If you love waterfalls, get ready—because this road trip is packed with some of the most epic ones in New York State.
We’re talking massive cliffs, roaring cascades, and deep, rocky gorges that look like something straight out of an adventure movie.
Some waterfalls crash straight down in a single, powerful drop, while others tumble over layers of stone like a natural staircase.
We’ve included a range of waterfalls from quick roadside stops to full-on gorge hikes, and every spot on this trip has something wild and unforgettable.
Ready to chase some waterfalls? Let’s go!
1. Ausable Chasm
Located up in New York’s Adirondack Mountains near the town of Keeseville, you’ll find the impressive Ausable Chasm.
It’s basically nature’s version of an amusement park, complete with towering sandstone cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and a gorge so deep it feels like the earth just split in half.
You can hike along cliffside trails with jaw-dropping views, raft through the swirling waters of the Ausable River, or even climb through the chasm itself on a rock-and-rope adventure course.
The real star, though, is the gorge which was formed approximately 10,000 years ago.
Its sheer rock walls rise over 150 feet, framing waterfalls like Rainbow Falls and Elephant’s Head as they thunder through the narrow canyon below.
2. High Falls Gorge
Just a short drive from Lake Placid, High Falls Gorge is a front-row seat to some of the most powerful waterfalls in the Adirondacks—without needing to hike for miles to see them.
A series of sturdy bridges and glass-floor walkways take you right over the roaring Ausable River, where four thundering waterfalls crash through a narrow canyon.
This ancient gorge cuts through anorthosite rock over a billion years old, shaped by water approximately 10,000 years ago.
It’s an easy, quick stop, but the views are next-level—especially in the fall when the surrounding cliffs explode with bright red, orange, and gold leaves.
3. OK Slip Falls
If you’re up for a little adventure, OK Slip Falls delivers big-time as it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks, dropping a staggering 250 feet down a rugged cliffside.
Getting there takes a bit of effort—it’s a three-mile hike through the forest—but the payoff is huge when you finally reach the overlook and see the waterfall plunging dramatically into the gorge below.
After heavy rain, the falls roar to life, but even on a dry day, the sheer height and wild, untouched setting make this spot feel like a hidden gem deep in the mountains.
4. Chittenango Falls State Park
Chittenango Falls looks straight out of a storybook, with 167 feet of water tumbling down in wide, frothy tiers over a jagged limestone staircase.
Located just east of Syracuse, this state park has an easy loop trail that takes you from a scenic overlook at the top down to a footbridge at the base, where you can feel the mist and get the perfect photo.
Fun fact: The damp, rocky gorge here is the only place on Earth where you’ll find the rare Chittenango ovate amber snail—so keep an eye out!
5. Enfield Glen Waterfalls
Enfield Glen isn’t just one waterfall—it’s an entire gorge packed with them, winding through Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca.
The crown jewel is the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, where the water crashes down in a dramatic curtain, surrounded by towering rock walls and lush forest.
The gorge trail is pure magic, with stone staircases, narrow pathways, and plenty of smaller cascades along the way, making every turn feel like a brand-new discovery.
6. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls isn’t just tall—it’s record-breaking, dropping an incredible 215 feet, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls.
Located just outside Ithaca, this waterfall plunges straight down from sheer cliffs into a massive rock amphitheater, making it one of the most dramatic sights in the Finger Lakes.
You can take the easy Gorge Trail right to the base for an up-close view, or hit the overlook for a breathtaking panoramic shot that’ll make your friends think you found a secret portal to another world.
7. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel, with 19 waterfalls packed into a winding, narrow gorge.
The iconic Gorge Trail snakes past towering rock walls, through cool, misty caverns, and even behind waterfalls like Cavern Cascade, where you can walk right under the rushing water.
It’s easily one of the most jaw-dropping waterfall hikes in New York, with stone bridges, spiral staircases, and moss-covered cliffs making every step feel like some epic hidden world.
8. Grimes Glen Park
Grimes Glen Park is the kind of spot where adventure meets pure fun—you’re not just hiking to the waterfalls, you’re wading through the creek to get there.
Tucked away in Naples, this short but exciting trail leads you upstream, past mossy cliffs and little cascades, until you reach two stunning waterfalls.
The main waterfall stands 62 feet tall, while the second is just under 60 feet, both hidden deep in the gorge.
You might hear about a hidden third waterfall beyond the second, but access is limited and risky—so it’s best to avoid attempting the trek.
9. Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park is a natural waterpark, with a gorgeous gorge trail that follows a series of cascading waterfalls, carved pools, and smooth rock slides.
Located south of Rochester, this park is all about getting up close to the water, with stone bridges and staircases leading you alongside the rushing brook.
On a hot day, the best part is the park’s natural, stream-fed swimming pool near the North Entrance—perfect for cooling off after a hike.
For safety, swimming is limited to this designated area, keeping the gorge pristine for everyone to enjoy.
10. Letchwork State Park
Letchworth State Park isn’t called the “Grand Canyon of the East” for nothing—this place is massive, with the Genesee River carving a 600-foot-deep gorge and three jaw-dropping waterfalls along the way.
The big showstoppers are the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, each more dramatic than the last, especially with the historic railroad bridge towering over the Upper Falls.
With miles of scenic trails, epic overlooks, and even hot air balloon rides over the gorge, Letchworth is the kind of place where you could spend all day and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
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