16 Places to Visit After Heavy Rains

Specific creeks and rivers often have very low water levels during the summer heat. However, they surge dramatically following heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, providing a stunning multi-sensory experience.

Beware, there is the potential for land devastation and personal safety threats—always proceed cautiously. It’s a stark reminder of the immense power of water. During and after a heavy rainstorm, many gorge trails and roads will close if an area is hit hard with several inches of rainfall over a short period. Be mindful of the potential for flash flooding.

1. Letchworth

Castile

Letchworth is well known for the three central falls, but the ones you don’t typically notice come alive after heavy rains! Micro-falls throughout the park come to life when their tributaries overflow. The Genesee River and Wolf Creek are great places to start, letting the others surprise you with their presence.

2. High Falls

City of Rochester

There are several vantage points to experience the mighty Genesee flowing over High Falls, including the pedestrian bridge, several viewing platforms on both sides of the river, and the Genesee Brew House restaurant rooftop deck.

3. Lower Falls

City of Rochester

Experience the power of the Genesee River from this vantage point on the Driving Park bridge or from Lower Falls Park.

4. Papermill Falls

Avon

Papermill is a reasonably secluded fall on Conesus Creek, surrounded by farmland.

5. Corbett’s Glen

Brighton

Along Allen’s Creek through Corbett’s Glen, there are several waterfalls and cascades to enjoy, including Tunnel Falls and Postcard Falls.

6. Irondequoit Creek

Penfield

Irondequoit Creek passes through three Monroe County Parks, starting just outside Powder Mills Park and then through Ellison Park and Lucien Morin Park on its way to Irondequoit Bay. Along the way, it picks up more water from tributaries like Thomas Creek, Mill Creek, and Allen’s Creek. My favorite place to enjoy the creek after heavy rains is Channing H. Philbrick (Linear) Park.

7. Honeoye Creek

Honeoye Falls

Check out the flow over the village fall and the creek rushing through Rotary Park.

8. Holley Canal Falls

Holley

The fall is produced with runoff from the Erie Canal above, making this glen a perfect spot to visit after heavy rains. The East Branch Sandy Creek also flows through this park, flowing out under the canal on its way north to Hamlin and emptying into Lake Ontario.

9. Glen Park Falls

Williamsville

Ellicott Creek runs through this exceptional town park over the fall, which rage after heavy rains.

10. Taughannock Falls

Trumansburg

Walk the gorge trail to stand at the bottom of the fall to experience its power. If the gorge trail is closed due to heavy rains, you can still enjoy the spectacular view from the observation point outside the state park.

11. Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen

If the state park gorge trail remains open, it will be a rewarding experience to see (and feel) the increased water flow through the glen.

12. Shequaga Falls

Montour Falls

While visiting Watkins Glen, take a 5-minute drive south to Montour Falls. This fall on Shequaga Creek is worth seeing after heavy rains. As you can tell from the photo above, there is barely a trickle during the dry season. However, I’ve seen powerful pictures of the creek raging that are incredible to experience firsthand.

13. Aunt Sarah’s Falls

Montour Falls

Also 5 minutes south of Watkins Glen, Aunt Sarah’s is a roadside waterfall flowing from an unnamed tributary. This photo was taken during one of the dry seasons, but you have to see it when it rains! The mist can cover NY-14, evoking a car-wash feeling.

14. Akron Falls

Akron

From the observation deck above Murder Creek, you can enjoy the powerful flow through Akron Falls Park.

15. Buttermilk Falls

Ithaca

Although the gorge trail at Buttermilk Creek State Park might be closed, the main waterfall is conveniently located next to the parking lot. You don’t need to hike to experience its beauty.

16. Stony Brook

Dansville

As with Watkins Glen, Stony Brook offers an amazing experience with the increased water flow, so long as the gorge trail remains open.

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Where are your favorite waterfalls and creeks to visit after heavy rains?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.