The Finger Lakes region of New York has so much more to offer than wine tasting! Learn how to visit these 3 iconic waterfall destinations during your visit!
By Bekah Whitney
One consistent theme with exploring the East Coast for the first time was being surprised by the stunning beauty of the landscapes. New York state was no exception. I had visited New York City multiple times in the past and (wrongly) assumed the entire state of New York was simply cities and suburbs. The Finger Lakes region was the first area of the state that we explored and what we found, instead of suburbs, was beautiful open lands with rolling hills and lots of waterfalls and canyons! Below are our 3 must visit iconic waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region. Depending on where you are staying, you can hit all 3 or choose which ones make the most sense for you!
The Finger Lakes is a region in eastern New York that is made of 11 long skinny lakes that were created by receding glaciers. The region is best known for its vineyards situated on scenic rolling hills and valleys.
The best time for visiting the Finger Lake for hiking is Spring and Fall as the temperatures are cooler and it’s less humid than in the summer. There will also be less crowds in the spring and fall as it is a top destination for many who want to get out of the cities and vacation in the summer.
From the “Grand Canyon of the East” to the Watkins Glen State Park, you will not want to miss any of these hikes.
Watkins Glen Canyon in Watkins Glen State Park is one of the best places to hike in the Finger Lakes region. In 2 short miles there are 19 stunning waterfalls that flow into beautiful pools. Even more incredible, there is beautiful stone work that includes bridges, stairs, and tunnels so that the canyon can be enjoyed from inside. Most of the time, the canyon above you is only 20 or so feet wide, so the view is always striking when you’re walking along. Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, this work blends perfectly with the canyon as it was put there by nature itself.
Length: 2.6 Miles Round Trip, Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 682 ft
Fee: No entrance fee, but there is a parking fee
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 42.38277, -76.87323
Or Type in: Watkins Glen State Park
Getting there: Watkins Glen State Park is at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Once you approach on Highway 14 the parking lot will be on your left (if heading north) or on your right (if heading south). There is a State Park parking lot with a small fee for parking, unless you have a New York States Park Pass. Seneca lake is also beautiful and the little town near the parking area is very cute, so leave yourself some extra time in the day!
The hike: The hike is more of a walk with a lot of stair climbing as the entire path is paved, but don’t let this deter you! The entire hike you are walking next to the creek and get to be inside of the canyon and surrounded by cliff-dwelling plants and mosses. Note: This trail does close for the winter due to icy conditions.
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth is not one to be missed. There are two ways to enjoy the 3 large waterfalls at Letchworth, by foot, or by car. We suggest parking at the first waterfall under the bridge and then hiking the path by the road to see the other two waterfalls.
Name of Hike: Lower Falls via Portage Bridge along the Gorge Trail
Length of Hike: 4.8 miles round trip, out and back, rated moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,023 feet
Fee: There is a $10 per vehicle fee to ender the park
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 42.57829,-78.05009
Or Type in: Trail 1 Gorge (South Trailhead)
The hike: The trail follows the canyon rim with a road running next to it on and off. There are many times that you are all alone on the trail as most people enjoy the waterfalls by driving to each parking lot. The hike switches from sidewalk to dirt path a few different times and does have some elevation gain that will have you breathing hard. During this hike you will see all the most popular landmarks within the southern section of the park including the Portage Bridge, Inspiration Point, Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
The falls: Upper, Middle and Lower falls are all unique in their own ways. Upper falls is the most popular as it has the iconic Genesee Arch Bridge over it. The least visited falls, Lower Falls, is my favorite mostly because it felt more remote and “in nature” than the other two falls.
Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies and is not to be missed! You can see this waterfall from up above, a short walk from the parking area, or from down below which is the hike described!
Length: 3.5 miles, out and back, easy
Elevation Gain: 593 ft
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 42.53907,-76.6073
Or Type in: Taughannock Falls Overlook ViewPoint
Getting there: About 2 hours from the main Finger Lakes region, you will drive near or through Buffalo and head south down some more remote highways.
The hike: You’ll begin the hike from the Taughannock Falls Overlook and head downhill along the North Rim Trail. You’ll get a lovely view of Cayuga Lake then take the Gorge trail to view the waterfall from the bottom.
The falls: Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies, this includes Niagara Falls! Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past beautiful rocky cliffs. The overlook and the view from the base of the falls are both amazing!
The Finger Lakes region is known for their wine and vineyards. After long days of hiking and driving, we weren’t in the mood for a full on wine tasting, so instead we decided to hit the local wine shop. We asked the attendant if they could help us create a bundle of bottles for us to have our own little tasting at home. He explained some of the unique features and helped us pick bottles only from the region and he even gave us some food pairing options for dinner! It made for a way cheaper and relaxing evening that still felt luxurious! Although, if you are feeling it, we must have passed a dozen “Wine Tastings” signs on the way there, so I’m sure you would have some fun testing some of the local wines, too!
Wine tasting is what brings many people to the finger lakes region, along with the lakes themselves, but make sure to plan a day or two of hiking to see the iconic waterfalls and canyons of the area. Remember to plan your trip itinerary in advance as the finger lakes themselves are quite large and your desired hike may be further away from them then it seems. The expansive ranches and farms you’ll drive through are also beautiful, so no drive is that bad.
Let us know your thoughts or any questions you may have about exploring the waterfalls of the Finger Lakes region by leaving a comment below! Share this article with your friends and family to start planning your trip to the Finger Lakes!
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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7 Comments on 3 Must-Visit Iconic Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes Region
I loved this post! I'd never heard of any of these areas and they all look beautiful. Thank you for sharing more about New York than just Manhattan! We love to see recognition to areas that just don't get enough.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoy it!
Wow, these are gorgeous waterfalls! I hadn't heard of the Fingerlakes region until earlier this year, and now I think I need to plan a trip! Thanks for sharing.
They are incredible! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
All three waterfalls are gorgeous but I think I like Watkins Glen the best. I wonder if it is possible to visit without driving? I know Upstate New York is not know for public transport but with all the wine tasting maybe there is a Finger Lakes shuttle or something?
I love a good hike that includes seeing a waterfall or two. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love waterfalls and would love to do these hikes to visit them all.