New York might be famous for its skyscrapers, but if you head away from the city, you’ll find some of the most incredible waterfalls in the state.
Hidden in deep gorges, tucked away behind small towns, and even spilling over massive dams, these waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick roadside stop or a full-on adventure through the woods, there’s a hidden waterfall in New York that’s perfect for you.
Keep reading to find out where to see towering cascades, secret trails, and a waterfall you can walk behind!
1. Pratt’s Falls
Pratt’s Falls is a 137-foot waterfall in Pompey, about 15 miles southeast of Syracuse, and it was once the site of a historic sawmill in the 1790s.
The waterfall is located inside Pratt’s Falls Park, where you can follow a short but steep hiking trail that gives you some awesome views of the water from different angles.
If you’re into picnicking or just hanging out in a peaceful spot surrounded by trees, this park is a great place to spend an afternoon.
2. Lucifer Falls
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, head to Lucifer Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park, about 5 miles southwest of Ithaca.
This massive 115-foot waterfall is the highlight of the park’s Gorge Trail, a stunning hike that takes you past rocky cliffs, stone staircases, and a bunch of smaller waterfalls along the way.
The best part? You can follow the trail near the base of the falls, where the sheer rock walls and rushing water make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
3. Plotter Kill Preserve
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, check out Plotter Kill Preserve in Schenectady County, about 30 minutes from Albany.
This hidden gem has three major waterfalls—Upper, Lower, and Rynex Creek Falls—along rugged trails that weave through a deep gorge filled with rocky ledges and giant trees.
The trails can get muddy and steep, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with magical views.
4. Shequaga Falls
If you want to see a waterfall without hiking, Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls is the place for you.
This cascade drops straight down a rocky cliff and is so close to the road that you can admire it right from a small park in the middle of town.
After heavy rain, the water comes down in a powerful sheet, making it one of the Finger Lakes’ most dramatic yet accessible waterfalls.
5. OK Slip Falls
For a true backcountry adventure, OK Slip Falls in the Adirondacks is worth the trek.
This 250-foot waterfall—one of the tallest in New York—requires a 3-mile hike through dense forest.
The final overlook gives you an epic view of the water plunging down a rocky cliff into the gorge below.
The trail is well-marked and not too difficult, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a mix of hiking and waterfall chasing in one of the wildest parts of the state.
6. Carpenters Falls
Carpenter Falls, near Skaneateles Lake, is a short but stunning waterfall with a 90-foot drop over a rocky ledge.
The quick half-mile trail takes you to an overlook where you can watch the water plunge straight down before continuing through the forest.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow the steeper paths to get closer to the base, but be ready for some slippery spots.
7. Roaring Brook Falls
Roaring Brook Falls in the Adirondacks is the perfect combination of easy access and big payoff.
You can take a short walk from Route 73 to see the falls from below, or hike a steeper trail to the top for a breathtaking view of the water dropping nearly 300 feet down a rugged rock face.
If you go after a heavy rain, the “roaring” part of the name really makes sense, but even in drier months, the quiet setting and sweeping mountain views make this area worth the stop.
8. Croton Gorge Park
Croton Gorge Park, about an hour north of New York City, is home to the massive Croton Dam, where water dramatically spills over a 297-foot-high stone wall.
Though man-made, this waterfall is just as stunning as the remote ones upstate, featuring a viewing area to admire the rushing water and the dam’s grand arch.
If you want to stretch your legs, a trail leads to the top of the dam, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the reservoir that helps supply some of New York City’s drinking water.
9. Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most photogenic and easy-to-reach waterfalls in the Hudson Valley.
The 60-foot waterfall crashes straight off a rocky cliff into a clear pool, surrounded by trees and rock formations.
Even though it’s just a short walk from the parking lot, this stunning waterfall feels like a reward from a long hike.
10. Fillmore Glen State Park
Fillmore Glen State Park is packed with waterfalls, but the most impressive one is Cowsheds Falls, a beautiful 37-foot cascade that flows over a rock ledge.
Since this area was the childhood home of President Millard Fillmore, the park’s gorge trail is also full of history.
It also winds past several smaller waterfalls, stone bridges, and moss-covered cliffs!
If you visit in the summer, you can even cool off in the park’s natural swimming area, a rare find in New York state parks.
11. Ludlowville Falls
Ludlowville Falls might not be the tallest waterfall in the Finger Lakes, but its unique rock formations make it stand out.
Located in a small park near Cayuga Lake, this waterfall spills over a wide limestone ledge, creating a dramatic overhang that you can actually walk behind.
It’s an easy stop with almost no hiking required, making it a great quick detour if you’re exploring the Ithaca area and want to see a waterfall from a whole new angle.
12. Snook Kill Falls
Snook Kill Falls is a hidden gem near Wilton, just outside Saratoga Springs, and it’s one of those waterfalls that not many people know about.
You can get a glimpse of this multi-tiered waterfall from the roadside, especially after a good rain when the water really picks up speed.
It’s not the kind of place where you’ll spend hours exploring, but if you’re in the area and love chasing waterfalls, it’s a quick and worthwhile stop.
13. Shelving Rock Falls
Shelving Rock Falls, on the eastern side of Lake George, is a beautiful 50-foot cascade that tumbles down a series of rocky ledges.
The hike to the falls is a family-friendly walk through the forest, and if you keep going, you’ll reach the lake’s shoreline with stunning views of the water.
It’s a great spot to cool off in the summer since the shallow pools at the base of the falls are perfect for dipping your feet after the short trek.
14. Pixley Falls
Pixley Falls, located in Pixley Falls State Park north of Utica, is an easy-access waterfall with a scenic 50-foot drop.
A short, flat trail takes you right to the falls, passing smaller cascades and mossy rock formations along the way.
The park is a relaxing site for a picnic, and if you visit in the fall, the colorful leaves surrounding the waterfall make it even more impressive.
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