Some of the best hikes in New York involve stunning natural wonders like waterfalls. If you’re someone who’s been looking to take an adventure to one of our waterfalls but don’t quite know where to start, don’t worry, we’ve created a wonderful list that you’re bound to love. Showcasing our state’s most noteworthy waterfalls, strap up your boots and grab your backpack because it’s time to take some of the most scenic hikes in New York out to some of the most breathtaking falls. See for yourself!

1. Letchworth State Park — Castile
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
Donna W/TripAdvisor
Make your way out to one of the country's best state parks to experience trails that will take you around the Grand Canyon of the East. Featuring a brand new bridge and a variety of trails that will take you along the Genesee River and the park's three major waterfalls, you'll find some of the most scenic hikes in New York here. Explore this magical place yourself!
2. Taughannock Falls State Park — Trumansburg
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
traveller_sm_13/TripAdvisor
One of many easy hikes in New York, it's a nice stroll down to the Taughannock Falls overlook. But if you're looking for a true waterfall adventure, you'll want to hike along the state park's roughly two-mile trail that leads you to the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Just outside of Ithaca, you'll love getting an up-close look at this 215-foot waterfall in the Finger Lakes. Head to this waterfall.
3. Robert H. Treman State Park — Ithaca
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Road_Warrior32034/TripAdvisor
You can find an abundance of waterfalls within Robert H. Treman State Park, but one of our favorite parts about this park is that it features a two-mile Gorge Trail that's absolutely jaw-dropping. Taking you through a beautiful gorge, you'll eventually find the trail winding around the 115-foot Lucifer Falls! And there's more than just that! In fact, you'll have a hard time keeping track of all the falls you'll encounter along this epic trail. Learn more about this one.
4. Eternal Flame Falls — Orchard Park
Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
muntasir mamun Piash/Google
Considering just how jaw-dropping this waterfall is, you'd be surprised at how many New Yorkers actually haven't heard of it. Right in Orchard Park just outside of Buffalo, Eternal Flame Falls is a waterfall that's earned its name from the fact that inside the waterfall there's an actual burning flame! A 1.5-mile round-trip adventure, this hike is one that requires a bit of effort but is worth all the work. Take the hike!
5. Shelving Rock Falls — Fort Ann
Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
James S/TripAdvisor
Inside Adirondack Park, you'll find all sorts of hidden natural wonders that you never knew about. This is one of many short and easy hikes in New York that's great for explorers of all ages. In just .4 miles, you'll get to Shelving Rock Falls. Within the town of Fort Ann, the short trail continues on past the falls and eventually leads you out to the shores of Lake George. Get the trail information.
6. Fillmore Glen State Park — Moravia
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
michaelj53/TripAdvisor
Just south of Owasco Lake, Fillmore Glen State Park features more than a handful of waterfalls that will leave you at ease. Inside the park, you'll find some of the best hikes in New York that all fall under two miles in length and will have you hiking past cascading falls. Out of all the park's natural scenery, the most popular area tends to be Cowshed Falls, which features a 40-foot-tall waterfall. Check out this more in our detailed write-up.
7. Watkins Glen State Park — Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
blanca compton/Google
Practically rhetorical to mention, Watkins Glen State Park is known for being our state's most beautiful destination, full of some of the most scenic hikes in New York. Enter the famed state park and you'll get the chance to hike along a two-mile gorge trail that takes you past a grand total of 19 waterfalls — yes, 19! Check our feature article to receive all of the information.

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8. Taconic State Park — Copake Falls
Taconic State Park, 253 NY-344, Copake Falls, NY 12517, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
This hike is one that's quite interesting, to say the least! Beginning in New York inside Taconic State Park, you'll hike along Bash Bish Brook for just .75 miles. Before the hike is over, you'll come across a sign indicating that you're about to cross the Massachusetts state border, making this one unique trail. After crossing over into our New England neighbor, you'll find yourself standing in front of Bash Bish Falls — a nearly 200-foot waterfall that's absolutely captivating. You can read more about this waterfall in our feature article.
9. Dover Stone Church — Dover Plains
Dover Stone Church, 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522, USA
Peter/Flickr
Another unique hike to experience in New York, this short and easy trail will actually lead you to a waterfall that's inside of a cave. The short trail follows a creek and beautiful waterfalls, leading you to Dover Stone Church. Learn more about this unique spot.
10. OK Slip Falls — Indian Lake
OK Slip Falls Trailhead, NY-28, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA
Catherine Abida/AllTrails
Nestled away in the Adirondack Mountains, this is one of the lesser-known waterfalls within the park. A nearly seven-mile trail, it's perfect for more experienced travelers looking to take on an unforgettable adventure. Peaking through the forest, OK Slip Falls has a 200-foot drop that will leave you at a loss for words. Check out this more detailed write-up before you go.
11. Akron Falls State Park — Akron
Akron Falls Park, 44 Parkview Dr, Akron, NY 14001, USA
gardener41/Flickr
Don't let the fact that this waterfall cascades down along Murder Creek deter you from thinking that this is one serene adventure worth taking. Inside Akron Falls State Park in Erie County, Akron Falls cascades 40 feet down the creek and creates a dreamy destination. A short .8-mile trail, if you happen to be out in Western New York and looking for hiking trails near me, this is one waterfall you won't want to forget to pay a visit to. Read further info on this waterfall.
12. Kaaterskill Falls — Greene County
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
ek_yayavar/TripAdvisor
Before you go visiting Kaaterskill Falls, you'll want to know that each year at least one person dies from going off-trail and getting too close to the edge of the falls. The deadly intro to this trail may leave you feeling nervous, but just know that as long as you stay on the marked trail and watch your step, you'll be safe. With that said, this is a waterfall that will blow you away more than most. To reach Kaaterskill Falls, you'll hike along a .5-mile trail that will require a good set of boots and leads you to the base of the falls and a memory that you'll never forget. Find out more in our feature article.
13. Lampson Falls — Clare
Lampsons Falls, Clare, NY 13684, USA
Decaseconds/Flickr
Another Adirondack trail that you'll love, head up north to the town of Clare and you'll get to hike out to a waterfall beach. Hidden inside the Grass River Wild Forest, Lampson Falls flows down along the Grass River and creates a beautiful swimming area to enjoy. Spanning across 100 feet and following down 40 feet, this half-mile waterfall hike is amazing to experience any time of the year. Check out this article for more info.
14. Minnewaska State Park Preserve — Kerhonkson
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
su30mkk2/TripAdvisor
If you've noticed, one of the best things about so many of our waterfalls in New York is that they're so easy to access. Travel out to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County and you'll get to visit Awosting Falls. After hiking along a roughly one-mile trail, you'll hear the roar of the 60-foot-tall waterfall. Get all of the details for this hike.
15. Havana Glen Park — Montour Falls
Havana Glen Park, 135 Havana Glen Rd, Montour Falls, NY 14865, USA
The Explorographer™/Flickr
Last, but not least, we'll conclude this legendary list with another one of our favorite waterfalls of the Finger Lakes. A quick drive from Watkins Glen State Park, Havana Glen Park in Montour Falls provides a more intimate alternative to our famous state park. The less than half-mile trail takes you through a gorge, bringing you out to Eagle Cliff Falls that flows down 40 feet. Read more about this waterfall in our feature article.

What other scenic hikes in New York or waterfalls would you add to this list? If you’re looking to visit as many natural wonders as possible, then you’ll love reading about this one county in New York with nearly 100 waterfalls that you’ll want to explore!

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Can I hike to historical sites in New York?

Wherever you are in New York, you are bound to find hiking trails near me, some of them connected to historical sites. If you head to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, you’ll find the 32nd president’s home as well as a few trails to explore, including Top Cottage Trail that leads out his cottage getaway. As a bonus, you can also visit the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, the first ever in America. If you want to actually hike out to a historical site, in Woodstock, you can take the 4.6-mile out-and-back hike to Overlook Mountain. While there is a nearly 1,400-foot elevation gain, at the top, you’ll find a fire tower and the ruins of Overlook Mountain House resort. 

Which state parks should I visit in New York?

While there are 215 state parks to choose from in New York, one of the most iconic is Letchworth State Park in Castile, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” You’ve got 66 miles of trails for hiking as well as opportunities for biking, horseback riding, fishing, and more within its over 14,000 acres. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie is also unique in that it is home to the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge at 1.28 miles. Formerly a railroad bridge, from the walkway, you can also access both the Dutchess County Rail Trail and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, two of the most scenic hikes in New York. 

What are the best hikes with a view in New York?

The two most popular mountain ranges in New York are the Catskills and the Adirondacks. So it would make sense that some of the best hikes in New York with views would be located within these two regions. Head to Wilmington to find Whiteface Mountain, which tops out at 4,867 feet, making it the fifth-highest mountain in the state. You can take the 10.1-mile out-and-back hike here, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views spanning hundreds of miles into both Vermont and even Canada. Or, you can drive up to the top too! In the Catskill Mountains, head to Giant Ledge in Shandaken. The hike is 3.2 miles round trip. While it may seem like you are just hiking through woods, the payoffs at the top are open wide-open ledges with panoramic views of the mountains and region. If you are up for it, you can extend the hike to 6.9 miles to get to Panther Mountain.

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