Recently we comprised for you the Ultimate Waterfalls Road Trip, mapping out seven breathtaking waterfalls that brought you around Western New York. Today we’re here to remind you once again that our list of New York waterfalls truly feels like it’s never-ending… in the best way possible of course. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to a week of tracking down cascades, embark on this shorter road trip to discover and enjoy the best waterfalls in downstate New York

Generally speaking, when it comes to New York’s mountainous areas, most people choose to visit the more well-known Adirondack region, missing out on the refreshing and relaxing views you’ll find tucked away in the Catskills. Featuring the tallest and most powerful falls in New York, this fully mapped-out road trip is ready to be at your service.

Coming in at just over 4 hours of driving time, this ultimate adventure to waterfalls in New York will have you feeling compelled to jump into your car immediately! We’ve got an interactive map for this road trip, so now all we need to know is… who’s ready for a waterfall road trip in New York?

Google Maps
1. Plattekill Falls
12427, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA
Mitchell Joyce/Flickr
Just a short, mile-long hike (that's dog friendly) will bring you to the gorgeous Plattekill waterfalls. Noticeably beginning near the site of a red house, this trail is best traveled with a pair of good hiking boots.
2. Bastion Falls
Jim Liestman/Flickr
12436, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Visible from Route 23A, this 70-foot tall waterfall features several tiers and looks much taller than you'd expect it to be. Just a quick hike from the road, we advise you to be careful of the trip from your car to the trail, as this area is known for having a considerable flow of traffic.

Get a closer look at Bastion Falls and its rushing waters:

3. Kaaterskill Falls
mike/Flickr
Hunter, NY 12436
ScubaBear68/Flickr
Just a half-mile away from Bastion Falls, you'll find New York state's tallest waterfall and two-tiered beauty, Kaaterskill Falls. Coming in at 260 feet tall, believe it or not this waterfall is nearly 100 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls! Mind blown. A mile-long trail brings you to the base of this waterfall, a favored spot for New Yorkers to come visit all year long.

See Kaaterskill Falls in all its glory:

4. Diamond Notch Falls
TheTurducken/Flickr
Diamond Notch Falls, Lexington, NY 12492, USA
rjt/Flickr
Less than a mile hike from the parking area on the road, this 10-foot waterfall will prove to you that Mother Nature knows how to pack a large amount of beauty into a small-sized wonder!

See what the hike to Diamond Notch Falls is like:

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5. Vernooy Kill Falls
el Neato/Flickr
Rochester, NY 12446
el Neato/Flickr
Under four miles round trip, this steady hike will bring you to a series of gorgeous waterfalls in the mountains. A secluded spot that's perfect for a day of swimming, the falls at Vernooy Kill will truly take your breath away.
6. Verkeerderkill Falls
WhatsAllThisThen/Flickr
Shawangunk, NY 12566
WhatsAllThisThen/Flickr
If you're looking to deal with a quick and easy stroll that brings you to a waterfall, then unfortunately Verkeerderkill probably isn't for you. Best visited in the spring when water flow is ample, before reaching the fall you must take on a 7-mile long hike! Isolated and not severely populated, this incredible waterfall is well worth the hike, offering you stunning views of Shawagunk Ridge.
7. Awosting Falls
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Rochester, NY 12525
Michael Scicolone/Flickr
The most easily accessible falls on our list, Awosting is only a 10-15 minute walk from the Minnewaska State Preserve's parking lot. Woo-hoo! With incredible clear water and a 60-foot-tall waterfall, you'll struggle to obey the park's "No Swimming" rule. Don't get down in the dumps just yet, many of Awosting Falls' visitors can be seen dipping their feet into the water creating their own, less soaking way of enjoying the peaceful waters.
8. High Falls
redisant/Flickr
High Falls, NY 12440, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Another waterfall on our list that's visible from the road, High Falls is hands down the most powerful waterfall on our list! Rapidly flowing above, you'll find the Rondout Creek breathing life into these falls. An effortless walk from the parking area across from the falls, you won't regret wrapping up your road trip with this gem.

So, would you be up for taking this scenic New York waterfalls road trip? Having so many gorgeous waterfalls throughout our state means there are always more road trips to be tackled! Are there any waterfalls in the Downstate region that you would’ve liked to have added to this trip?

For more of the best waterfalls in the Empire State, take a look at these amazing hidden waterfalls in New York. Plan a trip to see them all and really get to know your own backyard a little better this year.

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More to Explore

best waterfalls in downstate New York

Kim Magaraci | July 18, 2020

Which hikes in New York are short and sweet?

These hikes in New York are short and sweet:

  • Gorge Trail
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • The Bluff Trail

Fillmore Glen State park is home to some of the most glorious hiking trails in New York. All of the trails in this park are less than 3 miles long, and the popular Gorge Trail is worthy of any outdoor bucket list. Chimney Bluffs State Park, in Wayne County, sits along the shores of Lake Ontario. The Bluff Trail is just over a mile long and offers stunning and unforgettable views of the water.

What are the best waterfall hikes in New York?

The best waterfall hikes in New York include:

  • Kaaterskill Falls
  • Watkins Glen
  • Delphi Falls
  • Minelot Falls

The Catskills and Adirondacks are full of stunning and impressive cascades. Kaaterskill Falls are among the most famous in the state, and you'll find beautiful waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, around Watkins Glen. Delphi Falls is another notable cascade, and John Boyd Thacher State Park is home to the picturesque Minelot Falls.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in New York?

The most picturesque hiking trails in New York include:

  • Ampersand Mountain
  • Mt. Jo
  • Prospect Mountain

Ampersand Mountain is part of the Saranac Lake Six challenge, and the views from this beautiful peak are sure to impress even the most experienced climber. Mt Jo is one of the ADK High Peaks, and it's accessible all year long. In the fall, you'll find this gorgeous summit surrounded by breathtaking fall foliage. Prospect Mountain is one hike or drive that everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives, and the views of Lake George will forever stay in your memory.

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