Imagine standing before a wall of rushing water, feeling the cool mist on your face as thundering cascades plunge into crystal-clear pools below.
This isn’t a scene from some exotic destination – it’s right here in the heart of New York State.
The Finger Lakes region, carved by ancient glaciers and blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, houses some of the Northeast’s most spectacular waterfalls.
From easily accessible roadside cascades to hidden gems tucked away in serene forests, these falls tell a story of geological drama that spans millions of years.
So pack your hiking boots and camera. We’re about to explore nature’s most magnificent waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
1. Taughannock Falls, Trumansburg
At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. This stunning cascade plunges over rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge floor.
The easy rim trail offers spectacular overlook views, while the gorge trail leads you right to the base of the falls.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for peak flow or winter for dramatic ice formations
- Accessibility: Easy, paved trails available
- Park Fee: $9 per vehicle (in season)
2. Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca
True to its name, Buttermilk Falls cascades 165 feet down a series of steps, creating a frothy white appearance reminiscent of buttermilk.
The natural pool at the base is perfect for summer swimming, while the surrounding park offers excellent hiking opportunities.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Accessibility: Moderate, stairs required for full view
- Park Fee: $8 per vehicle (in season)
3. Lucifer Falls, Robert H. Treman State Park
This dramatic 115-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of the park’s gorge trail.
The Devils Kitchen area below the falls features unique rock formations and smaller cascades, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the region.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall
- Accessibility: Moderate to challenging hike required
- Park Fee: $8 per vehicle (in season)
4. Watkins Glen Falls, Watkins Glen State Park
While not a single waterfall, the Glen Creek descends 400 feet past 19 waterfalls in just 2 miles.
The most famous is Rainbow Falls, where visitors can walk behind the cascade. The stone pathways and bridges make this feel like something out of a fantasy novel.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Accessibility: Moderate, many steps
- Park Fee: $10 per vehicle (in season)
5. She-Qua-Ga Falls, Montour Falls
This easily accessible 156-foot waterfall is visible right from downtown Montour Falls.
Its unique location and historical significance (it was mentioned in early Native American legends) make it a must-visit spot.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Accessibility: Very easy, viewable from street
- Park Fee: Free
6. Carpenter Falls, Niles
This 90-foot straight drop waterfall remains one of the region’s hidden gems.
The remote location and relatively difficult access help maintain its pristine natural setting.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
- Accessibility: Challenging, steep trail
- Park Fee: Free
7. Ithaca Falls, Ithaca
Located right in downtown Ithaca, this 150-foot cascade is one of the most accessible major waterfalls in the region. The short walk from the parking area makes it perfect for quick visits.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Accessibility: Easy, short flat trail
- Park Fee: Free
8. Eagle Cliff Falls, Havana Glen Park
This intimate 40-foot waterfall flows into a natural amphitheater, creating a peaceful grotto-like setting.
The short but steep trail makes this a perfect quick adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through summer
- Accessibility: Moderate, some steep sections
- Park Fee: $2 per person (in season)
9. Aunt Sarah’s Falls, Montour Falls
Another roadside waterfall, Aunt Sarah’s 90-foot cascade is particularly impressive during spring runoff. The ease of viewing makes it perfect for those with limited mobility.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring
- Accessibility: Very easy, viewable from car
- Park Fee: Free
10. Grimes Glen Falls, Naples
Famous for its two 60-foot waterfalls, Grimes Glen offers a unique experience as visitors must wade through the creek to reach the second falls.
This makes it a perfect summer adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Accessibility: Moderate, creek walking required
- Park Fee: Free
11. Wells Falls (Businessman’s Lunch Falls), Ithaca
This unique waterfall, nestled behind an old pump house, features multiple cascades totaling 65 feet.
Its nickname comes from its popularity as a lunch spot for local businessmen in the early 1900s.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
- Accessibility: Moderate, steep path required
- Park Fee: Free
12. Waverly Glen Falls
This hidden treasure features a beautiful 40-foot cascade surrounded by a scenic park. The falls are complemented by charming footbridges and historic stone stairs.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Accessibility: Easy to moderate
- Park Fee: Free
13. Enfield Falls, Robert H. Treman State Park
While lesser-known than Lucifer Falls in the same park, Enfield Falls offers a stunning 70-foot cascade with a natural swimming pool at its base.
The lower falls area provides excellent opportunities for summer recreation.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming
- Accessibility: Easy to moderate
- Park Fee: $8 per vehicle (in season)
14. Deckertown Falls, Montour Falls
What makes Deckertown Falls truly unique is its triple cascade system, with each tier offering a different geological formation.
The main 50-foot falls splits into two distinct channels around a central rock pillar, creating a rare “wishbone” effect.
The surrounding rock walls showcase amazing fossil deposits from the Devonian period, making it a favorite among geology enthusiasts.
- Best Time to Visit: After rainfall for the wishbone effect
- Accessibility: Moderate, some scrambling required
- Park Fee: Free
15. First Falls of Lick Brook, Ithaca
Perhaps the most dramatic seasonal waterfall in the region, First Falls transforms completely with each season.
In spring, it’s a thundering 140-foot curtain of water, while in winter it becomes a magnificent ice palace with blue-tinged frozen columns.
What makes this falls truly special is the rare old-growth forest surrounding it, featuring 200-year-old eastern hemlocks that create a cathedral-like atmosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: Every season offers a completely different experience
- Accessibility: Challenging, steep trail with rope assists
- Park Fee: Free
Conclusion
The waterfalls of the Finger Lakes are more than just natural attractions. They’re portals to adventure, windows into Earth’s ancient past, and soul-stirring reminders of nature’s raw beauty.
These cascading wonders offer something for everyone including hikers, nature lovers, and adventure aficionados.
Each fall has its own personality, its own song, and its own story to tell. As you plan your Finger Lakes waterfall journey, remember that these magnificent formations have inspired generations of visitors, artists, and explorers.
They’ve been here long before us and will continue their endless dance long after we’re gone. So take that trip, chase that rainbow in the mist, and create memories that, like the falls themselves, will last a lifetime.
Note – the prices and fees mentioned above are subject to change. They may not be the latest.
