Easy Waterfalls

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

City of Rochester

Lower Falls

Head to the Driving Park Bridge to view the Lower Falls of the Genesee River. You can see them by walking across the bridge or from the passenger side of a car heading east. To access Lower Falls Park, begin at the Maplewood Rose Garden, then follow the stairs to the Genesee Riverway Trail (GRT). Walk under the Driving Park bridge toward the falls. Continue south on the paved pathway 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. 25 Driving Park Avenue

High Falls

You can appreciate the significance of the urban High Falls from several viewpoints along the Genesee River, including the east-bank viewing platform, the balcony and rooftop dining areas of the Genesee Brew House, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, and the west-bank viewing platform. 373 Saint Paul Street

Monroe County

Channing H. Philbrick Park

Visitors can easily see and hear the rapids along Irondequoit Creek from the parking lot next to the pedestrian bridge. You can also enjoy a great view from the fishing platform, which has a ramp for accessibility. New York State Route 441, Penfield

Churchville Dam

The Buffalo Street bridge offers a great view of the waterfall, and there is a nearby parking area with a path that leads to Black Creek. 22 E. Buffalo Street, Churchville

Corbett’s Glen Nature Park

Park at the top of Glen Road for the closest entrance to Allen Creek. There are two designated accessible parking spaces after driving through the tunnel, though visitors who do not require using these spaces should walk through. The trail from the Penfield Road entrance to Tunnel Falls is more challenging. Glen Road, Brighton

Honeoye Creek Dam

Observe the waterfall while driving over the bridge, or take a short walk across the lawn to the viewing platform in Veterans Memorial Park. 6050 New York State Route 15A, Rush

Honeoye Falls

You can see the falls from the top using the observation deck or catch a quick glimpse from the parking lot next to Honeoye Creek. Or, you can walk around the Mendon Town Clerk’s office and down the grassy lawn to stand next to the falls. 41 W. Main Street, Honeoye Falls

Greater Rochester

Clarendon Falls

View this waterfall from the parking area or a short walk across the lawn to get a closer view. 4571 New York State Route 237, Clarendon, Orleans County

Holley Canal Falls

The parking lot offers an excellent view of the falls, while a close-up view is just a short walk away. Holley Falls Park Road, Holley, Orleans County

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth showcases several stunning waterfalls, with plenty of viewing points for each. Middle Falls and Upper Falls are the most accessible for both pedestrians and drivers. Admission fee. Park Road, Castile, Wyoming County

Littleville Falls

To view the Conesus Creek waterfall, park on the shoulder of Cemetery Road and walk across the Littleville Road bridge. 4600 Littleville Road, Avon, Livingston County

Oatka Creek Dam and Old Buttermilk Falls

The view from the Main Street bridge or Farmer’s Creekside Inn’s dining patio is excellent. North of Main Street, there is a path along Oatka Creek where you can see Old Buttermilk Falls and a footbridge from which you can enjoy the downstream rapids. 10 Mill Street, LeRoy, Genesee County

Papermill Falls

The falls are visible from the parking lot or while walking over the fall toward and from a short trail along Conesus Creek. Papermill Road, Avon, Livingston County

Seneca Mills Falls

Halfway between Penn Yan and Dresden along the Keuka Outlet Trail, you’ll find a stunning waterfall at the site of an old mill. The trail is seven miles long, but the waterfall is only a 0.3-mile walk from the parking area. 1493 Outlet Road, Penn Yan, Yates County

Wiscoy Falls

Enjoy a captivating view from the bridge that crosses Wiscoy Creek. Hume, Allegany County

Wolcott Falls

Take in the beautiful view from the parking lot overlooking Wolcott Creek. Mill Street, Wolcott, Wayne County

Surrounding Counties

Aunt Sarah’s Falls

The falls are viewable while driving and from parking areas next to the falls and across the street. N. Catherine Street, Montour Falls, Schuyler County

Buttermilk Falls State Park

To view the waterfall from your car, follow the loop around the park entrance and exit without paying to park. Otherwise, the falls are within walking distance from the parking lot. 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Carpenter Falls

In 2022, the Department of Environmental Conservation built a 630-foot boardwalk with accessibility features that connect the 20-car paved parking lot to the observation area. The platform offers a scenic view of the 90-foot single-drop falls where Bear Swamp Creek cascades into the gorge on its way to Skaneateles Lake. Carpenter Falls Unique Area, 5986 Appletree Point, Moravia, Cayuga County

Chittenango Falls State Park

Although the trail and steps to the base of the falls may be challenging, it is possible to view these stunning falls from the parking area above. Admission fee. 2300 Rathbun Road, Cazenovia, Madison County

Glen Park Falls

For vehicles with accessible parking permits, Glen Park has a designated parking lot that provides a direct view of the falls. All other visitors can find a larger parking area a short distance away on Glen Street. 5565 Main Street, Williamsville, Erie County

Hector Falls

Viewing this waterfall from the road is a more pleasing experience for your passengers. Please avoid slowing down or stopping unnecessarily on the bridge. If you wish to walk across, there are designated areas along the shoulder of the bridge on both sides. However, please be aware that drivers may be distracted by the waterfall and will not see you while moving at high speeds. Experiencing the falls from a Seneca Lake cruise is safer for a more picturesque view. 3835 New York State Route 414, Burdett, Schuyler County

Ithaca Falls

This stunning 150-foot waterfall can be admired from the roadside or reached by taking a short, easy walk to its base. Lake Street, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Ludlowville Falls

In Ludlowville Park, you can see the 35-foot Salmon Creek waterfall from an overlook. Mill Street, Lansing, Tompkins County

Niagara Falls State Park

Goat Island’s Parking Lot Two offers access to Horseshoe, Bridal Veil, and American Falls via paved pathways. Admission fee. Goat Island Road, Niagara Falls, Niagara County

Robert H. Treman State Park

Reach Lower Enfield Falls’ swimming area and diving board with a short walk from the parking lot. Admission fee. 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, Tompkins County

She-Qua-Ga Falls

View this spectacular 155-foot waterfall from your car as you drive past or follow a paved walkway to the base of the falls. Enjoy the picturesque scene while standing on West Main Street near the village clerk and library, where the waterfall and Mill Street bridge are viewable behind the 1845 Greek Revival home. Genesee Street, Montour Falls, Schuyler County

Taughannock Falls Overlook

The overlook viewpoint is a short walk from the parking lot. Visitors can enjoy the stunning view of Taughannock Falls from a scenic stone balcony. 2381 Taughannock Park Road, Trumansburg, Tompkins County

Taughannock Falls State Park

The trail inside the park leading to the fall’s base is a 0.75-mile hard-packed gravel path through the gorge. Admission fee. 1740 Taughannock Boulevard, Trumansburg, Tompkins County

Triphammer Falls

Enjoy this unique 55-foot cascade from several vantage points above Fall Creek Gorge. The East Avenue bridge offers the most picturesque view of the falls and historic triphammer forge, while the pedestrian suspension bridge above Beebe Lake Dam offers a bird’s-eye view. 616 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Google Map of Locations

View the map separately here.

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Where are your favorite easy waterfalls to visit?

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Enjoy the Journey Together!