New York might be famous for its skyline, but some of its most jaw-dropping views are found in the gorges, forests, and hidden glens upstate. On a recent road trip, I set out to explore some of the Empire State’s most iconic — and a few lesser-known — waterfalls. From fire-lit caves to roadside cascades, here’s a full rundown of what I saw, what surprised me, and which ones absolutely stole the show. Falls are listed west to east.
Eternal Flame Falls (Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park)
- Location: Chestnut Ridge Park, south of Buffalo
- History: Known for the natural gas seep that fuels a small flame behind a waterfall — a rare geological phenomenon.
- My Take: This was super cool and totally worth a visit for the novelty alone. But fair warning — there’s really nothing else in the area. Definitely make this a side quest, not your main destination.
- Fun Fact: One of only a few places in the world where a natural flame burns behind a waterfall.
- Eternal Flame Trailhead Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/btqH2iPDoq9td7iU6
- Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/eternal-flame-falls-trail?u=i&sh=jalwh0
Letchworth State Park – Upper, Middle & Lower Falls
- Location: Castile, NY
- Nickname: “Grand Canyon of the East”
- History: The Genesee River carved this gorge over thousands of years, forming three major waterfalls.
- My Take: As a whole, the park was just okay — but the waterfalls themselves? Excellent. Each one is worth seeing, especially if you’re chasing those high-drama views.
- Waterfall Rundown:
- Upper Falls: Framed by a scenic railroad trestle — picture perfect.
- Middle Falls: The powerhouse of the park. It’s even lit up at night in the summer!
- Lower Falls: Quieter and more remote, with a bit of a hike — a great place to escape the crowds.
- The waterfalls are nearest the south entrance of Letchworth State Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ND9hWVGKhLjTZvt9
- Alltrails for Lower Falls: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/lower-falls-and-gorge-trail?u=i&sh=jalwh0
Watkins Glen State Park
- Location: Watkins Glen, NY
- History: Formed during the Ice Age, this gorge features 19 waterfalls along a 2-mile stone path.
- My Take: Absolutely magical. This place felt like a storybook — stone bridges, misty falls, mossy walls… it was a sensory overload in the best way.
- Must-See: Rainbow Falls, Cavern Cascade, and that first moment you step into the gorge trail — unforgettable.
- Pro Tip: It gets busy — go early! And I recommend the Gorge Trail, down and back, both ways. The rim was lackluster.
- Watkins Glen State Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2PXKftfWpvyoYEH7
- Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/glen-creek-gorge-trail?u=i&sh=jalwh0
Aunt Sarah’s Falls (Montour Falls)
- Location: Right off Route 14
- History: Named after a local woman, though not much is documented.
- My Take: A quick roadside stop with a beautiful curtain-style drop. Super easy to access, and worth pulling over for a photo.
- Aunt Sarah’s Falls: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVASRvyN1wovfxcU8
Shequaga Falls (Montour Falls)
- Location: In the heart of Montour Falls
- History: Historically significant to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy)
- My Take: It’s wild seeing this massive waterfall right in the middle of town. Bonus: the viewing area is just a short walk from the street.
- Shequaga Falls Park (street parking): https://maps.app.goo.gl/zRKvyzWQspaq6jAv9
Eagle Cliff Falls (Havana Glen Park)
- Location: Montour Falls
- History: Hidden in a quiet municipal park, this one’s a local favorite
- My Take: Don’t miss this one! It’s a short walk through a shaded gorge and opens up to a stunning fall that feels totally secluded. You will want to dip your feet in the pool on a hot day.
- Eagle Cliff Falls (back of Havana Glen Park): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZzGFNDkoJf68s5NS8
- Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/havana-glen-falls?u=i&sh=jalwh0
Deckertown Falls (Montour Falls)
- Location: South Genesee Street, Montour Falls
- My Take: Tucked away behind a residential area, this one feels like a secret. Quiet, shady, and very peaceful — perfect if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. If I had to skip one, it would be Deckertown Falls.
- Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/twZ8VNkcK17rsfKj8
Hector Falls (Watkins Glen area)
- Location: Just north of Watkins Glen on Route 414
- Height: Over 165 feet
- My Take: A roadside wonder! You can see this from your car, but you can pull over before or after the bridge for a closer view. The upper part spills down beside private homes, which makes it all the more surreal.
- Hector Falls: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5YzLqnTjWsfHsky7
Taughannock Falls (Ulysses, near Ithaca)
- Height: 215 feet — taller than Niagara Falls!
- Location: Taughannock Falls State Park, right on Cayuga Lake
- History: The name may come from a Delaware chief or the Lenape word for “great fall in the woods.”
- My Take: A stunning standalone waterfall — super easy to access and very photogenic. Great for a quick stop or picnic.
- Overlook View Point; https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGogZCmrq91KnCvu9
Final Thoughts
New York’s waterfalls aren’t just pretty — they’re diverse. Some are roadside quick stops, others are tucked into epic gorges you’ll never forget. For me, Watkins Glen was the hands-down highlight — but Taughannock was a close runner up due to its sheer size. The bonus falls in the Watkins Glen area added so much depth and charm to that part of the trip.
If you’re planning your own waterfall adventure, here’s my advice: mix the big names with the hidden gems. And bring good shoes — you’ll want to get close.
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