3 Airbnbs Near New York’s Most Epic Waterfalls

Staying close to the trailhead can change the whole trip. No long drives home on tired legs, no racing the clock—just you, the waterfall, and as much time as you actually want. These three Airbnbs near waterfall trails in New York put you right where you need to be, across three of the state's best waterfall regions: Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Catskills.

Epic Waterfall Trails in New York

Before you book your stay, here is the trail breakdown for the best waterfall hikes in New York:

Western New York: Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East." You can hit all three major falls—Upper, Middle, and Lower—on the Gorge Trail in one go. If you want a second stop, Stony Brook State Park is a great 20-minute detour for smaller, tiered falls and stone paths.

The Finger Lakes: The Ithaca Trio

This region is built for waterfall hopping. Start at Taughannock Falls in Trumansburg, then drive 20 minutes south to Buttermilk Falls and another 10 minutes to Robert H. Treman State Park for the Gorge Trail and 115-foot Lucifer Falls. For an epic second-day trip, Watkins Glen State Park is just 30 minutes west, featuring a world-famous trail that winds behind 19 different waterfalls.

The Catskills: Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls is a legend. At 260 feet across two tiers, it’s one of the tallest in the state. The walk from the Laurel House Road trailhead is fairly easy, but the lot fills fast—getting there early makes a real difference. Sunset Rock is also nearby if you want to cap off the day with a massive view of the Hudson Valley.

The Best Airbnbs Near These Hikes

Selecting the right stay means more time on the mossy paths and less time in the car. Here are our top picks:

1. The Cabin, Portageville (Western NY)

This is a great spot for groups, sleeping up to six on 11 acres with the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail running right through the property. You're just a three-minute drive from the entrance of Letchworth, so you're ideally placed for an early start.

Inside, there's a double rainfall shower, soaking tub, and a kitchen stocked well enough that you can cook full dinners without a grocery run. Outside, you've got a hot tub, fire pit, and a porch swing bed on the screened-in porch. Host Amanda even leaves walking sticks by the door and fire starters ready at the pit.

2. Waterfall Retreat, Trumansburg (Finger Lakes)

Perched on the edge of a gorge, this cabin has its own private waterfall you can see and hear from inside. It's a cozy space for two with a queen bed, a deck facing the gorge, and a fire pit.

Best of all, you are just a 15-minute drive to Taughannock Falls and the Ithaca area, and under 25 minutes to Buttermilk and Treman. Host Sean keeps it thoughtful with snacks, fresh flowers, and local tips. Since you're so close to both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, it's easy to work in a winery stop or two after your hikes.

3. Glass-Walled Tiny House, Haines Falls (Catskills)

Just a five-minute drive from the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead, this tiny house faces a pond through a full glass wall. It’s a pretty incredible way to wake up in the morning.

Outside, there's a hot tub lounger, hammock, and fire pit. Hosts Serg and Claudia are quick to respond and know the area well. Heads up: hot water is limited and it uses an eco-friendly septic system, but those quirks don't take away from the charm of being so close to the most scenic spots in the Catskills.

Tips for Planning Your Waterfall Weekend

• Go in spring if you can. This is the sweet spot for waterfall hikes in New York because snowmelt keeps things running strong from April through June.
• Avoid the weekend rush. Fall is gorgeous for a scenic road trip, but weekends get busy; aim for a weekday if your schedule allows.
• Check trail conditions. Before you head out, check the state park website as they often close gorge trails seasonally and for maintenance.
• Don't rush. One of the best things about booking these Airbnbs near waterfall trails in New York is that you can start early, take a midday break, and head out again in the afternoon.
• Stick to marked paths. Waterfall areas get incredibly slippery, especially after rain or snowmelt.

Ready to map out your trip? Once you've picked your region and your Airbnb, Only In Your State’s itinerary planner makes the rest easy. Just tell it where you're staying and what you're into, and it'll build a day-by-day plan that actually makes sense geographically. Start building your perfect waterfall weekend itinerary.