15 Astounding Upstate New York Waterfalls For Your Summer Bucket List
There are so many impressive upstate New York waterfalls you can’t miss. Some of them require long hikes while others can be seen with little effort. We’ve been chasing waterfalls in upstate New York for over a decade, we love them so much that we even got engaged underneath one! When summer hits in Upstate New York, there’s nothing better than escaping to cascading waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Have a weekend getaway planned in upstate New York? Jump to the regions covered in the post to uncover its waterfalls
Whether you want a refreshing swim, a photo-worthy overlook, or just a peaceful afternoon in nature, this list has a little something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
🚨 Important Reminder: Many of these waterfalls do not have designated swimming areas. Swim at your own risk and always check for local guidelines or signage. And please pack out what you pack in. Stay on the trail. Be a good human. Leave No Trace is a promise to keep these wild places.
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15 Upstate New York Waterfalls
Save this downloadable Google Map with all of these upstate New York waterfalls pinned for you!
Hudson Valley Waterfalls
Awosting Falls
Minnewaska State Park, Kerhonkson, NY
- Height: ~65 feet
- Trail: ~1.2 miles round-trip, gravel, easy
- Swimming: Not allowed
- Park Fee: $10 per vehicle
- Hours: 9 am-9 pm
A short and easy out-and-back trail on a wide gravel path leads you to one of the most accessible upstate New York waterfalls. Located near New Paltz, it’s a scenic day trip from New York City or Albany. The closest parking for Awosting Falls is at the Lower Parking Area near the main entrance to the park.
Stony Kill Falls
Minnewaska State Park, Kerhonkson, NY
- Height: 87 feet
- Trail: 1 mile round-trip
- Swimming: Not officially allowed (nudist-friendly pools above the falls)
Our favorite hidden gem in the Shawangunks passes through a helipad and an old quarry, but don’t let the start of the trail deceive you. Shortly after, you’ll reach a small gravel parking area with a trailhead leading into the dense forest with wooden bridge crossings and rock stairs. This upstate New York waterfall is much less popular than its neighboring Awosting Falls.
There are two small pools above the falls for swimming, which are popular nudist pools, although we have yet to see any. Stony Kill Falls is also one of the highest waterfalls in the Minnewaska Preserve.
Travel Tip: The parking area for the falls is not at a main entrance to the park. To reach the trail, you must drive through a residential area, so be respectful of the parking rules. We have been here numerous times, but once in a while, the gate to the parking lot is closed, and there is no street parking.
Vernooy Kill Falls
- Height: 40 feet (multi-tiered)
- Trail: 3.5 miles round trip
- Swimming: You bet!
Out of all the upstate New York waterfalls, this one might not be the biggest, but it has a huge payoff! Technically located outside of the Catskill Park in the Sundown Wild Forest, this area is nice and secluded, which makes it a perfect spot to sunbathe and plunge into the swimming hole created by the falls. Located near Kerhonkson, New York, there are two parking areas. One is on Trails End Road (requires AWD and 4WD vehicles), and the other is on Upper Cherrytown Road (where we park in the lot across from the trailhead off this road).
The trail is mostly rocky with a steady incline. There is a decent runoff on the trail, so I recommend hiking in watershoes like Keen or Chaco. Follow the red trail markers to the wooden bridge and turn right before the bridge to reach the falls. There are several cascading waterfalls with small pools at the base, offering privacy for sunbathers. The pools are about 5-6 feet deep, perfect for a cold plunge or wading in the refreshing cold water.
Travel Tip: Rattlesnakes are known in this area, so please be mindful and alert!
👉🏻 One of our favorite places to stay when we want a weekend getaway is Stonehill’s Farmhouse. A quaint farmhouse-style Inn with cozy private rooms, a bar, a cedar barrel sauna, and a hiking trail right up to one of our favorite breweries.
Catskill Waterfalls
Kaaterskill Falls
- Height: 260 feet
- Trail: 1.6 miles out & back
- Swimming: Allowed, but discouraged at the base due to danger; better to swim nearby at North-South Lake
Not only is Kaaterskill Falls the highest waterfall in the Catskills, this iconic two-tiered cascade is also the highest waterfall in New York State. The only way to get to the waterfall is from the upper parking lot (The Laurel House Parking Area), and it’s free! You used to be able to park on the road and hike up to the falls, but that has been closed. Visitors can walk the short, easy path to a viewing platform above the falls, or it is about a one-mile hike to reach the base of Kaaterskill Falls. It’s a moderately steep slope down to the pools. This is also only short drive away from Plattekill Falls, so consider visiting two upstate New York waterfalls in one day if you can!
Travel Tip: Kaaterskill Falls has gained popularity, so go early or on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds.
PS. We got engaged here back in 2015 behind the falls and had the entire place to ourselves!
Mine Kill Falls
- Height: 80 feet
- Trail: 1 mile round trip
- Swimming: Not allowed at falls; swimming pool available in Mine Kill State Park
- Fee: free park entry
- Hours: dawn to dusk
Cascading through a mossy gorge, Mine Kill Falls feels like a secret, making it our favorite hidden gem in the Catskills. To reach the falls, don’t enter the main Mine Kill State Park area. Instead, park in the second Mine Kill State Park entrance (if you’re coming from the east), and follow signs for “Mine Kill Falls Overlook” to take the metal staircase down to the gorge overlook.
But for the best waterfall experience, hike the short and steep trail to the bottom of the gorge (only a 5-10 minute walk) where the waterfalls cascade into an emerald pool. There is a rocky “beach” area where you can set up chairs or a hammock, pack a lunch, and make a day of visiting this upstate New York waterfall.
Diamond Notch Falls
- Height: 25 feet
- Trail: 1.7 miles round trip
- Swimming: Yes
To reach this waterfall, you can access the trail off Spruceton Road by walking along the West Kill River. An easy riverside walk along the flat trail leads to a scenic amphitheater-like pool. You’ll reach a bridge viewpoint over the falls, but scramble down just before the bridge to reach the base of the falls and take a dip. Make a day out of your hike to Diamond Notch Falls by continuing on the trail to hike Westkill Mountain, Buck Ridge Lookout, or Devil’s Path.
Plattekill Falls
- Height: ~50 feet
- Trail: 0.5 miles round trip
- Swimming: Prohibited
Some upstate New York waterfalls can get very busy in the summer. We’ve found that Plattekill Falls is a great alternative to Kaaterskill Falls if you seek fewer crowds and a more peaceful setting. Located in the northeastern Catskills, the Platte Clove Preserve has over 200 acres of trails and streams.
To reach the falls, park along the road at the Plattekill Falls trailhead near the Overlook Bridge. Do not cross the bridge. Instead, walk left and past the old red house until you come to an overlook with a plaque about the area. Turn right at the intersection down a short, steep trail. Although swimming is prohibited, it’s a nice place to dip your toes and relax. As always, please read signs carefully and follow designated trails.
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Finger Lakes Waterfalls
Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, NY
- Height: 215 feet
- Trail: 1.8 miles out-and-back
- Swimming: Not allowed at falls; nearby swimming in Cayuga Lake
- Fee: $7 per vehicle at main parking lot
- Hours: dawn to dusk
Almost as tall as Kaaterskill, this waterfall is one of the tallest upstate New York waterfalls and an iconic symbol of the Finger Lakes region. Offering dramatic views, Taughannock Falls carves into a gorge over 400 feet deep! Park in the main entrance of the park to walk along the short and easy gorge trail to reach the base of the falls. There’s also a free Taughannock Falls overlook parking area if you’re not up for the trail. Both the gorge trail and the overlook are wheelchair-accessible.
Travel Tip: If you plan to visit during fall or summer, go early! This is a popular destination for tourists visiting the area.
PS. We learned that dinosaurs once roamed the gorge here, so I was nerding out BIG time!
Lucifer Falls
Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, NY
- Height: 115 feet
- Trail: 4 miles round-trip or 1-mile (both loop)
- Swimming: Not allowed in gorge; only in designated pool areas
- Fee: $10 per vehicle
- Hours: 6 am-6:30 pm (April 1 – November 30)
When we think of upstate New York waterfalls, Ithaca is one of the first places that comes to mind! With multiple trails and gorges to explore in the park, Lucifer Falls is the most well-known. You can reach the falls by parking in either the upper or lower parking area. Parking in the upper lot offers a short walk, but requires stone steps. For a short, moderate hike, park in the lower lot and hike up the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail along the creek with views of multiple waterfalls along the way. This state park is also famous for its natural pool below Enfield Falls.
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY
- Trail: ~2 miles, but varies
- Swimming: Swimming: Yes, in the lower pool on select days when a lifeguard is on duty; check the website before visiting
- Fee: $9 per vehicle
- Hours: 6 am-6:30 pm (April 1 – November 30)
You can enter this state park on foot from one of our favorite places to go Glamping in Upstate New York, Firelight Camps. 10/10 recommend staying there! Walk along the gorge in Buttermilk Falls State Park for endless views of cascading waterfalls. From the parking lot, take the Rim Trail along Buttermilk Creek to enter the gorge and walk through the woodlands. We went during the fall, when the red and orange hues highlighted the rock ledges of the gorge, making it even more stunning than it already is! *Note that walking through the gorge requires steep steps, which may not be accessible to everyone.
Watkins Glen State Park
- Number of waterfalls: 19
- Trail: 1.5 miles
- Swimming: Not allowed
- Fee: $10 per vehicle at main parking lot
- Hours: dawn to dusk
Often referred to as “the waterfall mecca of the Finger Lakes,” it’s no wonder Watkins Glen State Park made our list! One of the most famous places to view a ton of upstate New York waterfalls in one place, Watkins Glen lives up to the hype. Ice-age old glaciers carved out the deepest 400-foot gorge. The glacial debris created Glen Creek, which eventually began eroding the rock. Limestone, shale, and sandstone are the different types of rock found here, which all erode at different rates. The result is the large pools and cascading waterfalls of Watkins Glen.
Travel Tip: Visit multiple parks in a day to save money. The seasonal car parking fee is valid all day at all state parks!
Adirondack Waterfalls
Split Rock Falls
- Height: ~50 feet
- Trail: 0.1 miles from roadside pull-off
- Swimming: Not an official swimming hole, but often used
This roadside attraction is one of the most popular upstate New York waterfalls to swim in. This easily accessible Adirondacks waterfall is located right off Route 9 near Elizabethtown. Split Rock Falls flows into emerald pools, surrounded by smooth boulders for sunbathing. Cascading drops make it a favorite for summer road-trippers. Local swimmers flock here, but please be extremely cautious, as injuries are common.
Roaring Brook Falls
- Height: ~300 feet
- Trail: 0.6 miles
- Swimming: No
Tucked into one of the most popular hiking trails in the Adirondacks, this is also one of the most accessible upstate New York waterfalls. To reach it, park at the Giant Mountain trailhead on Route 73 in St. Huberts. A short walk brings you to a base view, or hike to the upper falls for a more challenging hike to the full overlook of Roaring Brook Falls. Keep right when the trail splits to access the base of the falls. Visiting these falls is a great, quick pit stop on your way to Keene or Lake Placid!
Rainbow Falls
- Height: 150 feet
- Trail: ~9 miles round trip via permit-only trailhead
- Swimming: No
To access Rainbow Falls, you must be hiking within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), which requires a permit from May 1 to Oct 31. Rainbow Falls is a worthy detour off the Indian Head trail. Misty and majestic when the light hits just right.
To reach Rainbow Falls while hiking to Indian Head, you can find it in two ways. The quickest way is to take the gravel road up to the dam and turn right at Lower Ausable Lake to cross the foot bridge. From here, the trail has marked signs to the falls. There are several other trails to hike, the Indian Head loop (we’ve hiked it three different ways so far). We recommend the Gill Brook Trail to Beaver Meadow. Once you reach Beaver Meadow, you will see signs directing hikers to Rainbow Falls.
Beaver Meadow Falls
- Height: ~60 feet
- Trail: ~6 miles round trip (AMR permit required)
- Swimming: No
Tucked along the trail to Indian Head and Rainbow Falls, Beaver Meadow Falls gets a little less attention. But the water gently flows down mossy rock walls, forming one of the most photogenic falls in the region (IMO). On our last hike to Indian Head in the Adirondacks, we hiked the loop connecting Beaver Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Indian Head.
👉🏻 If you’re still looking for places to stay in upstate New York, we love camping through Hipcamp for private campsites. For unique upstate New York glamping, check out Huttopia Adirondacks, one of our favorites!
Final Thoughts: Which Region Has the Best Waterfalls in Upstate New York?
Wondering whether the Catskills or Adirondacks are better for waterfalls? It depends on your vibe. The Catskills have the most accessible swimming spots and historic favorites like Kaaterskill Falls, while the Adirondacks offer secluded roadside falls and dramatic mountain scenery. The Hudson Valley is home to some of the most accessible waterfalls, while the Finger Lakes region is full of gorges with an array of waterfalls in one walk. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong. Every region has its own waterfall magic.
And if you love waterfalls as much as I do, add a Hike to Havasu Falls to your bucket list for the ultimate adventure!
Don’t forget to save this post when you plan your next upstate New York weekend getaway!
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