10 Waterfalls in New York That You Shouldn't Miss

February 15, 2022 Giuseppe Pratt

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, NY 14301 +1 877-325-5787 [email protected] https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,961 reviews

Niagara Falls

Three magnificent falls, two American and one Canadian, mark the point at which the Niagara River rumbles over the Niagara Escarpment.

Reviewed By Alpana-traveltern - Lucknow, India

An awe inspiring natural wonder, made all the more inviting due to the ease of access and the all round service and facilities. The beauty and grandeur of the falls is in no way diminished by the presence of thousands of daily tourists, perhaps they only add to the overall feeling of excitement.

2. Shelving Rock Falls

Lake George, NY 12827
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Shelving Rock Falls

A serene and beautiful waterfall located along an unmarked hiking trail in the Lake George system.

Reviewed By Nancy-in-NYC

We make a trip to Lake George every summer and this is my new top pick for BEST hike in the area, because there is such a big pay-off at the end! Start with the hike to Shelving Rock Summit, parking in lot # 3 or #4 on Shelving Rock Road. It took my family of four (kids ages 12 and 14) about 45 minutes to reach the summit, stopping along the way a bit to look around. Very nice hike (easy to moderate) with a pretty viewpoint at the end. After making it back down, you should continue down the road just a short bit past parking lot #4 and look for a metal gate/barrier on the left side of the road-- this is the start of the path to Shelving Rock Falls. Do NOT miss this... it was the highlight of our hike that day! In just a short walk on an unmarked dirt path, you will quickly reach a gorgeous waterfall with several different rocky spots to take a dip in your own private swimming hole! It was so fun and refreshing after the hike-- really memorable! TIP: We realized it would have been really helpful to have had water shoes in our backpacks for this... there are lots of rocks to climb around on, in and out of the water which is so much fun, and water shoes would have helped with navigating around on the rocks (some very slippery).

3. Niagara Falls State Park

332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1106 +1 716-278-1796 http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,392 reviews

Niagara Falls State Park

A huge expanse of natural beauty, this oldest state park in the U.S. offers biking, fishing and cross-country skiing, and contains plenty of hiking and walking trails, including the Niagara Gorge Trail System, which affords great views of both the falls and the gorge.

Reviewed By mlevison1 - Teaneck, United States

We spent two days in Niagara Falls; One day on the American side and one day on the Canadian side. Both have a lot to offer and both are beautiful. While you can see the three falls by walking the trails within a state park on the New York side, you can also see these same three falls from the Canadian side by walking the pathway. From the New York side, the view is on top of the falls while the view from Canada is across the falls; each has its rewards and the same is true of both trips to the Falls in a boat (Maid of the Mist or Hornblower)

4. Bridal Veil Falls

Niagara Falls, NY http://www.nps.gov/nifa/index.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 901 reviews

Bridal Veil Falls

One of the American falls.

Reviewed By deebug2470 - Pittsburgh, United States

We enjoyed seeing these falls during our trip. It’s gorgeous the way the falls crash onto the rocks below. We got an up close view when we did the Cave of winds tour as well as the maid of mist boat tour. They can be seen from the viewing areas in the park as well.

5. Salmon River Falls

Falls Road, Orwell, NY http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46353.html
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Salmon River Falls

Reviewed By Bgravy80 - Syracuse, United States

Huge waterfall. Trails were well groomed and not a difficult hike to get to the falls. The main trail to the falls is less than a mile and empties on top of the falls. One section of the trail is under construction. Lots of places for people to spread out and enjoy the water. A great way to cool off on a hot day with small kids.

6. Roaring Brook Falls

South of Keene Valley on Rt 73, Keene Valley, NY
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Roaring Brook Falls

Reviewed By funnywriter

You can get up close and personal with this lovely waterfall. An easy hike will take you alongside its rapids, passing through a dense forest until you come to the base of the cascade. Give yourself some time to bask in the power of the rushing water.

7. Cohoes Falls, Falls View Park

231-341 N Mohawk St, Cohoes, NY http://www.friendsofcohoesfalls.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Cohoes Falls, Falls View Park

Reviewed By Keridwynn - Thousand Islands New York, United States

I first learned about Cohoes Falls from my friend whose grandparents live within a short walking distance of the falls. At first sight, I was instantly reminded of the Niagara Falls, just a bit smaller and far less visited/crowded. I was quite fortunate to get a history lesson of the area as well, but for those without there own little tour guide, there are plenty of informational signage with photos placed on the grounds. Also, there is a gentleman who is in the park during the daylight hours starting in May (not year round of course!) who watches over the park and can answer questions too. There are plenty of vistas, including one that is accessed via stairs/pathway to the lower level and back area where you can view the hydro power plant. You could even feel a light mist from the spray down in the lower level (a little bit above too). My friend and her grandma both told me that I had come at the best viewing time. During the spring and summer, there may be times when there is less water coming out of the falls. The park is very well maintained but definitely not overrun as its Niagara Falls counterpart! There is another parking area a little further down from the falls, but unfortunately is not maintained (people like to dump their trash) but where you can view the falls at a distance. Cohoes Falls is a definite must-see, scenic spot located in New York's Capital Region full of so much history involving the canals and waterways of the area.

8. VerKeerderkill Falls

Sam's Point Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY +1 862-772-6453
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

VerKeerderkill Falls

Reviewed By theij2020 - Brewster, United States

We went to Minnewaska in March of 2020 and we thought we were going to the one in New Paltz, but wound up here. This was not a disappointment because this park of the park has so much more going on. We parked in the lot, paid our $10 to park at the kiosk, toured the interesting visitor's center which tells about the animals and the highlights of the park and then we were off to see Verkeerderkill Falls. There are signs which point you in the direction of Sam's Point and then from there you will walk toward the falls. The route to the falls passes by terrain that is so markedly different and even though it says 1.7 miles from Sam's Point it felt like we were walking forever. Bring water, snacks, and a backpack. The falls are quite impressive, and you will have to take a short little climb to the top, but it was so worth it.

9. Glen Falls

Glen Ave, Williamsville, NY http://nyfalls.com/glenfalls.html
Excellent
70%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Glen Falls

Reviewed By karint611 - Benson, United States

No dogs or other pest allowed. This is a quiet and beautiful park. Good for walking, thinking and doing art.

10. She-Qua-Ga Falls

S Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY 14891 http://nyfalls.com/shequaga.html
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 232 reviews

She-Qua-Ga Falls

Reviewed By Andylucia - Hopewell Junction, United States

My brother and I had visited Montour Falls quicly on a day trip in January 2019 and it was frozen and absolutely beautiful and stunningly visible from the moment we turned onto Main St. We subsequently visited the area and stopped by in the summer. Not so impressive with little to no water. The best time to visit is in the winter. Don't forget to eat at Paradiso's Village Bakery in town. Delicious!

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