14 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in New York

We all know the Empire State is absolutely stunning. Whether you're visiting the Big Apple or checking out our more rural areas, there's honestly nothing like a road trip through New York to make you appreciate the beauty of our great state. If there's one natural wonder that's particularly plentiful here, it's our beautiful waterfalls in New York State. You'll find so many whitewater cascades here that it can be hard to track them all! Don't fret, though: that's what we're here for. If you want to hunt down the best of the best in New York waterfalls, we've got you covered. Here are a few of our favorites:

From the dramatic cascades of the Finger Lakes region to hidden gems in the Adirondacks and Catskills, New York is one of the best states in the Northeast for waterfall chasing.

Tallest Waterfalls In New York

New York State is teeming with waterfalls, from upstate New York's Adirondacks all the way to our eastern regions, and even the tiniest of these cascades is quite beautiful. Still, there's something especially impressive about a weekend getaway to one of the tallest waterfalls in New York as it plunges down to its destination. If you're looking for the biggest of the big, we think you'll love these:

1. Taughannock Falls: One of the Tallest Waterfalls in the Eastern U.S.

• Location: Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg, NY
• Popularity: This park is very popular, with over half a million visitors each year.
• Need To Know: You'll find a wide variety of trails here, and while you can't swim in the falls themselves, there is a nearby swimming lake.

Taughannock Falls is the crown jewel of the state park, which shares its name and lies not too far from Ithaca. At 215 feet, it's the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and it's quite an impressive sight! You can get a great view of the falls from the trails, some of which are open year-round, while others are closed during winter. Check AllTrails for trail information, and make sure you have the AllTrails+ app installed on your phone.

2. Kaaterskill Falls: The Iconic Two-Tier Waterfall of the Catskills

• Location: Hunter, NY
• Popularity: One of New York's best-known waterfalls, it is a very popular natural attraction.
• Need To Know: This is one of America's oldest tourist attractions, and it's been drawing visitors to the region since the early 1800s.

The two cascades that make up Kaaterskill Falls are 260 feet in height. This is one of the most magnificent sights in the Catskill Mountains. The falls first gained national fame as a setting in Washington Irving's famous story "Rip Van Winkle," published in 1819. They were also an immensely popular subject for painters in the Hudson River School. Several trails offer great views of the falls, including a wheelchair-accessible gravel path. Kaaterskill Falls is also one of the most popular waterfall hikes in New York.

3. Verkeerder Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Shawangunk Mountains

• Location: Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park in Cragsmoor, NY
• Popularity: Popular as this park is visited by close to half a million people annually.
• Need To Know: Note that this one has limited viewing areas: you can only catch a glimpse from the top, off a three-mile trail.

Sam's Point Preserve is one of our favorite spots for a day trip in New York. The 4,600-acre section of Minnewaska State Park has unique scenery. The ice caves here are pretty popular, but make sure you don't miss a visit to Verkeerder Falls. At 187 feet in height, it's the largest waterfall in Sam's Point Preserve and one of the tallest waterfalls in New York.

4. Niagara Falls: New York’s Most Powerful Natural Wonder

• Location: Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY
• Popularity: As one of the best-known waterfalls in the world, expect large crowds of people here throughout the year. An estimated 8 million people visit the New York side of Niagara Falls each year.
• Need To Know: Niagara Falls State Park contains three falls in close proximity: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls).

Niagara Falls State Park is recognized as the country's oldest state park and is also regarded as one of the very best. There's a lot to see at this magnificent park that lies right along the USA's border with Canada. The park spans over 400 acres, and the trio of waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls is incredibly powerful. More than 750,000 gallons per second flow over the falls. The location is pretty convenient, as it’s not far from several major cities, including Rochester. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in New York and around the world.

Best Waterfall Hikes In New York

Hiking is a great activity, but it can sometimes be pretty exhausting. Nothing gives me a pick-me-up like the sight of a natural wonder along a trail... like maybe a waterfall? If you're looking for a significant bit of inspiration on some of the prettiest hiking trails in our most unique areas, we think you'll love these epic waterfall hikes. If you're a big fan of hiking in New York, you definitely want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+, which has all kinds of great benefits, like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn travel guides along your trail, from the trailhead all the way back to the parking lot.

5. Croton Gorge Dam: A Dramatic Waterfall Near New York City

• Location: Croton Gorge Park in Croton-On-Hudson, NY
• Popularity: A very popular park for fishing, picnicking, and waterfall viewing.
• Need To Know: The Old Croton Dam, which once stood here, was the first large masonry dam in the United States. It was built to supply New York City with water.

The Croton Dam is a man-made waterfall, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. It is about 200 feet high and incredibly powerful, with a strong water flow that makes for beautiful photos, no matter the season. The dam is surrounded by a park that has a playground and hiking trails, making it great for the entire family. Visit the Westchester County website for trail information.

6. Mine Kill Falls: A Scenic Cascade in the Northern Catskills

• Location: Mine Kill State Park in North Blenheim, NY
• Popularity: Can get busy on weekends, especially on days with nice weather.
• Need to Know: Many of the trails here can get quite muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear and watch your step.

Mine Kill State Park is a beautiful spot tucked away in the Schoharie Valley. The park's waterfall is about 80 feet high, and the park offers plenty of activities for the whole family, including miles of hiking trails. In addition to the big waterfall, there are several smaller cascades here worth checking out.

7. Eternal Flame Falls: The Waterfall With a Natural Burning Flame

• Location: Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY
• Popularity: This is a very popular hiking spot for its unique waterfall.
• Need To Know: The flame can sometimes go out due to winds or getting too wet, but all it takes is a lighter to relight it!

This waterfall isn't too far from Buffalo, and the park that it calls home is definitely worthy of an adventure. At more than 1,200 acres in size, there are tons to explore here. The hike to Eternal Flame Falls is about 1.4 miles long, but it is considered moderately challenging due to rocky terrain. The 30-foot waterfall is stunning, but what makes it really remarkable is that it's got a flame behind it. The flame burns nonstop thanks to gas that's emitted from the rocks.

8. Buttermilk Falls: A Stunning Gorge Waterfall in Ithaca

• Location: Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY
• Popularity: Very popular, especially in the summer months, due to its proximity to the city of Ithaca.
• Need To Know: This is one of the best waterfall swimming holes in New York, and it's quite popular in the summertime.

Buttermilk Falls State Park has two sections, an upper and a lower. You'll find a campground, hiking trails, picnic areas, playing fields, and more, plus a beautiful wetland area with a nature trail. The falls themselves are named for the appearance of the constantly churning waters, which almost look like buttermilk froth. The park has unique shale and sandstone formations that make for beautiful scenery and features 10 waterfalls in total, though Buttermilk Falls is the tallest. There are lots of great waterfalls in the Ithaca area, and this one is pretty close to the city.

Accessible Waterfalls In New York (No Hiking Required)

Maybe you're not in great shape, or maybe you're a wheelchair user or out with young kids in a stroller. Whatever the reason, even the most ardent of hikers among us sometimes need an easy-to-access waterfall visit that doesn't require traversing miles of trails. Here are a few of our favorites:

9. Hector Falls: A Tall Roadside Waterfall in the Finger Lakes

• Location: Hector, NY
• Popularity: A hidden gem waterfall that's difficult to find parking for.
• Need To Know: Be careful when looking for Hector Falls, as the waterfall is right beside a busy road. Do not slow down unexpectedly, and put on your flashers while looking for the falls.

Hector Falls is one of the most easily accessed falls in the Finger Lakes region: it's right along NY-414. There's no official parking area, but there's a small shoulder off the side of the road where a few cars can park to get a better glimpse of the falls. Hector Falls is about 165 feet in height and cascades down into Seneca Lake. During the summer, the falls tend to dry up pretty dramatically into a mere trickle, so it's best to visit after heavy rains, if possible.

10. Shequaga Falls: A Beautiful Downtown Waterfall in Montour Falls

• Location: Montour Falls, NY
• Popularity: A popular waterfall that's easily accessible.
• Need To Know: The falls are accessible to people with disabilities, with a paved walkway through the park.

Shequaga Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls near Buffalo. It measures about 156 feet in height and can be easily spotted from your car or reached after a quick walk. This area has quite a few smaller falls and isn't too far from the beautiful Watkins Glen State Park. This is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region that anyone can access.

Best Waterfalls Near New York City

NYC may not be the state capital, but it's definitely the Empire State's most-visited tourist attraction. Sure, it's one of the world's most bustling metropolises, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of nature in the greater NYC area. Here are some of the best waterfalls near New York City:

11. The Ravine in Central Park: NYC’s Hidden Waterfall Escape

• Location: Central Park (NYC)
• Popularity: Central Park is one of the most-visited city parks in the country, so the waterfalls here are also popular.
• Need To Know: The Ravine is an area tucked away in Central Park's North Woods, the park's largest wooded area.

Central Park is, of course, world-famous for being one of the most stunning natural spaces tucked away in the sprawling metropolis that is New York City. The Ravine area is home to three beautiful waterfalls. It's surrounded by trees that somehow manage to block out the city's constant hum and make you feel like you've entered a magical forest. Though this entire area is man-made, it really feels like you're deep in the woods, and the waterfalls are just as beautiful as any you'd find out in nature.

12. Fishkill Overlook Falls: A Scenic Hudson Valley Waterfall

• Location: Beacon, NY
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: You might also hear these falls referred to as Beacon Falls.

Fishkill Overlook Falls lies along Fish Kill Creek, only about an hour and a half outside of the Big Apple. This is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Hudson Valley, and it's conveniently located right inside the city of Beacon. If you love waterfront dining, you won't want to miss a visit to Roundhouse Restaurant, which provides an amazing view of the falls through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Other Waterfalls to Visit in New York

We aren't done sharing waterfalls in New York quite yet! There are more of these beauties to share with you. For you waterfall chasers out there, here are two more to put on your outdoor adventures bucket list:

13. High Falls Gorge: Adirondack Waterfalls Along a Scenic Walk

• Location: Wilmington, NY
• Popularity: This is a fairly popular area for hiking due to easy and accessible trails.
• Need To Know: The falls are on private property, and a ticket must be purchased to view them.

Located in the stunning Adirondacks, High Falls Gorge has four waterfalls along the West Branch of the Ausable River. They are accessed via trails and footbridges. There are paved trails within the 22-acre park that are accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility equipment. The park also has a cafe if you're feeling hungry and need a break during your visit. A gift shop is also on-site. What a great family-friendly place to spend a day!

14. Awosting Falls: A Spectacular Waterfall in Minnewaska State Park

• Location: Accord, NY
• Popularity: This waterfall is located on a very popular hiking trail and can be seen via an easy trail.
• Need To Know: Awosting Falls is found along the easy 1.1-mile Awosting Falls Connection Trail at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There is a fee to park.

Awosting Falls is a beguiling 60-foot waterfall that plunges into a stream below. While no swimming is allowed at this or any other waterfall at the park, you can at least find an area to sit and spend time enjoying it in all its splendor. Waterfalls are a powerful force of nature, and this is one you'll want to spend as much time at as possible.

It was so tough to narrow down this list to just a dozen! What's your favorite waterfall in New York – did it make the list? If not, send us a note about it through our nomination page!

Planning a waterfall road trip across New York? Use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map out the perfect route, discover nearby attractions, and build your own custom waterfall adventure.