Get ready to chase waterfalls on this epic road trip through New York State!
From thunderous waterfalls that will leave you speechless to hidden gems tucked away in peaceful forests, this road trip is all about discovering the magic of waterfalls.

Along the way, you’ll explore scenic trails, walk behind misty veils of water, and even find a spot where fire and water coexist (yes, really!).
Pack your hiking boots and a sense of adventure—you won’t want to miss the unforgettable stops we’ve lined up for this ultimate waterfall adventure.
1. High Falls

High Falls, located in Ulster County, is a small hamlet bursting with charm and known for its stunning 25-foot waterfall on the Rondout Creek.
This hidden gem is surrounded by quaint cafes, art galleries, and antique shops that make it perfect for a day of exploring after soaking up the natural beauty.
The falls were once the lifeline of the D&H Canal, which ran through the area in the 19th century, transporting goods like coal and cement.
Today, you can walk along the canal towpath, admire the ruins of the old locks, and enjoy the peaceful sound of rushing water.
2. Kaaterskill Falls

Just a short drive from High Falls, Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills takes the drama up a notch with its breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that plunges a whopping 260 feet.
As one of the tallest waterfalls in New York, it has inspired everyone from 19th-century painters to modern-day hikers chasing epic views.
You’ll find a well-marked trail leading to the base of the falls, where mist fills the air and the roar of water echoes through the forest.
Be sure to check out the viewing platform above the falls for a heart-stopping view and some seriously brag-worthy photos.
3. Cohoes Falls

If you’re ready for another stunning waterfall, head to Cohoes Falls, located just outside Albany in the town of Cohoes.
This waterfall spans nearly 1,000 feet across the Mohawk River and tumbles 90 feet, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the Northeast.
It’s a spot steeped in history too—once a spiritual site for the Mohawk people and later a key source of energy during the Industrial Revolution.
Today, you can soak up the view from Falls View Park, where well-placed overlooks and peaceful walking paths make it easy to appreciate the sheer force of nature on display.
4. Ok Slip Falls

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ok Slip Falls in the Adirondacks is the perfect choice.
Tucked away in the forest near Indian Lake, this 250-foot waterfall feels like a reward after a moderate 3-mile hike through lush woods and rocky trails.
The viewing area offers a stunning view of the falls, which pour into a large gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and dense greenery.
Fun fact: Ok Slip Falls was hidden from the public for decades until the land was opened up in 2014, making it a relatively new discovery for waterfall lovers!
5. Salmon River Falls
Next up we have Salmon River Falls near Pulaski which is a must-see for its dramatic 110-foot drop and the peaceful wilderness surrounding it.
The falls are easily accessible via a short trail that leads to scenic overlooks which are perfect for taking in the stunning view of the cascading water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the gorge trail offers a closer look, though it’s steep and requires sturdy shoes.
This area shines in every season, but it’s important to note that the trail does close over the winter (from mid-November to May) due to hazardous conditions.
6. Chittenango Falls

Next, Chittenango Falls in Madison County offers a stunning 167-foot cascade that tumbles down several layers of limestone, creating a beautiful tiered effect.
Located in a state park of the same name, it’s an easy-to-reach spot with trails that let you view the falls from both above and below.
What makes this place even cooler? It’s home to the endangered Chittenango ovate amber snail, a tiny species found nowhere else on Earth!
The surrounding park is also perfect for a picnic, with plenty of shaded areas and peaceful creekside spots to relax after soaking in the view.
7. Taughannock Falls

Taughannock Falls near Ithaca will leave you in awe with its jaw-dropping 215-foot plunge—making it taller than Niagara Falls!
The star of Taughannock Falls State Park, this waterfall is framed by towering cliffs that rise nearly 400 feet into the air, creating a dramatic amphitheater of rock.
The flat, family-friendly Gorge Trail takes you right to the base, where you can feel the cool mist on your face and marvel at the falls up close.
For a different perspective, the overlook near the parking lot gives a panoramic view that’s just as breathtaking, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees explode with color.
8. Ithaca Falls

Located right in the heart of Ithaca, Ithaca Falls is easy to access and is blessed with incredible natural beauty, making it a must-see for any waterfall lover.
This 150-foot cascade is wide and powerful, roaring over a rocky cliff into a peaceful pool below.
It’s an easy walk from the road, so you can fit it into your day even if you’re short on time.
The falls are a favorite for anglers too, as the Fall Creek that feeds them is teeming with fish during the season.
9. Rainbow Falls (Watkins Glen State Park)

Located inside Watkins Glen State Park, Rainbow Falls feels like something out of a fairytale with its streams of water tumbling over mossy cliffs and arching stone bridges.
The falls are part of the park’s iconic Gorge Trail, where you’ll weave through a landscape of 19 waterfalls, towering rock walls, and magical glens.
What makes Rainbow Falls extra special is how the sunlight hits the mist just right, creating—you guessed it—tiny rainbows on sunny days.
Be prepared to get a little wet as you walk behind the falls which is one of the coolest parts of this unforgettable experience!
10. Upper Falls and Middle Falls (Letchworth State Park)

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park features the Upper and Middle Falls which are a dynamic duo you can’t miss.
Middle Falls steals the show with its 107-foot drop, creating a powerful curtain of water that’s especially stunning when lit up at night during the summer.
Just upstream, Upper Falls also offers a picturesque view with its arched railroad bridge looming above the roaring cascade.
Both are connected by scenic trails that wind along the Genesee River, giving you plenty of chances to soak in the dramatic gorge and its lush surroundings.
11. Eternal Flame Falls

For a waterfall with a unique twist, Eternal Flame Falls in Chestnut Ridge Park near Buffalo delivers something truly magical.
This small cascade hides a natural gas seep behind it which creates a flickering flame that burns brightly under the falling water.
The hike to the falls is short but a bit rugged, winding through a creek bed and forest, so wear sturdy shoes.
The sight of fire and water coexisting is surreal and totally worth the effort, especially if you visit at dusk when the flame glows even brighter.
12. Niagara Falls

And finally, no waterfall roundup is complete without the legendary Niagara Falls, one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
Located on the border of New York and Canada, this trio of falls—Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil—thunders over 3,160 tons of water every second.
For an unforgettable up-close experience, hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour or venture into the Cave of the Winds, where you can feel the sheer force of the falls from just feet away.
Whether you see it during the day or lit up at night, Niagara Falls is a bucket-list experience you’ll never forget.
Related Posts