Home to the world famous Niagara Falls, New York State is one of the best places to explore if you are a nature lover. Also known by the nickname ‘Empire State,’ New York State is filled with wilderness and has miles of biking and hiking trails, in addition to a number of gorgeous waterfalls.
A year ago I got an opportunity to travel and explore this state and its many attractions. I was particularly keen on discovering the various waterfalls in the region.
In this blog, I will discuss the well-known and lesser-known waterfalls in New York State that I have enjoyed during my travels there. So, if you are a nature lover and want to explore a few beautiful waterfalls, then you are in the right place. Now, let us dive in.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is considered as one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world. Three different New York State waterfalls make up the Niagara Falls — American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
To get a good view of the waterfall, you can make use of the observation building — Prospect Point Niagara Falls NY.
The observation tower is not the only way you can explore the waterfall. There is also the Maid of the Mist boat that gives a different experience of sightseeing in Niagara Falls NY. You can give that a try too.
I enjoyed looking at the waterfall from Prospect Point as well as moving around the waters in the Maid of the Mist.
| Location | Niagara Falls, NY 14303 |
| Popular Activities | Hiking, Walking, Biking, Fishing and Cross-Country Skiing during Winter |
Buttermilk Falls
The Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca is a 165 feet tall waterfall that gives out an appearance of a frothy cascade created by the Buttermilk Creek. It flows down towards the Cayuga Lake through the steep valley side.
On the upper side of the waterfall, there is a small lake, hiking trails, picnicking spots and playing area. On the lower side of the Buttermilk Falls NY, there is a campground and a natural pool. On my visit to this waterfall, I enjoyed hiking as well as picnicking with my family at the upper side.
| Location | 106 E Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 |
| Popular Activities | Hiking, Swimming (lifeguarded), Biking, Fishing, Camping |
Cascade Falls
The Cascade Falls, NY is a waterfall situated near Keene in New York. It is a 100 feet fall from the Cascade Mountain that gives out a scenic cascading view. The hiking trail down the fall is a moderately challenging one but it is a great route for hiking.
You can visit the waterfall from July to October as this is the best time and the water will be flowing strongly. During winter time, the fall becomes completely frozen.
| Location | NY-73 Scenic, Keene, NY 12942 |
| Popular Activities | Hiking, Picnicking, Biking, Swimming, Fishing |
Kaaterskill Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in New York State, the Kaaterskill Falls, NY is a 260 feet tall waterfall in Great Northern Catskills that is divided into two drops like a cascade. This waterfall is very famous and because of this, it can sometimes be closed to the public. However, in such circumstances, you can view the falls from a parking area.
The trail leading to the Kaaterskill New York waterfall is steep as well as rocky. The hike may be a quick half-mile from the trail end to the falls but it is a challenging one. In some places, you might even be climbing actual stairs. However, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view when you complete the hike.
You can explore more of Catskills after visiting the Kaaterskill Falls by using our tourist guide for Catskills.
| Location | Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436. |
| Popular Activities | Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Camping, Picnicking |
Glen Waterfalls
The Glen Falls Waterfall, NY is housed in the Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region. The gorge trail in the park leads past multiple waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls and Central Cascade.
The park has some stunning rock formations, lush greenery, and provides opportunities for photography. It provides trailer and tent camp sites, picnic spots, swimming pools and guided local tours.
| Location | 1009 N Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 |
| Popular Activities | Biking, Hiking, Camping, Swimming |
Rochester Waterfalls
The Rochester NY waterfall consists of three waterfalls — High Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls. High Falls is about 96 feet tall and is situated in the center of downtown Rochester, which is known as the “City of Waterfalls”.
You can get an excellent view of the Rochester High Falls from the Genesee Brew House rooftop, from the High Falls Terrace Park or from the Pont de Rennes bridge. The High Falls Parking Garage offers free parking during your visit. There is also an on-street parking option.
Lower Falls is about 110 feet high and a cascaded waterfall and the gorge is a U-shaped one. The Middle Falls is just a hydroelectric dam.
| Location | Rochester, NY |
| Popular Activities | Walking, Running, Biking, Fishing |
Taughannock Falls
The Taughannock Falls State Park in New York USA is a beautiful park situated about 10 miles to the north of Ithaca. Located within this park is the Taughannock Falls, New York. This fall is taller than the Niagara Falls at about 33 feet higher.
The park is a pet-friendly zone, so you can bring your pet with you for a hike. Just make sure to avoid pet prohibited areas. The Gorge Trail is a trail with less obstacles, so it is easy for people to go hiking here.
After exploring these waterfalls, you can also check out the best weekend getaways from Albany, the capital of New York State. In addition, you can also check out our blog on the best things to do in New York State to have a wonderful vacation experience.
| Location | 1740 Taughannock Boulevard, Trumansburg, NY 14886 |
| Popular Activities | Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Boating, Camping |
Conclusion
New York State is a great place to go on a vacation if you are interested in exploring nature. It has a diverse collection of waterfalls that are just waiting to be discovered. You can make time to visit these best waterfalls in New York State that I have discussed.
With this blog as your reference, I encourage you to go on an amazing journey to explore these natural wonders and experience the charm of the Empire State firsthand.
After exploring these amazing waterfalls in New York State, you can stay in nearby best luxury vacation rentals such as lakefront houses or villas offered by HolidayKeepers. The vacation rentals have ample amenities like WiFi, indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, and more, so that you can have a comfy vacation. Reach out to us to know more about this.
