Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls, most often pronounced tuh·GAN·ick but sometimes pronounced tuh·GAN·uhk, is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the New York State Park system.

There are two viewing options for enjoying the falls. The first option is to go to the free overlook outside the state park, pictured above. The overlook has a free parking lot, paved pathways leading to it, a visitor center with restrooms, and a water bottle refill station.

The second option is to walk along the 0.75-mile Gorge Trail. You will need to pay the state park admission fee for this option. Follow the generally wide and flat path to reach the waterfall’s base.

Taughannock Falls Overlook

The visitor center

A lovely visitor center has restrooms, area information, and freshwater to refill your bottles. A paved pathway leads you through a landscaped route to the overlook, which is only a short walk away.

One of the best things about Taughannock Falls is that the most impressive view from the overlook is also the most accessible. Additionally, viewing from here is free!

Do you see that odd rectangular cut in the tree line on the top left side of this photo above? That’s the overlook, and this is the view from the base of the waterfall looking back.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

After paying the vehicle admission fee, you can begin your 0.75-mile walk along the gorge trail. The path is wide and flat and remains consistent throughout. Just beyond the sign is a smaller waterfall that makes for a great picnic spot.

Along the gorge trail

The trail consists of a mix of a shaded pathway lined by trees and open canyon walls.

A glorious amphitheater for a magnificent waterfall!

Here’s a fun fact about Taughannock Falls State Park: as the gorge erodes, the park’s size increases. The fallen rocks are used to construct Taughannock Point in the park, located along Cayuga Lake. When visiting the falls, keep in mind that you are facing southwest, which means that you may be directly pointing your camera toward the sun between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

I waited for the sun to drop below the gorge wall before taking this photo, which shows the sun just touching the top of the falls. I am excited to visit the park again in autumn or winter when the sun is lower in the southern sky or at sunrise to capture more stunning photos.

Taughannock Falls in Winter

Taughannock Falls is one of the few gorge trails in the New York State Park System that remains open during winter. Although the path can be slippery in certain spots, particularly near the falls, it is flat, making it safer than Watkins Glen or Stony Brook.

More information about Taughannock Falls State Park

Cost: Overlook free, admission fee to hike

Located in Trumansburg near Ithaca, 90 minutes / 80 miles from Rochester (get directions to the Overlook and Gorge Trail)

More information: parks.ny.gov

When is your favorite time to visit Taughannock Falls?

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