Information
Landmark: Taughannock Falls State ParkCity: Finger Lakes
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Taughannock Falls State Park, Finger Lakes, USA New York, North America
Overview
Just outside the village of Trumansburg, Taughannock Falls State Park showcases one of the Finger Lakes’ most breathtaking sights-a waterfall plunging nearly 200 feet between towering cliffs.Taughannock Falls is the park’s star attraction-a stunning ribbon of water tumbling 215 feet, towering 33 feet higher than Niagara and holding the record as the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies.The park covers about 750 acres along the western shore of Cayuga Lake, where the water stretches wide and still across one of the Finger Lakes’ largest bodies.This place is famous for its rugged gorge, sheer cliffs, and forests so thick you can smell the pine.People visit all year to take in the rugged cliffs, bright wildflowers, and the many ways to explore-whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or simply watching the sunset.Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet in one dramatic drop, crashing straight into the dark, narrow gorge below.Towering cliffs, some soaring nearly 400 feet high, frame the waterfall on both sides, turning the space into a vast natural amphitheater where the roar echoes off stone.Geology: Over thousands of years, glaciers and the steady rush of Taughannock Creek cut the gorge and sculpted the falls, wearing away the rock like a slow chisel.Layers of shale and sandstone lie bare in the sun, holding fossils that whisper of an ancient world and its long-lost landscapes.Water Flow: Taughannock Falls may pour far less water than Niagara, but its sheer drop-higher than Niagara’s-and the cliffs framing it make the sight striking and unforgettable.Inside the park, Taughannock Creek tumbles over two more waterfalls, including Lower Falls-a 15‑foot drop just steps from the parking lot and picnic tables, where the air smells faintly of moss and spray.Upper Falls rises about 100 feet, tucked upstream from the main cascade, and you’ll reach it only by following the steeper, rock-strewn trails.At Taughannock Falls State Park, a web of well-kept trails winds through the landscape, welcoming hikers of all skill levels and offering changing views of the gorge, sheer cliffs, and pine-scented woodlands.The Gorge Trail is a flat, easy, three-quarter-mile path that starts at the parking lot and ends at the base of Taughannock Falls, where mist drifts up from the crashing water.It winds past the Lower Falls and finishes at a breathtaking platform by the waterfall’s base, where cool mist clings to your skin and the thunder of water fills the air.North Rim Trail stretches for 1.5 miles along the gorge’s northern edge, where you can look out from 400 feet above the creek and watch the falls tumble below.It links up with the South Rim Trail, forming a loop where you might catch the scent of pine on the breeze.The South Rim Trail is a bit shorter at 1.2 miles, but it packs a tougher climb, weaving through pine-scented forests and over jagged rock on the gorge’s southern edge.You’ll find calmer spots here, with open views of the gorge and the water whispering below.Multi-Use Trail: Open all year, it’s great for hiking or cross-country skiing, and you might spot a deer stepping quietly through the trees.The park offers 68 campsites for tents or RVs, each with a picnic table under the trees, a fire ring for evening flames, and access to restrooms and hot showers.The campground welcomes visitors from the first warm days of spring until the crisp air of mid-autumn.Sixteen cabins sit near the edge of Cayuga Lake, offering a cozy place to stay with trails just steps away and the marina within a short stroll.It’s best to book ahead during peak season, when the park buzzes with visitors from all over the region.From mid-June to early September, the park’s Cayuga Lake beach opens for swimming, with a lifeguard on duty and the sound of waves lapping at the shore.Boating and fishing are easy here, with a solid concrete ramp and a small marina ready for anyone to use.On Cayuga Lake, anglers reel in lake trout, yellow perch, and the occasional shimmering landlocked salmon.You’ll find picnic spots dotted across the park, each with sturdy tables and smoky grills, and a few sheltered areas you can rent for gatherings.In winter, Taughannock Falls State Park stays open for ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing along its multi‑use trail, where the crunch of snow underfoot makes the quiet landscape feel even more peaceful.From mid-May through mid-October, drivers pay a seasonal vehicle fee-about $9-when they roll up to the gate, the smell of pine hanging in the warm air.Accessibility: Most visitors can handle the Gorge Trail with ease, while the rim trails are rougher-think steep climbs and uneven stone steps-so sturdy shoes and a bit more stamina help.The park’s gates open at dawn and close at dusk, every day of the year, from the first chill of January mornings to warm summer sunsets.With its spot right on Cayuga Lake, the park’s perfect for venturing into Finger Lakes wine country, sampling local fare, or hiking to places like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman’s winding trails.Treman State Park is well known for its waterfalls, where cold mist drifts through the trees.Taughannock Falls State Park draws visitors with its towering cliffs, dramatic waterfall, and plenty of ways to explore and unwind.Visitors come for the towering waterfall, miles of winding trails, and lakeside fun-whether it’s hiking through pine-scented paths, camping under starry skies, swimming in cool water, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty.With its mix of stunning views, easy access, and charm in every season, the park draws you in-whether it’s autumn leaves crunching underfoot or a summer breeze off the lake.
