If you love waterfalls, the Adirondacks are basically paradise.
We’re talking massive plunges, hidden cascades, and swimming holes so clear you’ll want to jump in immediately (and then scream because, yeah, the water’s freezing).
Some are right by the road, perfect for a quick stop, while others take a bit of hiking—but trust me, the views are worth every step.
This road trip is packed with must-see falls, from roaring giants to quiet, tucked-away gems that feel like your own secret discovery.
So grab your hiking boots, charge your camera, and get ready for an adventure filled with crashing water, epic views, and maybe even a rainbow or two.
1. Rainbow Falls (Ausable Chasm)
Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm is a jaw-dropping 91-foot waterfall that crashes down rugged sandstone cliffs before rushing into the Ausable River.
It’s one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Adirondacks, and if the sun hits just right, you might catch a rainbow in the mist—hence the name!
You can see it from the Route 9 bridge for an easy, postcard-perfect view, or take the adventure up a notch by exploring the chasm’s epic trails, raft rides, and suspension bridges.
2. High Falls Gorge
Just down the road from Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge is like an obstacle course, with four waterfalls crashing through a narrow, rocky canyon.
Wooden walkways and glass-floor viewing platforms let you get ridiculously close to the action—so close you can feel the spray on your face, with glass-floor viewing platforms available during the summer.
In the winter, the whole place turns into a frozen wonderland, with massive icicles hanging from the cliffs and snow-covered bridges making it look straight out of a storybook.
3. Split Rock Falls
If you’re looking for a waterfall you can actually swim in, Split Rock Falls is the spot.
Tucked away along the Boquet River, this series of cascading falls tumbles into deep, crystal-clear pools below that make for incredible swimming holes.
It’s a favorite local hangout in the summer, so if you’re up for it, take a dip—but be cautious, as the currents can be strong and the rocks slippery.
Either way, soak up the Adirondack scenery!
4. Shelving Rock Falls
For an easy hike with a big waterfall payoff, Shelving Rock Falls on Lake George is a must.
This 50-foot beauty spills down a rocky hillside in a series of gentle cascades, making it perfect for wading, splashing, or just kicking back on the rocks—but be careful, as some areas have slippery rocks and strong currents.
The trail is short and mostly flat, so it’s a great choice if you want amazing waterfall views without an intense trek.
You can keep the adventure going with a dip in Lake George just a short walk away.
5. OK Slip Falls
OK Slip Falls isn’t just one of the tallest waterfalls in New York—it’s also one of the most epic to hike to.
After a three-mile trek through the Adirondack wilderness, you’ll reach a jaw-dropping overlook where the 250-foot waterfall plunges straight down a sheer rock face.
It’s a serious wow moment, especially in the spring when snowmelt turns it into a raging torrent, or in the fall when the surrounding trees explode into a sea of red and gold.
6. Death Brook Falls
Don’t let the name scare you—Death Brook Falls is actually one of the easiest waterfalls to reach in the Adirondacks.
A quick 0.3-mile walk through the woods leads to this stunning 35-foot cascade, where water fans out over a wide rock face before tumbling into a peaceful pool below.
It’s especially gorgeous in the fall when the surrounding forest turns golden, but even in the summer, it’s a quiet, hidden gem where you can soak in the sights without the crowds.
7. Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls near Long Lake is the kind of waterfall you can hear before you see it—loud, fast, and endlessly photogenic.
It’s not the tallest, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in power, as the water crashes over a series of short drops before racing downstream.
With an easy walk from the roadside and plenty of flat rocks for picnicking, it’s the perfect spot to take a break, snap some photos, and maybe even dip your toes in if you don’t mind the chilly water.
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