With over 150 waterfalls within 10 square miles, the Finger Lakes make the perfect vacation destination for any waterfall enthusiast. From urban gems to towering state‑park icons, Ithaca’s “Ithaca is Gorges” spirit is very real – but where to begin? We hope this short guide to 5 of the most iconic and popular Finger Lakes waterfalls will help you decide.

There’s just something magical about waterfalls. The rushing water tumbling white over cliffs, splashing over rock faces, and down into deep pools. The falls’ mist filling the air, cooling your skin, and producing negative ions. Research suggests that these negative ions may increase oxygen absorption, improve air quality, elevate your mood, and even reduce inflammation. No wonder we find waterfalls so relaxing!

Below is a short list of 5 of the Finger Lakes most popular waterfalls.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is a natural masterpiece. This narrow, winding gorge plunges nearly 400 feet in less than two miles and contains 19 waterfalls, all of which are accessible via the iconic Gorge Trail.

Standouts along the trail include Cavern Cascade. Here you can stroll behind the veil of the falls’ dramatic, 52-foot cascade via a spiral tunnel from the 1930s! You’ll also marvel at the aptly named Rainbow Falls and the gorge’s tallest waterfall, Central Cascade, at around 60 feet high.

The 1.5 mile trail, includes bridges, tunnels, and stone steps climbing 500 feet. Some may find the trek strenuous but there’s no rush and plenty of scenic stops let you rest and savor the scenery. Fantastic!

1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 – about 30 minutes from our Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is home to one of New York’s most spectacular waterfalls: Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi. This single-drop marvel plummets 215 feet in a sheer cascade. The falls spill into a dramatic gorge of 400-foot-high cliffs, creating a natural amphitheater shrouded in mist.

Thanks to the Gorge Trail and North and South Rim Trails, visitors can enjoy multiple view points of the falls. Beyond the waterfalls, the park offers a rich variety of outdoor opportunities. These include lakeside swimming (with lifeguards), boating, camping, cabins, picnic areas, playgrounds, and winter skating or sledding.

1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886 – just 10 minutes from our Ithaca vacation rentals.

Ithaca Falls

Located within the city limits, Ithaca Falls is one of the most striking urban waterfalls you can find. It towers some 150 feet high and spans nearly 175 feet across Fall Creek as it spills into Cayuga Lake.

Despite its downtown location, Ithaca Falls feels like a hidden natural haven. The site is managed as a natural area, complete with parking and a short accessible path from Falls Street. Echoes of industry remain in the form of mill ruins and a small diversion dam.

The falls can be easily viewed from the Lake Street bridge. You can also take a short stroll down a well-worn trail to the splash pool below. Ithaca Falls is a beloved urban oasis, drawing commuters, fly-fishers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850 – just 15 minutes from Classic Country Vacation Homes.

Robert H. Treman State Park

Robert H. Treman State Park is a true gem of the Finger Lakes region. It features a dramatic gorge carved by glaciers, lush forested trails, and a dozen waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls.

The park’s meticulous stonework enhances the hiking experience with staircases, bridges and overlooks, particularly near Lucifer Falls. The 2-mile long Gorge Trail follows the creek as it plunges through rugged cliffs and passes a variety of scenic cascades.

Trails range from the relatively gentle Gorge Trail to more challenging Rim and Finger Lakes paths. Hiking leads you through two gorge sections: a narrow, “new” gorge above the drop and a broader, wooded segment below. Summer visitors can cool off at the lifeguarded Lower Falls swimming area.

Open year-round for gorge viewing (though some trails close in winter), Treman State Park is worthy of your attention no matter the season.

105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 – an easy, 15 minute drive from our Finger Lakes vacation rentals.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a lush, 800 acre wonderland. Features include hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, camping, fishing, and the iconic Buttermilk Falls.

Buttermilk Creek tumbles over 500 feet through a steep, rock-carved gorge before cascading 165-feet down the into a scenic pool. The impressive “buttermilk” froth at the base is created by the creek’s rapid descent over multiple tiers. This makes the lower falls a picture-perfect swimming spot. A seasonal dam deepens the pool to about five feet in the summer.

Beyond the waterfalls, the park features a variety of excellent hiking trails. Gorge Trail winds alongside the creek, climbing nearly 600 feet via steep stone staircases, taking you past emerald pools, smaller cascades, and geological marvels like Pinnacle Rock. This trail loops with the Rim Trail for a scenic 1.5-mile circuit through the woods. The upper section leads to Lake Treman and connects to the Finger Lakes Trail.

106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 – just over 10 minutes from our Ithaca vacation rentals.

Finger Lakes Waterfalls

As you can see, the Finger Lakes are home to some truly incredible waterfalls – and we’ve only listed 5 of the 150 in the Finger Lakes area.

For a more complete list of Finger Lakes waterfalls, check out the official Ithaca Waterfall Guide. You’ll be delighted to see that Classic Country Vacation Homes is within easy driving distance of them all!