism Nature Trail, which is an accessible mile-long trail with eight sensory stations that provide a safe and inclusive area for individuals with autism or other related disabilities.
Glacial sculpting of over 400 million-year-old bedrock has created a 167-foot waterfall inside this Central New York park. Located in Cazenovia, you can view the falls from the top, traverse a winding trail into the gorge and view the falls from a footbridge and then return to the top by way of a small trail on the opposite side of the gorge.
Columbia County's highest waterfall — cascading 150 feet — flows northeast through the Hudson Valley until reaching the Hudson River. The one-mile accompanying trail along Agawamuck Creek in Chatham connects you to an overlook of the falls from a parking area.
Over the course of two miles, the stream descends 400 feet, generating 19 waterfalls along the way. The main gorge trail includes over 800 stone steps and a number of small trails branching off to several additional outdoor activities.
Experience our top picks What are the most stunning views in New York?
Just northwest of Ithaca in Trumansburg, Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet — three stories higher than Niagara Falls — and carves a 400-foot gorge through layers of sandstone, shale and limestone. You can view the falls from above and below at the end of the gorge trail, which is almost a mile long and runs alongside Taughannock Creek.
Two other trails — the North Rim Trail and South Rim Trail — are around a mile and a half to two miles, respectively.
In Ulster County, the Minnewaska State Park Preserve is home to many waterfalls, including Awosting Falls in the northern part of the park, along with 50 miles of footpaths to bike, walk and hike.
Kaaterskill Falls, located in the Great Northern Catskills in Greene County, drops in two tiers over 260 feet and includes a 1.4 mile round-trip hike. The waterfall has also been featured in several artistic pieces, including a Thomas Cole painting, Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle, Asher Durand's Kindred Spirits and a romantic verse written by William Cullen Bryant.
Buttermilk Falls, located southwest of Ithaca, gets its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows toward Cayuga Lake. The upper park features a small lake, hiking trails through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, while the lower park has campgrounds, a natural pool and nearby wetland area with a nature trail, Larch Meadows.
The Eternal Flame Falls Trail near Orchard Park leads hikers 1.2 miles out and back to a 35-foot waterfall and an extra surprise. The Eternal Flame tucked within the falls is a small natural gas spring that can be lit to create a flickering flame.
Located in Oswego County, 110-foot Salmon River Falls features several trails, including a 600-foot Gorge Trail that leads from the Falls Trail to the bottom of the gorge. The one-mile long Upper Falls Trail takes you from the Falls Trail to Dam Road along the north side of the river. And the River Bed Trail starts at the end of the Falls Trail and leads you to the riverbed upstream of the falls.
Salmon River Falls also has an accessible, 0.2 mile one way trail with a gentle grade, wide tread and firm compacted stone surface.
Ontario County's newest addition to their park system lies in Naples and is known for its waterfalls. Grimes Glen Park is also known for being the source of the oldest fossilized tree in New York.
Mine Kill Falls in Schoharie County cascades 80 feet and features overlook viewing platforms and the Long Path hiking trail, which brings you to the lower falls.
Fifty-foot Tinker Falls is located within the Labrador Hollow nature preserve in Cortland County and includes a short, accessible trail which follows along Tinker Falls Creek on the right. The accessible part of the trail ends 0.25 miles in with a partial view of the falls but the trail continues to the top of the falls and branches off into varying trail options.
Winding trails take you past 12 waterfalls throughout the Ithaca-area park, including 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Other amenities include nine miles of hiking trails and a swimmable stream-fed pool located beneath the waterfall.
Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Waterfalls to explore in NY this summer: See the list
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