By Sandra Scott
New York state is evenly divided into thirds: mountains, eroded plateaus and lowlands providing a variety of scenery including many beautiful waterfalls.
Falling water provided an inexpensive source of power that helped New York state industrialize and grow.
During the summer and fall some of the waterfalls become not much more than a trickle but it is a great time for hiking in the areas around them.
With the abundant snowfall this past winter, some of the waterfalls should be at high volume making them even more awe-inspiring. Many believed that the sound of falling water has a calming effect.
1. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the wonders of the world, straddles the border between New York state and Canada. The iconic way to view the falls is from the Maid of the Mist. It provides an up-close view of the falls while getting anointed by the spray. Walk along the Cave of the Winds and feel the power of Bridal Veil Falls. The American falls are part of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States.
2. Taughannock Falls
Located in the Finger Lake region on the west side of Cayuga Lake, the 215-foot-Taughannock Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies. There are steps to the bottom of the falls from the viewing area. It is 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls. There is a 20-foot cascade downstream and a 100-foot one upstream with trails connecting the falls. This is one of the places where the water can slow to a trickle during the late summer and early fall.
3. Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls State Park is an 811-acre state park located south of Ithaca, home to Cornell University. Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades with a natural pool at the bottom of the falls where, during the summer, swimming is allowed. There are informative signboards and hiking trails along the gorge and rim.
4. Lucifer Falls
The falls, also known as Enfield Falls, is just one of several in Robert H. Treman State Park. The easiest access is three miles up the winding hill from the main park entrance. The short path to a smaller part of the falls is wheelchair accessible but one of the most interesting features is the 1847 mill at the beginning of the path. It is open to visitors in the summer with exhibits describing the workings of the mill.
5. Watkins Glen State Park
The popular state park has two miles of water cascading down 400 feet beneath 200-foot cliffs creating 19 waterfalls along the way. The gorge path passes over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. It is closed during the winter. A rim trail overlooks the gorge. It has made the list of “The Best State Parks in the United States.”
6. Salmon River Falls
The falls is located in the Tug Hill area of Oswego County. Sign boards tell the story of the 110-foot waterfalls. The path to view the falls is wheelchair accessible but there are a few steps down to the flat area above the falls where names dating back as far as 1892 are etched into the stones. During the winter, ice climbing on the falls is popular but each climber must register daily a form is found in the kiosk box.
7. Kaaterskill Falls
Located in the Catskill Mountains, the falls is the highest two-tiered cascading waterfall in New York state and one of the state’s oldest tourist attractions. It was the subject of several Thomas Cole’s paintings. Cole was one of the Hudson River School of painters. Visitors can get a great view of the area and falls from the new viewing platform. The trail to the bottom can be arduous.
8. Letchworth: Letchworth State Park
The location is renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The Genesee River roars over three major waterfalls – one as high as 600 feet. There are 66 miles of trails in the historic park along with a variety of family-friendly activities and a museum. In 2015 the park won the USA TODAY choice award for the Best State Park in the United States. Accommodations are available at the historic Glen Iris Inn overlooking the falls.
9. Chittenango Falls State Park
A picturesque 167-foot waterfall is the main attraction of Chittenango Falls State Park. Glacial sculpting over 400-million-year-old bedrock is responsible for this scenic feature. An interesting variety of both plants and wildlife may be found along the trails. Visitors can view the falls from the top, walk the winding trail into the gorge, view the falls from the footbridge and return to the top along the small trail on the opposite side of the gorge. Activities include fishing, hiking and picnicking.