The winding stream of this area remains with walking trails and impressive rolling falls as well as feet tall falls. Keuka Lake, one of the most unique lakes in the world with its Y-shaped orientation, was once used as a canal connecting Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake for commercial business in the 19th century. Along with the state parks mentioned above, here are a few suggested hikes and trails for optimal waterfall gazing: Keuka Outlet Trail It is made even more memorable when it is done near or to one of the many waterfalls in the region. The Finger Lakes are an outdoor enthusiast's dream location for hiking. While the best time to enjoy the waterfalls in the Finger Lakes is after a rain shower, they are best experienced in spring, summer and fall. The Watkins Glen Gorge is a fan favorite for all nature and waterfall lovers. This park has 19 waterfalls located along the walk-able and publicly accessible Gorge Trail. USA Today also ranked Watkins Glen State Park as the #3 State Park in the Nation. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is a hiking and waterfall seeker’s delight. Letchworth State Park, rated as the #1 State Park in the Nation by USA Today as a part of their 10 Best Series, is a site to be seen. Fun fact: Ithaca’s motto “Ithaca is Gorges” is a word-play of the homonym ‘gorgeous’. Taughannock Falls State Park in Ithaca boasts a jaw-dropping 215 foot waterfall and is by far the largest vertical drop in the region. The abundance of Finger Lakes State Parks allows visitors to explore waterfalls on maintained trail networks for easy access and breathtaking photographs to share. From the thundering glory of famed Taughannock, to the fairy-like landscape of Letchworth State Park, exploring the waterfalls of the Finger Lakes is a must regardless of the time of year you visit.Īs the Finger Lakes Region formed during the Ice Age, huge glaciers carved out the landscape, chiseling out large lakes, rolling hills and grooves for waterfalls. From around the world, visitors flock to the Finger Lakes to witness the breathtaking, primal beauty of our waterfalls.

High tor state park hike