Taughannock Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in our area’s state parks, second only to Letchworth State Park whose High and Middle Falls can be appreciated from several observation points throughout the park.
Taughannock Falls Overlook
The visitor center
There is a beautiful visitor center with restrooms, area information and cool water to fill your bottles. A paved walkway takes you along a landscaped path to the overlook just a short walk away.
What I love about Taughannock Falls is that the most accessible view from the overlook is also the most impressive. Plus, the view from here is free!
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
Once you’ve paid the vehicle admission fee, you can start your 3/4 mile walk along the gorge trail. It’s wide and mostly flat like this the entire way. There is a smaller waterfall just beyond this sign making for a perfect picnic spot.
Along the gorge trail
The path is a combination of tree-lined canopy and wide-open gorge walls.
A glorious amphitheater for a magnificent waterfall!
Fun fact! As the gorge erodes the park gets bigger. Fallen rocks have been used to create Taughannock Point in the park along Cayuga Lake.
Keep in mind that when you are looking at the falls you are facing south-west. That means you will be pointing your camera directly into the sun anywhere between, say, 10am and 6pm.
I waited quite some time for the sun to drop beyond the gorge wall. You can see it just touching the top of the falls in this photo. I can’t wait to go back closer to sunrise. Or in autumn when the sun is lower in the southern sky. Or in the winter.
Taughannock Falls in Winter
Taughannock Falls has one of the only gorge trails in the New York State Park System that is open in winter.
That doesn’t mean it’s not slippery in some places, especially near the falls. It is a flat walk making it safe compared to 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
30 Winter Walks Around Rochester
These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine. Bundle up!
Gorge trails call out to us from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these spectacular trails off your list!
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
18 Hidden Places Around Rochester
Explore some of our hidden gems this week! There’s no time like the present to start checking some off these extraordinary places your list.
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!
Spend less time traveling and more time exploring with these fantastic getaways from Rochester. They’re all within a two hour drive from home.
7 Spectacular Christmas Lights Around Rochester
2020 Christmas lights around Rochester: these neighborhoods go all out with extreme holiday lights and music to fill the season with joy.
What is your favorite time to visit Taughannock Falls?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!