5 Must-See Waterfalls in New York (2026)
If you only have time for five New York waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Catskills, Hudson and Mohawk Valleys, Finger Lakes and Western New York, and Tug Hill and the Black River Country.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited New York waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
-
1. Kaaterskill Falls
Palenville, NY · Greene County · Catskills, Hudson and Mohawk Valleys
Why it is a must-see
With 1,560 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in New York, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "This iconic 260-ft-tall tiered waterfall on Spruce Creek features a lookout & a foot trail." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: 79 meters high. 6 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Buttermilk Falls and Plattekill Falls. It is one of 49 named falls in the Catskills, Hudson and Mohawk Valleys region. The nearest town is Palenville, about 2.6 miles to the southeast.
-
2. Ithaca Falls
South Hill, NY · Tompkins County · Finger Lakes and Western New York
Why it is a must-see
With 664 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in New York, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Accessible by walking trail, this 150-ft. cascade has a natural pool popular for fishing." 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Lucifer Falls and Taughannock Falls. It is one of 44 named falls in the Finger Lakes and Western New York region. The nearest town is South Hill, about 1.6 miles to the south.
-
3. Taughannock Falls
Trumansburg, NY · Tompkins County · Finger Lakes and Western New York
Why it is a must-see
With 367 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in New York, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Towering waterfall in Taughannock Falls State Park that can be seen from several hiking trails." Older records also call it Taghanic Falls and Taughanick Falls. 7 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Ithaca Falls and Lucifer Falls. It is one of 44 named falls in the Finger Lakes and Western New York region. The nearest town is Trumansburg, about 2.9 miles to the west.
-
4. Salmon River Falls
Pulaski, NY · Oswego County · Tug Hill and the Black River Country
Why it is a must-see
With 344 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in New York, and it holds 4.8 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Mad River Falls. It is one of 45 named falls in the Tug Hill and the Black River Country region. The nearest town is Pulaski, about 9.5 miles to the west.
-
5. American Falls
Niagara Falls, NY · Niagara County · Finger Lakes and Western New York
Why it is a must-see
With 298 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in New York, and it holds 4.8 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Bridal Veil Falls and Niagara Falls. It is one of 44 named falls in the Finger Lakes and Western New York region. The nearest town is Niagara Falls, about 0.9 miles to the northeast.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 473 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Salmon River Falls (start, near Pulaski)
- Taughannock Falls, about 78 mi southwest
- Ithaca Falls, about 8.3 mi southeast
- Kaaterskill Falls, about 125 mi east
- American Falls, about 262 mi west
When to Visit New York's Waterfalls
Spring is prime waterfall season across New York. Snowmelt and rain usually push the Adirondack and Tug Hill rivers to their highest levels from April into May, and the Finger Lakes gorges run strongly through spring. Many smaller gorge falls drop to a thin veil in July and August, though Niagara and other large river falls flow steadily all year. Autumn brings outstanding foliage, peaking in the Adirondacks in late September and early October and later in the Catskills and Finger Lakes, and fall rains often restore flows. Winter freezes many falls into ice sculptures, but some Finger Lakes gorge trails close for the season because of ice and rockfall.
Before You Go
Most well-known falls are in state parks managed by New York State Parks or on state Forest Preserve and other lands managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation; the Adirondack and Catskill parks are a patchwork of public and private land, so posted boundaries matter. Popular parks such as Watkins Glen, Taughannock and Niagara Falls charge vehicle fees and become crowded on summer weekends, and Kaaterskill Falls parking fills early. Gorge rims are the chief hazard: shale and limestone edges crumble, ledges are wet and slippery, and fatal falls have occurred at several sites, including the upper ledges of Kaaterskill Falls. Swimming in gorges is often prohibited outside designated areas. Stay on marked trails and behind barriers.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More New York Waterfalls
See all 221 waterfalls in the New York waterfall guide, or browse by town: Palenville, South Hill, Trumansburg, Pulaski, Niagara Falls.
More New York Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in New York?
Kaaterskill Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 1,560 Google reviews. It is near Palenville in Greene County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited New York waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 473 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in New York?
Our directory lists 221 named waterfalls in New York. See them all, sorted by town, in the New York waterfall guide.
Why does New York have so many waterfalls?
Glaciers reshaped nearly the whole state, leaving hanging valleys in the Finger Lakes, disrupted drainage in the Adirondacks and steep escarpments in the west. Combined with ample rain and snow, that produces the second-highest count of named falls in our directory.