There’s so much to admire in New York State. With that said, the two things all of our residents can agree on is that we love our waterfalls and are constantly searching for the next great New York day trip. While there are so many breathtaking waterfalls throughout our state, we did our best to comprise a road trip that offers both variety and unforgettable memories. From major tourist attractions to low-key spots that are perfect for the family, this ultimate waterfall road trip will lead you to the best waterfalls in New York!
Desired destinations mapped out and ready for use, here is a direct link to Google Maps for the ultimate waterfall road trip in New York.
Google Maps
- Niagara Falls
Larry Koester/Flickr
Alex Ranaldi/Flickr Gathering from all over the world and seeing more visitors than you could ever fully wrap your mind around, Niagara Falls is easily one of the best waterfalls in New York, if not the world! One of the many beautiful wonders we share with our northern neighbor, all of Niagara Falls doesn’t lie on New York / United States territory. Filled with incredible history and jaw dropping views, this waterfall is the best way to kick off your ultimate road trip.
Click here for more information and directions.
- Eternal Flame Falls
Kim Carpenter/Flickr
Kim Carpenter/Flickr Who’s up for a little fun in the mud? After parking at the trail head, you’ll walk about a half-mile until you reach Eternal Flame Falls. Crossing creeks and strolling along dirt trails, a visit to this unbelievable waterfall is one of the best things to do outside in New York.
Unfamiliar with this unique and flammable waterfall?
Click here to find out more.
- Middle Falls
John McCullough/Flickr
chrisforsyth/Flickr Lying inside the must-see Letchworth State Park, you’ll find three gorgeous waterfalls. Although we highly suggest you check out the Upper and Lower falls of Letchworth, it must be admitted that our favorite of the three is Middle Falls. This year-round photogenic waterway is a complete must-see and one of the best waterfalls in New York.
Click here to find out more.
- Watkins Glen State Park
Jim Liestman/Flickr Hold on to your jaws! This one destination on our ultimate road trip has 19 waterfalls. Take a memorable stroll along the Gorge Trail (except in New York’s winter months) and enjoy your peaceful, fairytale-like surroundings.
Click here to find out more.
- Taughannock Falls
Brook Ward/Flickr Have your camera ready, this 215-foot waterfall is going to blow you away! Accessible by two different trails, make sure to remember the Rim Trail isn’t open to the public during winter months, so the Gorge Trail would be your adventure of choice!
Click here to find out more.
- Buttermilk Falls
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Jim Liestman/Flickr With plenty of parking and the perfect area for swimming, Buttermilk Falls is a perfect New York day trip destination. Located inside one of New York’s stunning state parks, the surrounding area offers over 40 camp sites!
Click here to find out more.
- Chittenango Falls
Oliver Hine/Flickr
atypicalchris/Flickr Unforgettable and undeniably astonishing, standing at nearly 170-feet tall Chittenango Falls will end this road trip with the ultimate bang! With picnic tables nearby and throughout Chittenango Falls State Park, this waterfall destination is perfect for some end of the day relaxation and a bite to eat!
Click here to find out more.
So, are you ready to take this unforgettable road trip? Find us on our Facebook page, New York Only and tell us in the comments which waterfall you’re most excited to check out!
Google Maps
Larry Koester/Flickr
Alex Ranaldi/Flickr
Gathering from all over the world and seeing more visitors than you could ever fully wrap your mind around, Niagara Falls is easily one of the best waterfalls in New York, if not the world! One of the many beautiful wonders we share with our northern neighbor, all of Niagara Falls doesn’t lie on New York / United States territory. Filled with incredible history and jaw dropping views, this waterfall is the best way to kick off your ultimate road trip.
Click here for more information and directions.
Kim Carpenter/Flickr
Who’s up for a little fun in the mud? After parking at the trail head, you’ll walk about a half-mile until you reach Eternal Flame Falls. Crossing creeks and strolling along dirt trails, a visit to this unbelievable waterfall is one of the best things to do outside in New York.
Unfamiliar with this unique and flammable waterfall?
Click here to find out more.
John McCullough/Flickr
chrisforsyth/Flickr
Lying inside the must-see Letchworth State Park, you’ll find three gorgeous waterfalls. Although we highly suggest you check out the Upper and Lower falls of Letchworth, it must be admitted that our favorite of the three is Middle Falls. This year-round photogenic waterway is a complete must-see and one of the best waterfalls in New York.
Click here to find out more.
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Hold on to your jaws! This one destination on our ultimate road trip has 19 waterfalls. Take a memorable stroll along the Gorge Trail (except in New York’s winter months) and enjoy your peaceful, fairytale-like surroundings.
Click here to find out more.
Brook Ward/Flickr
Have your camera ready, this 215-foot waterfall is going to blow you away! Accessible by two different trails, make sure to remember the Rim Trail isn’t open to the public during winter months, so the Gorge Trail would be your adventure of choice!
Click here to find out more.
With plenty of parking and the perfect area for swimming, Buttermilk Falls is a perfect New York day trip destination. Located inside one of New York’s stunning state parks, the surrounding area offers over 40 camp sites!
Click here to find out more.
Oliver Hine/Flickr
atypicalchris/Flickr
Unforgettable and undeniably astonishing, standing at nearly 170-feet tall Chittenango Falls will end this road trip with the ultimate bang! With picnic tables nearby and throughout Chittenango Falls State Park, this waterfall destination is perfect for some end of the day relaxation and a bite to eat!
Click here to find out more.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Niagara Falls, NY, USAAddress: Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USAAddress: Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USAAddress: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USAAddress: Taughannock Falls, Ulysses, NY 14886, USAAddress: Buttermilk Falls State Park, 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USAAddress: Chittenango Falls State Park, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfall road trip in new york January 13, 2021 Daniella What is the tallest waterfall in New York? Many assume that Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the state of New York; however that’s not the case. Located in a state park of the same name, Taughannock Falls stands at 215 feet in height, making it 33 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. That’s not its only claim to fame, though. Taughannock Falls also takes the title of the tallest free-falling waterfall in the northeastern United States. When it comes to the highest cascading waterfall in New York, that honor goes to Kaaterskill Falls. Quite the sight, the towering waterfall features two tiers that total 260 feet! How many waterfalls are there in New York? For many, the great outdoors doesn’t come to mind when thinking about New York. However, that’s a huge mistake! There are plenty of things to do outside in New York, including exploring the plethora of waterfalls that fill the state. Many residents would be surprised to learn that New York is home to more than 2,000 waterfalls, which range in size from 5 feet all the way up to 260 feet tall! There’s not only an abundance of waterfalls in New York but there’s a variety, too. The state is home to just about every type of waterfall, including cascade, tiered, ledge, plunge, and more. What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Hiking and waterfalls are a great combination. If you agree, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Robert H. Treman State Park, which boasts an abundance of waterfalls AND trails, making it easy to explore all of the park’s perks. No visit to the park would be complete without a trek along the 2-mile Gorge Trail, which features jaw-dropping vistas, a beautiful gorge, and the stunning 115-foot Lucifer Falls. For those hoping to chase waterfalls, Adirondack Park is another can’t miss. The park is brimming with hidden natural wonders, including Shelving Rock Falls. Situated along a 0.4-mile trail, it’s likely one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in New York.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfall road trip in new york
January 13, 2021
Daniella
What is the tallest waterfall in New York? Many assume that Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the state of New York; however that’s not the case. Located in a state park of the same name, Taughannock Falls stands at 215 feet in height, making it 33 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. That’s not its only claim to fame, though. Taughannock Falls also takes the title of the tallest free-falling waterfall in the northeastern United States. When it comes to the highest cascading waterfall in New York, that honor goes to Kaaterskill Falls. Quite the sight, the towering waterfall features two tiers that total 260 feet! How many waterfalls are there in New York? For many, the great outdoors doesn’t come to mind when thinking about New York. However, that’s a huge mistake! There are plenty of things to do outside in New York, including exploring the plethora of waterfalls that fill the state. Many residents would be surprised to learn that New York is home to more than 2,000 waterfalls, which range in size from 5 feet all the way up to 260 feet tall! There’s not only an abundance of waterfalls in New York but there’s a variety, too. The state is home to just about every type of waterfall, including cascade, tiered, ledge, plunge, and more. What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Hiking and waterfalls are a great combination. If you agree, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Robert H. Treman State Park, which boasts an abundance of waterfalls AND trails, making it easy to explore all of the park’s perks. No visit to the park would be complete without a trek along the 2-mile Gorge Trail, which features jaw-dropping vistas, a beautiful gorge, and the stunning 115-foot Lucifer Falls. For those hoping to chase waterfalls, Adirondack Park is another can’t miss. The park is brimming with hidden natural wonders, including Shelving Rock Falls. Situated along a 0.4-mile trail, it’s likely one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in New York.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Many assume that Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the state of New York; however that’s not the case. Located in a state park of the same name, Taughannock Falls stands at 215 feet in height, making it 33 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. That’s not its only claim to fame, though. Taughannock Falls also takes the title of the tallest free-falling waterfall in the northeastern United States. When it comes to the highest cascading waterfall in New York, that honor goes to Kaaterskill Falls. Quite the sight, the towering waterfall features two tiers that total 260 feet!
How many waterfalls are there in New York?
For many, the great outdoors doesn’t come to mind when thinking about New York. However, that’s a huge mistake! There are plenty of things to do outside in New York, including exploring the plethora of waterfalls that fill the state. Many residents would be surprised to learn that New York is home to more than 2,000 waterfalls, which range in size from 5 feet all the way up to 260 feet tall! There’s not only an abundance of waterfalls in New York but there’s a variety, too. The state is home to just about every type of waterfall, including cascade, tiered, ledge, plunge, and more.
What are the best waterfall hikes in New York?
Hiking and waterfalls are a great combination. If you agree, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Robert H. Treman State Park, which boasts an abundance of waterfalls AND trails, making it easy to explore all of the park’s perks. No visit to the park would be complete without a trek along the 2-mile Gorge Trail, which features jaw-dropping vistas, a beautiful gorge, and the stunning 115-foot Lucifer Falls. For those hoping to chase waterfalls, Adirondack Park is another can’t miss. The park is brimming with hidden natural wonders, including Shelving Rock Falls. Situated along a 0.4-mile trail, it’s likely one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in New York.
