If you’re looking to explore an abundance of waterfalls, then it’s time you start taking advantage of all that New York has to offer. Some of the Empire State’s wonderful waterfalls are more hidden away than others. On the other hand, some are much more accessible. In fact, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in New York are located within state parks. Wondering which state parks to visit in New York when searching for the most beautiful waterfalls in New York? Well, wonder no more! We scoured the state, and found 13 New York state parks with waterfalls. It’s sure to delight any nature lover!

1. Chittenango Falls State Park - Madison County
Lee S/TripAdvisor
Chittenango Falls State Park, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
Lee S/TripAdvisor
One of the most easily accessible waterfalls in New York state parks, Chittenango Falls is just a quick hike away from the parking lot of this state park. To get the best view of this 167-foot waterfall, you'll make your way down a set of staircases, a task that's not too strenuous until you have to make your way back up the steps! Less than a 1/2-mile later, you'll find yourself at the bottom of all the stairs and in front of a viewing bridge where you can see the falls perfectly.

For more info, visit the Chittenango Falls State Park website.

2. Fillmore Glen State Park - Cayuga County
Robby G C/TripAdvisor
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Yespage/TripAdvisor
Out in the Finger Lakes Region, just south of Owasco Lake, there's a state park that has not one, not two... but five noteworthy waterfalls! Out of all of the natural wonders within this park, it'd be safe to say that the most photographed waterfall is Cow Shed Falls. With a stunning Gorge Trail that's less than 2 miles long, this place is great for a quick day trip.

For more info, visit the Fillmore Glen State Park website.
3. Letchworth State Park - Wyoming County
PatrickRohe/Flickr
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
PatrickRohe/Flickr
One of New York's most talked about state parks, Letchworth has earned an amazing reputation - and rightfully so! The state park has a handful of waterfalls that will leave you speechless, but the three major falls that you'll want to view are the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. With a legendary nickname, the Genesee River has created what many now call the Grand Canyon of the East! Which waterfall at Letchworth is your favorite?

For more info, visit the Letchworth State Park website.
4. Watkins Glen State Park - Schuyler County
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Sam S./Yelp
Make your way down to the southern end of Seneca Lake and you'll be pleased to spend the day at one of New York's most beautiful state parks. Most residents consider Watkins Glen to be the most breathtaking destination in our state, a notion that's hard to argue. The park's main feature is its 2-mile-long Gorge Trail that takes you past a total of 19 waterfalls. Giving you an up-close look at the park's natural wonders, the popular trail will even take you behind several of the waterfalls.

For more info, visit the Watkins Glen State Park website.
5. Pixley Falls State Park - Oneida County
Andrey V/TripAdvisor
Pixley Falls State Park, Boonville, NY 13309, USA
Andrey V/TripAdvisor
Taking you out to a beautiful and remote area of New York in the town of Boonville, Pixley Falls State Park is a breathtaking outdoor space to explore within our Central Region. While there are so many nooks and crannies to love within this state park, most people come to explore here and see the 50-foot waterfall - Pixley Falls.

For more info, visit the Pixley Falls State Park website.
6. Minnewaska State Park - Ulster County
ih/Flickr
5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Michael Scicolone/Flickr
Right on the Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska State Park Preserve covers over 22,000 acres of New York. Made up of some of our most stunning and unique terrain, it has quite a few waterfalls that will inspire you to go exploring. But out of all the falls you can discover here, one of the most popular is the over 60-foot tall waterfall Awosting Falls.

For more info, visit the Minnewaska State Park website.

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7. Stony Brook State Park - Livingston County
pondandpines/TripAdvisor
Stony Brook State Park, Dansville, NY 14437, USA
zanychic/TripAdvisor
Roughly a half-hour south of Conesus Lake in the Finger Lakes Region, Stony Brook State Park is just one more park to add to your bucket list when it comes to checking off our famed Gorge Trails. Enjoy short hikes through the park that will bring you past several small waterfalls, as well as the three major falls that attract visitors to this scenic area.

For more info, visit the Stony Brook State Park website.
8. Niagara Falls State Park - Niagara County
Lynn C/TripAdvisor
Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Krishna Santhanam/Flickr
New York's most famous natural attraction, Niagara Falls State Park is home to our state's most powerful waterfall. America's oldest state park, this place has long been drawing in visitors from all around the world. One of our favorite features of this state park is that it's one of the only waterfalls you'll find in New York that's lit up every night, with different color schemes throughout the year.

For more info, visit the Niagara Falls State Park website.

9. Taughannock Falls State Park - Tompkins County
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Philip Cohen/Flickr
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Jessica P./Yelp
Just over 15 minutes outside of the city of Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to one of New York's tallest waterfalls. Standing at over 210 feet, Taughannock Falls is the main attraction of this place. The hike to the iconic waterfall is a beautiful trek and a must-do if you're out in the Finger Lakes.

For more info, visit the Taughannock Falls State Park website.
10. Buttermilk Falls State Park - Tompkins County
Roobydoo5/TripAdvisor
Buttermilk Falls State Park, 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Solonesh/TripAdvisor
If you're looking to visit as many of New York's waterfalls as you possibly can in a short amount of time, the city of Ithaca is the best place you could possibly visit. Right near a ton of other waterfalls within Tompkins County, Buttermilk Falls State Park has a waterfall that makes for the perfect swimming spot during the summer. At the base of the over 160-foot waterfall, you'll find a natural swimming spot that becomes a popular place to visit once the temperature heats up.

For more info, visit the Buttermilk Falls State Park website.
11. Robert H. Treman State Park - Tompkins County
APNF/TripAdvisor
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Vincent C./Yelp
Another gem of Tompkins County, Robert H. Treman will become your new favorite state park once you visit. A great place to go camping, staying overnight in the state park will give you more opportunities to explore all that there is to see here. The park features Enfield Falls, which boasts a beautiful swimming space at the base of the falls. There's also Lucifer Falls, a massive waterfall that pictures can never do justice.

For more info, visit the Robert H. Treman State Park website.
12. John Boyd Thacher State Park - Albany County
Frank Z./Yelp
John Boyd Thacher State Park, 830 Thacher Park Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186, USA
Dewan A./Yelp
A go-to spot for residents who are living in the Capital Region, John Boyd Thacher State Park's most popular areas to explore can be found along the Indian Ladder Trail. Taking an adventure along this trail will give you panoramic views and the chance to walk right behind Minelot Falls!

For more info, visit the John Boyd Thacher State Park website.

13. Mine Kill State Park - Schoharie County
161 Mine Kill Rd, Blenheim, NY 12131, USA
Benjamin Pelts/Google
Just over an hour outside of the city of Albany, this is another state park that's great to visit if you're looking for a quick escape from the Capital Region. A unique waterfall to check out, the 80-foot fall is displayed through a narrow gorge that makes for eye-catching scenery.

For more info, visit the Mine Kill State Park website. You definitely don't want to miss out on this -- it's one of the best state parks in New York with waterfalls!

What do you think? Are these the best New York state parks with waterfalls? Have you visited all 13 of these gorgeous parks? Tell us in the comments below!

Aside from the state parks and waterfalls mentioned above, there are lots of other things to do outside in New York. To discover more waterfalls within the Empire State, take on this New York waterfall road trip!

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In New York

Daniella DiRienzo | February 23, 2022

What are the most beautiful waterfalls in New York?

The most beautiful waterfalls in New York are:

  • Niagra Falls
  • American Falls
  • Horseshoe Falls
  • Bridal Veil Falls

 

When it comes to beautiful waterfalls in New York, there are plenty! One that you don’t want to miss is Croton Falls. About an hour-and-a-half drive from the city, Croton Falls is located within Croton Gorge Park. The 97-acre park is situated at the base of the Croton Dam and affords impressive views of both the dam and spillway. In addition to waterfall-viewing, park-goers can enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

What are some fun things to do outside in New York?

The most fun things to do outside in New York are:

  • Zipline at Governor's Island
  • Visit a local farmers' market
  • Look at street art
  • Explore Coney Island

 

There are tons of fun things to do outside in New York, including spending the day on Governors Island. Offering a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the island is basically an urban oasis – complete with a wealth of activities to keep visitors entertained. The island’s sprawling green space is perfect for walking, running, picnicking and birding. Biking is also a popular activity. And since you can rent bikes on the island, there’s no need to bring your own. The island boasts several other amenities, including an array of eateries, a public art space, playground, and park.

What are the best hiking trails in New York?

The best hiking trails in New York are:

  • Cascade Mountain,
  • Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
  • Whiteface Mountain


Of all the amazing hiking trails in New York, the Appalachian Trail ranks pretty high up there. Not lacking in length, it spans over 2,000 miles. The lengthy trail begins in Georgia and extends all the way to Maine, passing through New York. Not just one of the state’s best treks, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in the nation. Trekking the entire trail takes more than a few months; however, you can hike just the New York section if you’re not up for a long term commitment. Still pretty lengthy, the New York portion of the trail is over 90 miles; however, it’s brimming with breathtaking beauty, particularly in the fall when the trail comes alive with vibrant foliage.

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