We’re always talking about them, trying to find more of them, and squeeze in the time to enjoy them…waterfalls! Something our state never seems to be lacking is the abundance of out-of-this-world and magical waterfalls. With Niagara Falls being one of the largest tourist attractions in our state, it’s easy to lose sight of some of the lesser-known, more secluded waterfalls that are tucked away. So if you’ve ever wanted to discover some of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in New York, we hope this list helps provide some ideas.

Looking to add a few new waterfalls to your bucket list? These 12 hidden waterfalls in New York will take your breath away:

1. Ithaca Falls, Ithaca
Skand Hurkat/Flickr
Ithaca Falls, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Qiu Qin/Flickr
A favorite waterfall amongst many of our residents, you can find this 100-foot waterfall at the south end of Cayuga Lake! See why this is one of the best easy-to-access hidden waterfalls in upstate New York.

2. Cowshed Falls, Fillmore Glen State Park
Roger Jackson/Google Local
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Mary Ann Moisan/Google Local
Accessible all year long, Cowshed Falls is nearly 40 feet high and in a dreamy, secluded area of the state park. In fact, Cowshed Falls is one of five waterfalls you'll find at Fillmore Glen State Park.
3. Lampson Falls, Clare
Lampsons Falls, Clare, NY 13684, USA
Decaseconds/Flickr
Up in the northern area of our beautiful Adirondacks you'll find the Grass River Wild Forest and the charming Lampson Falls. Less than a mile hike will bring you to this large 60-foot waterfall. Learn more about this secluded waterfall hike in New York.
4. Edwards Falls, Manlius
Oliver Hine/Flickr
Edwards Falls, Manlius, NY 13104, USA
Oliver Hine/Flickr
Roughly 60 feet tall, you can find this beautiful waterfall oddly enough in a pretty urban setting in Onondaga County. You can learn more on the NY Falls website.
5. Lucifer Falls, Robert Treman State Park
Daniel Parks/Flickr
Lucifer Falls, Enfield, NY 14850, USA
katie wheeler/Flickr
Not the average waterfall you stumble upon on a walk, you won't be able to take your eyes off of this 115-foot waterfall located in Enfield! Learn more about this fascinating waterfall staircase hike in New York. This is one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in New York.

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6. Eagle Cliff Falls, Havana Glen Park
eflon/Flickr
Eagle's Cliff Falls, 135 Havana Glen Rd, Montour Falls, NY 14865, USA
John H/Flickr
Just a short hike inside the park will bring you to the hidden waterfall, located in Montour Falls. Roughly 40 feet tall, many explorers stop here along their way to the waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park. In fact, hiking this stunning New York trail will lead not only to one but two beautiful waterfalls.
7. She-Qua-Ga Falls, Montour Falls
Shequaga Falls, Montour Falls, NY, USA
Adam Keyte/Flickr
Over 150-feet tall, this waterfall is truly a gem because it flows steadily all year round, almost never running dry! There's so much to enjoy about this roadside waterfall in New York.

8. Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
bobistraveling/Flickr
Two tiers and a total of 260-feet will have you feeling like this waterfall is a dream! Pinch yourself and enjoy one of our states most beautiful waters, surrounded by truly mind blowing scenery. Have you ever visited this epic two-tiered waterfall in New York?
9. Waterfalls of Stony Brook State Park
Patrick Breen/Flickr
Stony Brook State Park, 10820 NY-36, Dansville, NY 14437, USA
Patrick Breen/Flickr
The perfect place to cool off on a hot day, located in Dansville, this amazing state park is filled with gorgeous hidden waterfalls you never knew were here! Stony Brook State Park might just be the most beautiful state park in New York.
10. Salmon River Falls, Oswego County
Michael A. Godfrey/Google Local
Located near the town of Orwell, you'll find this stunning 100-foot waterfall that's perfect to visit after a good rain storm. Salmon River Falls is relatively undiscovered, and many believe it to be one of New York's best-kept secrets.

11. Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann
Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Located in the heart of Lake George's trailheads you'll find a short hike, that will bring you on a charming and scenic walk. While the water here doesn't get very deep, it's a perfect spot to stop and cool off after a day of hiking. Hiking to Shelving Rock Falls is one of the best short-and-sweet New York hikes.
12. Split Rock Falls, Hammond Pond Wild Forest
James St. John/Flickr
Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown, NY 12964, USA
Roy Saplin/Flickr
Located in the Adirondacks on the Bouquet River, this waterfall featuring several drops and pools is truly one of a kind. When it comes to incredible swimming holes in New York, Split Rock Falls is definitely one of the best.

Are there any waterfalls on our list that you haven’t heard of? These hidden waterfalls in New York are worth a visit at least once! Whether you’re a resident or visitor of the Empire State, we hope this list helps you discover someplace new, For even more waterfall fun, be sure to check out our waterfall road trip through New York.

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Hidden Waterfalls

Beth C. | August 11, 2021

What are the most beautiful places in New York?

Whether it's the small towns or the beauty of nature, here are some of the most beautiful places in New York:

  • Eternal Flame Falls near Buffalo is a waterfall that emits natural gas. This helps keep a fire (or eternal flame) burning the whole year through. The spectacle of seeing fire behind a waterfall is truly captivating.
  • Another example of natural beauty in New York can be found inside Alleghany State Park. The Thunder Rocks are ancient geological formations that create a labyrinth of sorts.

 

Learn more about some of the most beautiful places in New York.

Does New York have any natural wonders?

Yes, New York does have natural wonders. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

  • Dover Stone Church
  • Kaaterskill Falls
  • Island Spouter
  • Green Lakes State Park
  • Panama Rocks State Park
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • High Falls Gorge
  • Letchworth State Park
  • Of course, the most impressive and famous wonder of all would be Niagara Falls.

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