Taughannock Falls State Park
New York's tallest waterfall plunges 215 ft into a dramatic gorge, offering stunning views and accessible trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max water flow after snowmelt
Taughannock Falls State Park
Best Time
Max water flow after snowmelt
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New York's tallest waterfall plunges 215 ft into a dramatic gorge, offering stunning views and accessible trails.
"Absolutely in awe of how beautiful the landscape was; makes you really appreciate mother nature."
🚗 Drive to the Overlook First
Get an immediate, stunning view of the falls from the North Rim overlook. Easy parking!
🥾 Gorge Trail is a Must-Do
This easy, flat 1.8-mile trail offers incredible gorge views and leads to the base of the falls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taughannock Falls
Main Gorge
New York's tallest single-drop waterfall, plunging 215 feet into a dramatic gorge.
Gorge Trail
Base of the Falls
An easy, scenic 1.8-mile loop offering stunning views of the gorge walls and falls.
North Rim Trail Overlook
North Rim
Drive-up access for breathtaking panoramic views of the falls and surrounding gorge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating the Park with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive to the Overlook First
Get an immediate, stunning view of the falls from the North Rim overlook. Easy parking!
🥾 Gorge Trail is a Must-Do
This easy, flat 1.8-mile trail offers incredible gorge views and leads to the base of the falls.
📸 Drone Views are Epic
If you have a drone, capture the falls from above for truly unique perspectives. (Check park rules!)
💧 Water Flow Varies
Visit after rain or in spring for the most powerful waterfall experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive to the Overlook First
Get an immediate, stunning view of the falls from the North Rim overlook. Easy parking!
🥾 Gorge Trail is a Must-Do
This easy, flat 1.8-mile trail offers incredible gorge views and leads to the base of the falls.
📸 Drone Views are Epic
If you have a drone, capture the falls from above for truly unique perspectives. (Check park rules!)
💧 Water Flow Varies
Visit after rain or in spring for the most powerful waterfall experience.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a $10 parking fee, but entrance to the park is free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Taughannock Falls for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the majestic 215-foot waterfall and the dramatic gorge. The accessibility of the Gorge Trail and the convenient North Rim overlook are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it enjoyable for all visitors. Some reviewers noted that water flow can be low during dry periods, and occasional issues with amenities like gift shops were mentioned.
"In my road trip exploring upstate New York I decided to stop by Taugannock Falls. I saw pictures online and it looked pretty cool so I told myself I'll stop by. I was not ready for how absolutely stunning this park is. Walking to the falls itself is quite easy and the whole way there you have a breathtaking view of the mighty gorge. I was essentially looking at a wall of rock hundreds of feet high. It was stunning to see such a site especially in the northeast. Usually something like this is out in Utah or Arizona. I got to the end of the trail and was absolutely in awe of how beautiful the landscape was. The falls itself was stunning albeit not a lot of water was falling when I visited. But just being surrounded by natural walls hundreds of feet high was magical. It makes you really appreciate mother nature. Don't forget to drive a quick few minutes to the upper view! It's a minute walk to the vantage point from the parking lot and is just as striking!"
George Farah
"Amazing state park. The gorge trail for this park in my opinion is a lot better than the Watkin glens trail. There is a big water fall at the end. Very great scenic views.
The trail itself is very wide and easy to walk. There's less people and a smaller, fuller waterfall near the beginning."
Erik Z
"This park has some nice trails. One of the trails leads to a gorgeous, tall waterfall that is an easy hike. There is an overlook of the falls that you can drive to. There is a small gift shop that dis not have power when we arrived so we couldn't buy a souvenir. That was sad but overall, it was a great day."
Christine G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taughannock Falls State Park is located near Ithaca, NY, in the Finger Lakes region. You can drive directly to the park. The nearest major airport is Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH). Many visitors make it part of a road trip through upstate New York.
Public transport options directly to the park are limited. It's best accessed by car. If you're in Ithaca, you might be able to find local bus routes that get you close, but a car is highly recommended for exploring the Finger Lakes region.
You have several options! Drive to the North Rim overlook for an immediate, stunning view. For a more immersive experience, walk the easy Gorge Trail to the base of the falls, or hike the North Rim Trail for elevated perspectives.
Taughannock Falls is just about 10 miles north of Ithaca, NY, making it a very convenient and popular day trip destination from the city.
Yes, Taughannock Falls State Park is open year-round. In winter, the falls can be frozen and create beautiful ice formations, offering a different but equally spectacular experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to Taughannock Falls State Park is free. However, there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle.
The park is open year-round. The visitor center and gift shop may have seasonal hours, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance. The park is open to the public, and you pay the parking fee upon arrival.
Generally, the park is open for exploration. However, always be mindful of posted signs regarding trail closures or safety advisories. Drone usage may require permission.
There are parking lots available at the overlook and near the Gorge Trail entrance. Parking fees apply. During peak season, lots can fill up, so arriving early is advised.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Gorge Trail is a popular, easy 1.8-mile loop that takes you to the base of the falls. The North Rim Trail offers elevated views. For a shorter walk, the overlook trail from the parking lot is very accessible.
No, the Gorge Trail is considered easy and is mostly flat, making it suitable for most visitors, including families with children.
Yes, Taughannock Falls State Park has a beach area on Cayuga Lake where swimming is permitted during the summer season.
Absolutely! The park offers several picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst the natural beauty.
Besides the main waterfall, the park offers camping, fishing, boating on Cayuga Lake, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the gorge offers shade. Consider the North Rim for sunrise and the Gorge Trail for sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge and falls. A tripod can be useful for long exposures, especially if you want to smooth out the water.
Drone usage may be permitted but often requires special permission from New York State Parks. Always check park regulations before flying.
The overlook from the North Rim, the base of the falls from the Gorge Trail, and the dramatic gorge walls themselves are all highly photogenic.
Experiment with different angles from the Gorge Trail, capture the surrounding forest, or try to get shots of the falls during different seasons for varied looks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider driving directly to the North Rim overlook for a quick, awe-inspiring view that will capture kids' imaginations without a long hike. While the falls are the main draw, the open spaces and natural beauty provide ample opportunities for exploration and fun.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The park is part of the larger Finger Lakes trail system, offering opportunities for longer treks if you're looking for a more challenging hike. Nature lovers will appreciate the park's geological formations, the diverse flora and fauna, and the sheer power of the waterfall. Visiting during spring ensures maximum water flow, while fall offers spectacular foliage. The park is open year-round, providing different natural spectacles with each season.
+1🚗 Road Trippers
+1 You can easily incorporate a visit to the falls into a day trip or a longer itinerary. The drive-up overlook makes it accessible even if you're short on time. Many travelers combine Taughannock Falls with visits to other nearby waterfalls, creating a memorable waterfall road trip. The park's amenities, including picnic areas, make it a great place to break up a long drive and enjoy the scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gorge Trail
The trail culminates at the base of the magnificent Taughannock Falls, where you can stand in awe of its 215-foot plunge. While the falls are impressive year-round, their power can vary significantly. For the most dramatic display, visit in spring after snowmelt or after significant rainfall. Even when the water flow is lower, the sheer scale of the falls and the surrounding gorge is breathtaking.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking. The trail can get a bit damp, especially near the falls, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's natural grandeur up close.
The North Rim Overlook Experience
From the North Rim, you can truly appreciate the height of Taughannock Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in New York State. The overlook offers a different perspective than the Gorge Trail, allowing you to see the full sweep of the falls and the surrounding landscape. It's particularly stunning during fall foliage season, when the surrounding trees burst into vibrant colors, creating a picturesque scene.
This overlook is also a popular spot for photographers and offers a great place to simply sit and soak in the natural beauty. While you don't need to hike to enjoy this view, the North Rim Trail itself offers further walking opportunities with different scenic vistas if you wish to explore more.
Beyond the Falls: Park Amenities
Fishing enthusiasts will find opportunities along Cayuga Lake, and the park is also a gateway to exploring the wider Finger Lakes region. In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a unique way to experience the frozen beauty of the falls and surrounding trails.
The park also features picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. While a small gift shop exists, its operational status can vary, so don't rely on it for souvenirs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit