Area Waterfalls

The Most Stunning Finger Lakes Waterfalls Near Our Inn

Few things surprise first-time visitors to the Finger Lakes more than the waterfalls. Carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, the gorges and cascades here are genuinely spectacular — from the 215-foot free fall at Taughannock, just minutes from our hotel, to the 19 falls packed into Watkins Glen State Park. This is our guide to the ones worth making time for on your next visit.

Where to Find The Most Stunning Finger Lakes Waterfalls

This area of Upstate New York is known for its beauty and pastoral landscape, and it’s also home to some of the most stunning natural wonders, including the Finger Lakes waterfalls. Many are easily accessible, and others are hidden in lush, verdant gorges. The Finger Lakes Region formed millions of years ago in the last ice age as behemoth glaciers receded, leaving behind deep valleys, gently rolling hills, and grooves that sculpted the beautiful lakes and rivers we know today.

Unique Geology You Won't See Elsewhere

Due to the unique nature of these rock formations and glens, this area is dotted with astounding Finger Lakes waterfalls in all shapes, sizes, and heights. “Waterfalling” is a popular pastime in Upstate New York, just as much as wine-tasting or boating on beautiful summer days. Visitors flock from all corners of the globe to take in these unique Finger Lakes waterfalls, some with gentle cascades and stairways of flowing rivers, others with skyscraper streams and intense outpourings.

The most well-known and photographed of all of the Finger Lakes waterfalls is Taughannock Falls in Trumansburg, NY. It’s one natural wonder you genuinely have to see with your own eyes to fully grasp the scope of this 215-foot beauty! We are so lucky that this iconic waterfall is only minutes from our hotel.

There are thousands of waterfalls in New York State. Below we’ve profiled some of the most popular Finger Lakes waterfalls in the area, all of which are within a half hour or less of Inn at Gothic Eves. We’ll start with the best waterfalls near our Wine Country Hotel & Spa!

#1 Must Visit: Taughannock Falls State Park

One of the most stunning examples of the Finger Lakes waterfalls in the area is Taughannock Falls, and lucky for us, it’s less than five minutes from one of the best Boutique Hotels in the Finger Lakes. Nature lovers travel from all across the country to see this waterfall near Ithaca for its striking 215-foot-tall beauty, and though it has less water volume than Niagara Falls overall, it’s noticeably taller. Located within Taughannock Falls State Park, the 400-foot steely limestone cliffs bookend the falls, and as you stand at the lower observation deck, it looks like it’s jutting straight into the sky.

You really must see Taughannock Falls for yourself. From a distance, you’ll marvel at the beauty of the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi. Many of our guests love to explore the hiking trails at this State Park, which head to both the gorge below and the rim above, giving you a different perspective on this powerful beauty from various angles. While summer and fall might be the most popular seasons to visit this ever-popular Finger Lakes waterfall, the misty water freezes during the winter, creating an icy cathedral within the stone gorge.

Hike the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

The Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park is under a mile and will lead you into the bowl towards the falls. It’s an easy hike, but the rocks can sometimes be slippery, so exercise caution and stay on the trail. This is where the falls take on a skyscraper-like quality. From the north and south rim trails, which can connect to make a loop, you’ll find spectacular views of the waterfall from above. These trails are considered moderate and cover approximately 2.75 miles total—a magical addition to your getaway in the Finger Lakes.

More to Do at Taughannock Falls State Park

Though Taughannock Falls is the main attraction in this Finger Lakes State Park, there are plenty of other things to do here! Taughannock Falls State Park is located on Cayuga Lake, where visitors enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. A monitored swimming area off South Point is an excellent way to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Find kayak or canoe rentals for paddling and exploring the crisp water. Summer is also known for the park’s Concert Series—it’s a beautiful venue and a fantastic way to experience local talent.

Ask our lovely staff at our luxury Finger Lakes Boutique Hotel about more tips and tricks to best enjoy Taughannock Falls! This is one of the must-see Finger Lakes waterfalls in New York near Ithaca during our stay.

Head to Robert Treman State Park

The biggest draw to Robert Treman State Park, only 20 minutes from our charming Hotel in the Finger Lakes, is Enfield Glen—a rugged and wild scenic area. The winding trails pass by twelve Finger Lakes waterfalls, including Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot behemoth of cascading water into a deep pool area. The waterfalls park encompasses just over 1,100 acres of beautiful hardwood forests and nine miles of hiking trails.

While none of the local falls can rival the height of Taughannock Falls, you’ll find some impressive cascades at this park near Ithaca, NY. The majority of the trails at Robert Treman State Park are considered strenuous, with steep climbs, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Make sure you’re up for the challenge to visit these Ithaca waterfalls!

An Easy Walk to Ithaca Falls

The unique Ithaca Falls is one of the easiest Finger Lakes waterfalls to reach with minimal effort. Stroll along the less than a half-mile trail for a stunning up-close view. You’ll find a bridge over Lake Street for some of the best views of the water flowing off irregular rocky outcroppings. The more than 100-foot Ithaca Falls is awe-inspiring for its proximity to the urban core. Swimming is prohibited.

Take the short hike down to the base of the falls and explore the beautiful surrounding green space. This is also a fantastic starting point for other hikes in the Ithaca, NY, area to continue your outdoor adventures. Ithaca Falls is just 20 minutes from our Finger Lakes Boutique Hotel, and you’ll be right near some of the best things to do in downtown Ithaca. Visiting Ithaca Waterfalls should be at the top of the list!

Explore Buttermilk Falls State Park

Located within Buttermilk Falls State Park, which is only about a 20-minute drive from our beautiful Boutique Hotel & Spa in the Finger Lakes, there are ten waterfalls in total in this park. Locals and visitors alike enjoy popping into the cool water for a swim, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful picnic areas.

If you want to hike in, the 1.6-mile Gorge Trail loop is challenging but worth the effort; it includes stairs and rocky terrain, so make sure you’re prepared. Still, you’ll discover multiple other Finger Lake waterfalls cascading over unique formations. Buttermilk Falls State Park feels like one of the best-kept secrets in Upstate New York, and we highly recommend you visit!

Wander Through Cascadilla Gorge

Another popular natural landmark in Ithaca, NY, the Cascadilla Gorge is made up of eight Finger Lakes waterfalls, six of which are quite sizable. These shale and limestone cliffs create wide stair-like surfaces for the waters of Cascadilla Creek to flow down. Located in a botanically rich, narrow gorge, it’s hard to believe that you’re just minutes from Cornell College and downtown Ithaca.

Several small pools and dry banks along the way provide a beautiful place for students, visitors, and area residents to stop to read a book in the shade or dip their toes in the refreshing water. Similar to the very popular Watkins Glen State Park, you’ll find stone pathways and bridges that wind through the gorge, crossing the creek when necessary and ascending the towering waterfalls in New York.

One Park, 19 Waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park

Whether you are planning a full day of adventure or simply adding a scenic stop to a relaxing getaway, these waterfalls in New York invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes this region so special. Every season brings its own perspective, but no matter when you visit, the Finger Lakes remain one of the best places to experience the magic of waterfall parks and unforgettable landscapes.

Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular attractions in the Finger Lakes region, and it sits just south of Seneca Lake, about 30 minutes from our Inn, just one more reason why it’s one of the best Finger Lakes Hotels for your next getaway! It’s the ideal scenic day trip, and you’ll even pass by fantastic Finger Lakes wineries and restaurants for lunch or an early dinner along the route. Watkins Glen State Park holds the number one spot on TripAdvisor of all the things to do in the Finger Lakes. Of the nearly 5.000 reviews, more than 4,000 of those are five stars, mainly due to the sheer amount of Finger Lake waterfalls you can experience here, an astounding 19 in total!

Gorges, Stone Bridges, & Rock Walls

At Watkins Glen State Park, you’ll pass by a series of beautiful gorges and waterfalls NY with stone bridges and steps cut into the rock walls. Some are called cathedrals and caverns, while some are gentle cascades you can walk underneath. All told, there are nearly 20 Finger Lakes waterfalls at this park alone! It’s truly a natural wonder of the Finger Lakes region that you don’t want to miss. And it’s known for having the absolute best waterfalls near Ithaca.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Explore

It’s best to plan a half day or more at Watkins Glen State Park. It’s an easy half-hour drive from our Boutique Hotel in the Finger Lakes down NY-227 to NY-79, which occasionally skirts the edge of the Finger Lakes National Forest. As you arrive at the village of Watkins Glen, you’ll find the parking area right in the heart of downtown. It’s a $10 parking pass that you’ll pop on your dash and head out to explore the 10 spectacular trails for unforgettable views of some of the most astounding Finger Lakes waterfalls.

Don't Miss the Gorge Path

Along the two-mile trek at Watkins Glen State Park, you’ll find the Gorge Path winds over and under waterfalls, around corners, and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. These 200-foot cliffs are rugged and are made up of unique rock formations. There are also several smaller trails leading from the Gorge Trail, which lead to various other hikes and activities in the park, including swimming pools, guided tours, and picnic sites. It’s best to go early before the large summer crowds descend on the area. This park is breathtaking in the fall as the leaves change from green to golden hues. Add Watkins Glen State Park to your itinerary for viewing the best Finger Lakes waterfalls!

Your Waterfall Adventure Starts Here

Imagine starting your morning with a gorgeous homemade breakfast, then spending the day exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in upstate New York and ending it in a cozy, comfortable suite that feels nothing like a hotel. That’s a stay at Gothic Eves.

We’re tucked into the heart of the region, close to the falls, the wineries, and everything worth exploring. Our guests tend to book once and come back every season. The spa doesn’t hurt either. If you’re already planning a trip out here, make the place you stay part of the experience — not just a place to sleep.

This is a Top-Tier B&B!

If you’re looking for the perfect bed and breakfast, look no further. This was a top-tier B&B. Only a 20-minute ride into Ithaca and close to many wineries. Best breakfast I might have ever had. And our room was so cozy and the bed was so comfortable as were the robes. We stayed in the Seneca Suite and definitely plan on coming back.