Are you on the lookout for some enjoyable activities to do round Watkins Glen? If so, then you should definitely take a look at these stunning waterfalls positioned nearby.
The Finger Lakes area and upstate New York are home to many natural wonders, such as Niagara Falls, the Great Lakes, and, of course, the Finger Lakes.
The waterways traveling through the rugged gorges within the area create waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. These stunning waterfalls are good for anyone who loves nature and journey.
Here are loads of impressive waterfalls near Watkins Glen that you need to visit. Some are roadside whereas others require a hike. One is even greatest seen from a boat on the water!
This record absolutely will create some variety on your subsequent trip to Watkins Glen.
How Many Waterfalls are in the Finger Lakes?
There are tons of of waterfalls situated throughout the Finger Lakes Region. Many folks don’t learn about these pure wonders because lots of them are hidden away in remote areas.
Some of these waterfalls are even hidden in plain sight! While they can be actually roaring within the spring when the snow melts, they often slow to only a trickle in the course of the summertime when extra guests flock to the world. Keep that in mind when you’re exploring the area!
Some on this listing of waterfalls have turn out to be much more highly trafficked than others. Some of those waterfalls are accessible via trails, and one through a boat ride.
Single drops and multilevel cascades, each of those waterfalls near Watkins Glen has its personal character. Visit all of them so you probably can choose your favorite!
Popular Waterfalls near Watkins Glen
One of the best issues to do whereas visiting Watkins Glen is to go chase a waterfall or two (or twenty!) because there are just so many nice sights to see in the area. You can’t go incorrect when exploring any of those spectacular waterfalls.
There are viewing options on this list for everybody who wants to see a waterfall. Some could be seen with out leaving the automobile. Some require hiking and exploring. One is even finest seen from the lake on a cruise or a kayak!
Whatever type of adventure you want to have, there is something on this record for you.
Watkins Glen State Park
The state park is located proper in the city of Watkins Glen. The park itself and the gorge trail alongside Glen Creek, which is finest for waterfall chasing, is open daily from dawn to sunset during the summertime. There is a fee for parking your car in one of many state park’s managed lots.
Over the 1.5-mile Gorge Trail, you’ll be treated to views of 19 waterfalls spilling over the deep gorge walls. The trail is nicely maintained, however you’ll have to navigate hundreds of stairs to complete the complete trail. Travel over, beneath, and thru the water along the Gorge Trail.
When you reach the other side of the park, you have a few selections. There is a shuttle bus, for the return, which costs $6 per particular person. Hiking options in Watkins Glen State Park include the North Rim Trail and the South Rim Trail. While the South Rim leaves the gorge earlier, it does comply with a section of the Finger Lakes Trail.
A few of the notably named waterfalls alongside Glen Creek in Watkins Glen State Park embody:
* Rainbow Falls
* Cavern Cascade
* Central Cascade
There are others, which aren’t quite as well known. Be sure to discover the whole Gorge Trail so that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing views.
Aunt Sarah’s Falls
Aunt Sarah’s Falls is a roadside cease not far from Watkins Glen on the way to Montour Falls.
This waterfall may be very seasonal, and it sort of looks like a trickle from a small drain pipe at most throughout dry seasons. When the water is excessive, Aunt Sarah’s Falls is an attractive sight to see.
There is an area simply on the opposite aspect of Route 14 the place you’ll be able to pull over to park and view the falls.
You can both view the falls from the grassy car parking zone or stroll across the freeway to get a closer view of the falls. Just take warning should you do plan to cross the freeway; it’s a very busy roadway!
She-qua-ga Falls
Shequaga Falls in early JulyRight within the town of Montour Falls, the Shequaga Falls Park is one other incredible roadside waterfall with a small viewing park. Often, bicyclists use this small park as a spot to take a break on their experience. There are a few benches across the park where you can sit and enjoy the view.
This one is over one hundred fifty toes fall and finest seen from the bottom.
There is parking along the road in town, however remember to comply with the signage relating to parking laws.
This is another fast stop that is best seen during moist seasons and after heavy rainfall. Otherwise, the circulate may be down to just a trickle when the weather has been dry.
Eagle Cliff Falls
Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen ParkThis is a well-liked waterfall spot with the locals and tons of come to camp in the course of the summer. The small Havana Glen Park, the place Eagle Cliff Falls is situated, is maintained by the city of Montour Falls. It’s only a quick drive from Watkins Glen to Montour Falls!
The trail begins off to the left of the camping area from a small car parking zone. The major 40-foot waterfall is just a few 5-minute walk from the parking area.
Although the trail is a little narrow, it is fairly easy to navigate, however there’s one set of metal stairs to climb in your means again by way of the gorge.
Bring water sneakers or sandals if you’d wish to wade within the water on the base of the falls. You don’t wish to do that in your naked toes as a outcome of the rocks in the pool could be sharp and slippery.
There is a $2 per automotive parking payment to enter Havana Glen Park, paid by money on the entrance. The park is often open from May to October.
Deckertown Falls
Deckertown Falls is situated on the alternative aspect of the town of Montour Falls from the already mentioned Shequaga and Aunt Sarah’s Falls.
You’ll find access to those falls from a small parking area on the end of East Catharine Street in Montour Falls.
While there are multiple waterfalls along this waterway, the primary one you’ll come across shortly after leaving the parking space is Deckertown Falls.
Be sure to wear applicable footwear with good traction on this adventure as a outcome of the rocks may be very slippery. The gorge is also fairly narrow, and despite the very fact that this isn’t a high-flow waterway, the currents can turn into quite robust at times.
With that being said, this may be a great place to save heaps of for exploring in the course of the summer, when the water levels are a little decrease.
Hector Falls
high of Hector Falls from the roadThis waterfall isn’t only a fairly face; there’s far more to it than meets the eye! Hector Falls is located right off of Route 414 between Watkins Glen and the city of Hector on the western side of Seneca Lake. The falls are much closer to Watkins Glen than the city of its name, though.
While Hector Falls could be seen from the highway, you really can’t appreciate the magnitude of this one unless you see it from the water.
Options embrace taking a Seneca Lake sightseeing cruise from the Seneca Harbor Station or renting a kayak to paddle.
Kayak trips can be guided or you can go at your own tempo up the jap shore of Seneca Lake. From this vantage level, you’ll get to see the portion of the waterfall that flows beneath the Route 414 bridge into the lake.
Again, there’s greater than initially meets the eye here!
Keuka Outlet Trail
Seneca Mill and FallsThere are two beautiful waterfalls between Penn Yan and Dresden, New York. They’re situated about 20 miles north of Watkins, New York.
The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a great place to hike or experience bicycles. Bring your digicam because it’s a fantastic spot to take photos of the waterway and the old mill remains.
You may even need to pack a picnic lunch to stop and take a break during your travels along the trail. There is a picnic shelter near the Seneca Mill and Falls website.
You’ll get a chance to see the Seneca Mill and Falls head-on, so it’s a lot easier to snap a photo right here. The Cascade Mill and Falls viewing spots are at the prime of the falls. While it’s additionally beautiful, you won’t have an excellent picture to recollect this one.
While alongside the trail, there are informational boards where you can be taught about the mill history of the area when you explore.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Along the Cascadilla Gorge TrailYou’ll need to journey over to the city of Ithaca to entry this lovely nature trail. It’s about 25 miles from Watkins Glen to the trailhead, where you’ll be able to entry the Cascadilla Gorge Trail.
This trail is actually on the campus at Cornell University, which makes this hike a great way to spend some time outdoor. It is a part of the Cornell Botanical Gardens!
There are multiple waterfalls on the trail, with the following being just around the nook. This hike is an ideal household activity for these with older youngsters.
The trail is very accessible and although there are lots of stairs, there aren’t any really steep inclines or narrow passageways to navigate. If you’re looking for a brief hike close to civilization, this trail is a good selection.
Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is straightforward to achieve. The few individuals to the right of the frame for measurement comparability.While you’re in downtown Ithaca, there are many waterfalls to see, however one of the easiest to reach is the one named for the town!
While parking to achieve the falls can be tough because it’s in a residential area, do not let this stop you from visiting this highly effective waterfall. It is free to visit!
After discovering a spot to park your automotive, you’ll solely need to stroll a short distance, about one hundred yards, before you’ll find a way to see the falls.
On the weekends, prepare for the realm to be busy. If you’d like the area extra to your self, plan an early morning go to.
Taughannock Falls at Taughannock State Park
Taughannock Falls in summerAnother spot just a little over 20 miles from Watkins Glen, this is one you definitely shouldn’t miss visiting.
The Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail takes you alongside the banks of the Taughannock Creek the place it flows in course of Cayuga Lake. At the tip of the out-and-back style gorge trail, you’ll see the falls from the base.
For a birds-eye view, you’ll have the ability to either hike the rim trail or drive up Taughannock Park Road. Whichever way you determine to examine this one out, it’s completely price it.
Taughannock is the tallest single-drop waterfall within the northeast, 33 ft taller than Niagara Falls!
Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
Lucifer Falls is the tallest, but there are a few different smaller waterfalls alongside the trails in Robert H. Treman State Park.The Finger Lakes region offers guests a number of the most beautiful pure areas in New York state. One of these locations is Robert H. Treman State Park, and it’s also about 20 miles from Watkins Glen, NY.
This space features 12 waterfalls to view while touring via Enfield Glen, including the notable Lucifer Falls.
Lucifer Falls is the tallest of the twelve waterfalls. While there’s a parking area only a brief distance from the falls, we’d suggest starting on the bottom of the gorge and hiking up with Lucifer Falls being the destination. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation and bushes lining the deep gorge partitions.
Enfield Falls, or Lower Falls, has a swimming gap on the base the place you can take pleasure in cooling off on sizzling summer season days. A paved trail leads right down to the base of the waterfall the place you’ll have the ability to just enjoy the views or swim. Just be warned that the world does get busy on summer season weekends!
Robert H. Treman State Park has a few of the finest hiking trails to waterfalls near Watkins Glen. You’ll get quite lots of terrain with thick forests and a deep gorge when you hike the lengthy loop. This is an efficient spot to get out and explore whereas getting some exercise!
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Along the Gorge Trail in Buttermilk Falls State Park. Find these after you move Buttermilk Falls.Buttermilk Falls can be positioned simply outdoors the town of Ithaca. It’s a well-liked state park for swimming and waterfall exploring. The primary Buttermilk Falls may be very easy to access. There are several different smaller waterfalls within the park as properly.
The 0.65-mile Gorge Trail leads proper past many of the lovely water features throughout the park including many smaller waterfalls.
With Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls Parks being positioned so shut collectively, a go to to these parks makes a great waterfall day journey from Watkins Glen.
If you plan to visit numerous state parks in New York throughout the year, an Empire Pass is a nice way to gain access to the parks all year long.
Grimes Glen Park
Grimes Glen is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. It’s the furthest spot on this listing from Watkins Glen at almost 50 miles, and it takes about one hour to drive from Watkins to Grimes Glen.
The trail is nicely marked with indicators so it’s easy to search out your means round. You’ll wish to come prepared with acceptable footwear, though, as a outcome of this hike to the waterfalls requires some creek walking to get to the views. It’s about one mile of hiking in total.
Hiking by way of the creek will take you to the bottom of the falls where you’ll find a way to benefit from the view. Visiting in the spring can be a little more dangerous with larger water levels making it harder to cross.
While you’re over here on the western side of the Finger Lakes, be positive to check out the relaxation of the issues that Canadaigua Lake has to supply. You’re just 10 minutes from the southern level of the lake!
Stony Brook State Park
Middle Falls in Stony Brook State ParkWhile the drive between Stony Brook and Watkins Glen is about an hour lengthy, we simply couldn’t depart it off of the list! Stony Brook is typically forgotten about being so near the popular Letchworth State Park, but the Gorge Trail is one which definitely shouldn’t be missed!
While it has an identical really feel to those at Watkins Glen State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park, we’d venture to say that the waterfalls at Stony Brook are simpler to view and photograph than at others.
While you’ll be able to explore this state park in a few hours, it’s value including to your listing or perhaps even combining it with a visit to the trails at Grimes Glen.
Letchworth State Park
Upper Falls in Letchworth State ParkWhile Letchworth and Watkins Glen are separated by about 1 hour and quarter-hour of driving between the 2 parks, we merely cannot ignore the fact that these two spots, which have each been talked about on lists of the most effective state parks in the complete nation, are so shut together!
Letchworth State Park has its three large and magnificent waterfalls on the forefront within the southern a part of the park, however there are many different areas to verify out, too.
Stop at the picnic space alongside Wolf Creek to have lunch with the sounds of the water dashing in the background.
While Letchworth and Watkins Glen State Parks can get quite busy throughout peak seasons, that doesn’t imply that you need to let the crowds keep you away. They are busy as a outcome of they are beautiful! If you’d like to keep away from the crowds, simply plan an off time, similar to early morning, later in the evening, or midweek to pay these spots a go to.
Best Time to Visit the Finger Lakes Waterfalls
The greatest time to visit these Finger Lakes waterfalls near Watkins Glen is during springtime when the climate remains to be cool enough to take pleasure in some out of doors actions and the snowmelt is fueling these falls.
Fall presents beautiful foliage colors and cooler temperatures, making it also a fantastic season to explore Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes.
Summertime brings crowds to the realm and lots of the waterfalls turn into much less appealing because of the dry weather.
You’ll in all probability want to keep away from a winter go to if you would like to see some of these waterfalls, especially those in the state parks. The gorge trails close when the snow and ice freeze them over, so plan your visit when the paths are extra accessible.
There are so many spots near Watkins Glen for nice waterfall experiences. Just get out and explore the world, and maybe you’ll find a new favourite spot or a hidden gem all your individual.
Which of these waterfalls is your favorite to enjoy?