Attention all waterfall chasers! These hikes are a must when you visit Upstate, New York.
1. Rainbow Falls
I came across this waterfall on my hike back from the Indian Head trail and I’m so glad I took the detour.
This trail is located in the Adirondack High Peaks region near Keene, NY.
You must park at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) in which a reservation is required.
The cool mist is super refreshing especially after a long hike!
Check out alltrails for more trail information!
2. Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls State Park is located in Trumansburg, NY about 15 minutes north of Ithaca (Finger Lakes Region).
The best trail is the Taughannock Falls via Gorge Trail, which is approximately 1.1 miles.
This trail takes 45 minutes to complete on average.
Easy hike, enjoyable for hikers and non-hikers alike.
If you are not interested in hiking to the falls, you can drive to the viewing platform.
I would recommend parking at the Overlook Visitor Center.
This trail is very popular, so get there early if you are visiting on the weekend.
3. Outlet Falls (Thacher Park)
Outlet Falls is found on the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park located in the small town of Voorheesville about a half hour west of Albany, NY.
The best way to access the trail is from the visitor center parking lot.
This trail is relatively easy with the trail length totaling 1 mile taking about 40 minutes to complete.
Online it is referred to as an out and back trail, but I usually turn it into a loop by following the Escarpment trail at the top of the stairs that follows the edge of the cliff back to the parking lot.
The trail is often closed due to maintenance, so be sure to call the visitor center prior to your visit to verify it’s open to the public.
The trail begins right next to the visitor center with a set of stairs going down along the cliff's edge.
This trail offers great viewing points of the waterfall which includes going behind it.
Thacher park is a great place to spend the day after your waterfall hike.
There is plenty of open space with picnic tables and grills.
Down the road is Thompson Lake if you’re up for a swim afterwards.
Check out the Thacher State Park website for more information.
4. Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is located in Hunter, NY.
It’s a 2 hour drive north of NYC and about an hour south of Albany in the Catskills.
You’re going to want to park at the Laurel House Road lot.
If the lot is full, you will have to park at the rail trail lot which will add another 1.5 miles to the hike.
This trail is typically very crowded, but it’s worth the view.
Always check alltrails before planning your trip for trail conditions and other details.
I would recommend stopping in Tannersville for lunch after the hike.
5. Eternal Flame Falls
This is the most unique waterfall I have ever been to!
The trail is located in Orchard Park, NY about a half hour south of Buffalo.
Behind this tiny waterfall is a small hole that emits natural gas.
When lit, a flame appears.
It’s a very short, easy trail with clear markings although it can be slippery.
The total trail length is 1.4 miles
6. Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park is located on the Southern end of Seneca Lake (also in the Finger Lakes Region).
The gorge trail is absolutely beautiful (or shall I say GORGE-ous).
When I visited it was absolutely packed, so prepare yourself for being around a lot of people.
Get there early or schedule time during the week to avoid crowds.
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