Easy-to-See Waterfalls Near Rochester

Not all waterfalls are hidden in ravines and reached only by challenging trails. Many of the region’s most impressive waterfalls can be viewed from the road, a parking area, or a short walk along a pathway.

City of Rochester

Lower Falls of the Genesee River can be viewed by walking across the Driving Park bridge or by catching a glimpse from the passenger side of an eastbound car. To access Lower Falls Park, begin at the Maplewood Rose Garden and follow the stairs to the Genesee Riverway Trail (GRT). Walk under the Driving Park bridge toward the falls, then continue south on the paved trail to reach Middle Falls. The bridge over Middle Falls is part of the GRT and open to the public, though RG&E may close it for dam maintenance or after heavy rainfall.

High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall framed by Rochester’s downtown skyline. Vantage points include the High Falls Viewing Platform, the balcony and rooftop dining areas of the Genesee Brew House, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, High Falls Terrace Platform on the east side of the river, and Gorsline Terrace Park on the west side.

Monroe County

Channing H. Philbrick Park in Penfield offers easy views of the cascades along Irondequoit Creek, which drops 90 feet over one mile. The rapids are visible and audible from the parking lot beside the pedestrian bridge. An accessible fishing platform and a packed-dirt trail provide additional vantage points along the creek. Visitors can follow the Irondequoit Creek Trail to an elevated boardwalk that hugs the hillside east of Linear Park Drive.

Corbett’s Glen Nature Park in Brighton is easiest to access from the Glen Road entrance, where visitors can park at the top of the hill and walk through the tunnel to reach Allen Creek and Tunnel Falls. Two designated accessible parking spaces are available beyond the tunnel. Visitors who do not require accessible parking should instead walk through the tunnel. The trail from the Penfield Road entrance to Tunnel Falls is more challenging.

Honeoye Falls is visible from several vantage points, including the observation deck, the East Street bridge over Honeoye Creek, and the lawn behind the Mendon Town Clerk’s office, where visitors can stand beside the falls.

Greater Rochester

Holley Canal Falls is visible from the parking lot, with a close-up view just a short walk away. Runoff from the Erie Canal flows over the falls before joining Sandy Creek, providing a steady supply even during dry summer weather, when many natural waterfalls slow to a trickle.

Clarendon Falls is visible from the parking area, with a short walk across the lawn providing a closer view.

Littleville Falls in Avon is a waterfall on Conesus Creek, visible from the Littleville Road bridge. Park on the shoulder of Cemetery Road and walk across the bridge for the best view.

Papermill Falls in Avon is visible from several vantage points, including the parking lot, picnic tables, the bridge over the falls, and a short trail along Conesus Creek.

Letchworth State Park features several easily accessible waterfalls, including Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Wolf Creek Falls. After periods of heavy rain, dozens of seasonal waterfalls appear throughout the gorge.

Wiscoy Falls is a broad, multi-tiered cascade visible from the bridge over Wiscoy Creek.

Wolcott Falls is a 34-foot waterfall visible from the parking lot overlooking Wolcott Creek.

Indian Falls in Corfu is a 20-foot waterfall formed by Tonawanda Creek and best viewed from the outdoor deck or parking lot of the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant.

Medina Falls is a 40-foot waterfall formed just after Oak Orchard Creek flows beneath the Erie Canal. Park on Laurel Street near the Horan Road bridge and follow the canal path for an up-close view of the falls.

Seneca Mills Falls is located at the site of a former mill along the Keuka Outlet Trail between Penn Yan and Dresden. Although the trail extends seven miles, the waterfall is only a 0.3-mile walk from the parking area.

Surrounding Counties

She-Qua-Ga Falls in Montour Falls is a 155-foot waterfall visible from the road, from a paved walkway to the base of the falls, and from West Main Street near the village offices and library. From this vantage point, the waterfall rises behind the historic Greek Revival home featured in the opening credits of the Hallmark mystery series Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.

Aunt Sarah’s Falls in Montour Falls is visible from the road, from parking areas beside the falls, and from across the street.

Hector Falls in Burdett is visible from New York State Route 414, though the view is best appreciated by passengers. Please avoid slowing down or stopping unnecessarily on the bridge. If you wish to walk across, use the designated areas along the shoulder on both sides of the bridge. Be aware that drivers distracted by the waterfall may not see pedestrians while traveling at highway speeds. A Seneca Lake from Watkins Glen cruise offers a safer and more expansive view of the falls.

Taughannock Falls Overlook in Trumansburg near Ithaca provides a panoramic view of Taughannock Falls and the surrounding gorge from a stone observation area. The overlook includes a free parking lot, paved pathways, a visitor center with restrooms, and a water bottle refill station.

Inside Taughannock Falls State Park, visitors can also reach the base of Taughannock Falls via a 0.75-mile hard-packed trail through the gorge.

Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca offers a view of the main waterfall from the entrance road. Follow the one-way entrance-and-exit loop to view the falls without parking, or park and take a short walk to the falls and natural swimming area.

Ithaca Falls is a 150-foot waterfall visible from the Lake Street bridge over Fall Creek. A short, easy walk leads to the base of the falls.

Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca provides short walking access from the parking lot to Lower Enfield Falls, the park’s natural swimming area, and the diving board.

Carpenter Falls in Moravia is now accessible via a 630-foot accessible boardwalk that leads from the parking area to an observation platform overlooking the 90-foot single-drop waterfall. Bear Swamp Creek cascades into the gorge on its way to Skaneateles Lake.

Chittenango Falls State Park in Cazenovia offers a view of the 167-foot waterfall from the parking area above. The trail and steps to the base of the falls are more challenging.

Glen Park Falls in Williamsville is visible from a designated parking area reserved for vehicles displaying accessible parking permits. All other visitors can park a short distance down Glen Street.

Niagara Falls State Park offers paved pathway access from Goat Island’s Parking Lot Two to Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls.

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