The Authoritative Guide to Chasing Waterfalls in Upstate New York

Word of the Day: Earworm /ˈirˌwərm/

A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person’s mind.

I’m not sure whether it was because I was homesick for a Pines Burger, nostalgic for a rosemary salt bagel at CollegeTown Bagels, or just in need of some upstate adventures, but the Wandering Weirdo and I decided that it was high time to return to upstate New York and chase some waterfalls. This was indirectly due to TLC’s Chasing Waterfalls song (America’s own cautionary fairy tale — if you don’t believe me, look at the lyrics) and a newer obsession with the Hamilton soundtrack. It also ended with us getting engaged after 10 years of adventures, but that’s very much another story.

So, in the timeless words of Eliza Hamilton (that I’ve had stuck in my head constantly for the better part of a year):Take a break, / Run away with us for the summer, / let’s go upstate.

Mix in a little TLC <record scratch> and we’re off to chase some waterfalls in upstate New York, with Ithaca as our home base. Here’s THE authoritative list of must-see waterfalls that will make your upstate adventure one to remember.

1. Buttermilk Falls

If climbing up a bunch of stone steps set into the side of a hill doesn’t scare you (and even if the idea does scare you a little), there’s nothing better than the payoff of taking this hike. While the first part of the climb is undeniably scenic, it only gets better when the trail flattens out a bit and you get to meander past a bunch of scenic pools and waterfalls that nature somehow cut into elaborate rock formations. And, if this hasn’t convinced you, then you should know that it’s located on the south edge of town making it super easy to get to. My advice is to bring a book and a snack because you will want to linger.

2. Taughannock Falls

There are few things better than an excursion to Taughannock during the summer. The trail to the waterfall is short enough (and paved enough) that even your hiking-averse, flip flop-wearing friends and family will enjoy it. However, the best part of the park is when you depart from the trail and wade up the river to overlook. Since the rocks are slippery, I highly recommend wearing shoes with some sort of grip on the bottom, but there’s something magical about winding along with the river. I also recommend stopping to sunbathe and picnic along the way and making an afternoon of it, though, if you’re like me, I would recommend bringing copious amounts of sunscreen.

From there, driving to the overlook at the top of the park is a must. Despite the fact that it’s often jam-packed with people, the views are incomparable (and there’s even another trail up top that you can take for more views).

3. Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is what computer backgrounds are made of. While this park is located near the bottom tip of Seneca Lake (one Finger Lake west of Ithaca), it is well worth the hike to get over there. Throughout the park, there are a number of waterfalls, each more elaborate than the previous, and each time I go, my favorite one changes. And, if you’re feeling like an ambitious day of waterfall chasing, you can even stop at Montour Falls on your way into town, which is legitimately just off the road in a quiet neighborhood full of cute shops.

4. Lucifer Falls

Lucifer Falls is a cascade that is gorgeous from all angles. You can either take the waterfall trail, which takes you down series of interminable stone steps as you descend in full view of the waterfall, or, my favorite, the Rim Trail. This trail circles you around the far side of the gorge, provides you with an amazing overlook of the entire falls, and drops down on the other side. From there, if you’re sure-footed, you can sneak around the rocks to the foot of the falls, which provides some incredible natural air conditioning in the summer. From there, you can even hike or drive over to the Northern park of Treman Park and swim next to a smaller waterfall.

4. Cascadilla Gorge

Within the Cascadilla Gorge, there are a number of gorgeous waterfalls, but the true draw is the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which takes you all the way up from the Ithaca Commons to Cornell’s College Town. Once again, you will find yourself on a trail full of stone steps, and you can meander up or down at your own pace. I highly recommend bringing an iced coffee or another cold drink with you on your journey, as it can be somewhat strenuous.

5. Carpenter Falls

This waterfall is a hidden favorite and a necessary stop each time we are in the neighborhood, though I must warn you that the trail is incredibly steep (though very short). This waterfall takes a while to get to, since it is located about midway up Lake Skaneateles, but it is great for wading, if you brave the steep trail down. From there, you can even keep driving north to hang out in Skaneateles, which has a ton of solid food options and beautiful lake views.

6. Ithaca Falls

While this was a perennial favorite during my college days (mostly due to its convenient proximity to my favorite laundromat), I have since learned that there is a 30-foot chasm under the crashing waterfall and potentially dangerous levels of lead in the water. I seem to have survived unscathed, but not everyone has. You should take in the view because it’s stunning, but do not wade.

You are now armed with the information you need to go forth and conquer waterfalls in upstate New York — a quest that you probably didn’t even realize was on your bucket list. But now that I’ve planted the idea in your head (and hopefully the beginnings of an accompanying playlist), I can’t wait to hear about your own upstate adventures!

7. Falls Creek (Cornell Campus)

Nowadays, it seems like you are no longer allowed to wade in Falls Creek (hence the lack of a photo), which is probably a smart decision on the part of the current Cornell administration, but there are still plenty of incredible views to be had as the water in Beebe lake on Cornell’s North Campus crashes down into the gorge. Personally, I recommend a meander around Beebe Lake before crossing the suspension bridge that puts you right in front of the waterfall.

It’s also worth mentioning that the views for most, if not all, of these waterfalls are even better in the winter — when the falls freeze over into a frozen wonderland of shadow and ice — but, then again, years of experience has informed me that this is far from the best time of the year for an upstate visit.

Have you ever visited upstate New York? Has this post convinced you that you should? I would love to hear your thoughts below!