Finger Lake Wine Country is known for more than just its award-winning wineries and farm-to-table lifestyle. We created this Finger Lakes Wine Country Waterfall Guide because the region has a reputation for being GORGE-ous and having over 50 waterfalls!
It's such a letdown to travel to a waterfall just to be met with underwhelming water flow. We created this Finger Lakes Wine Country Waterfall Guide to help you plan your waterfall visits while they’re gushing. From picturesque potholes to breathtaking cascades visiting the region’s iconic gorges is a quintessential part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country experience.
In this guide, we share the best time to visit, where to park, wheelchair accessibility, and more. The stunning waterfalls in the region are a visual delight waiting to be explored. Let this be your guide to visiting the gorgeous waterscapes of Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Seneca Mills Falls and Cascade Mills Falls
The 7-mile Keuka Outlet Trail connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake. Most popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding the trail follows the old train and canal route from Penn Yan to Dresden. It also has two trails that lead to two different waterfalls!
One leads to Seneca Mills Falls, a 40-foot waterfall located in the ruins of a former mill. It's an impressive combination of a man-made dam and a natural waterfall. The quickest way to get to Seneca Mills Falls is to find the small parking area on Outlet Road which is about three miles from Penn Yan. From here you can enjoy the quick walk along the trail for about .3 miles before arriving at Seneca Mills Falls.
The second waterfall on the Keuka Outlet Trail is Cascade Mills Falls. Seneca Mills Falls and Cascade Mills Falls are about 1.3 miles apart on the Keuka Outlet Trail. Cascade Mills Falls is about a mile walk along a relatively flat trail from the first parking area on Outlet Road. Which will give you a total hike of 2.6 miles round trip. Along the way to Cascade Mills Falls, the trail opens to reveal several old buildings. As you approach the 20-foot Cascade Mills Falls you’ll see the ruins of the Seneca Paper Mill.
Best Time to Visit: For the waterfalls, spring and fall give you the best flow. The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is wonderful year-round.
GPS Locations: Parking off of Ridge Rd: (N 42.66724, W 76.99413)
Seneca Mills Falls: (N 42.66051, W 77.00421)
Cascade Mills Falls: (N 42.66397, W 76.98489)
Wheelchair Accessibility: No
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Aunt Sarah Falls
Another roadside waterfall that’s worth the stop is Aunt Sarah's Falls. Located on State Route 414, just north of the village of Montour Falls, this seasonal waterfall only flows well when water levels are high. While Aunt Sarah’s Falls is well over several hundred feet tall only 90-feet are visible from the road.
There is parking directly across from Aunt Sarah's Falls making it a very quick and convenient stop.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and after heavy rain.
GPS Location: N 42.35185, W 76.85597
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes.
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Hector Falls
Catch a glimpse of Hector Falls while driving by or enjoy it from a boat on Seneca lake. One of the most well-known waterfalls in the region is stunning every season of the year. This gorgeous roadside waterfall is said to be 165 feet in height, but only about 50 feet can be seen from the road.
The rest falls in two more drops as the water makes its way into Seneca lake below. In warmer months, we recommend taking a sunset schooner ride or renting a boat to see the lower waterfalls from the lake.
Please do not exit your car to view this waterfall.
Best Time to View: This waterfall flows all year long but is best just after rainfall.
GPS Location: N 42.41802, W 76.86677
She-Qua-Ga Falls
Only half a mile away is She-Qua-Ga Falls, a 156-foot waterfall that’s easily visible from the road. Located behind someone’s backyard, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in the region. You can drive by and see the falls, or park and walk to the falls in under 5 minutes.
This neighborhood waterfall has a unique story. Not only was it featured in the opening sequence of “A Bone To Pick: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery“. You can also find a sketch of it on display in The Louvre in Paris completed by King Louis Philippe d’ Orleans of France, who eventually became king.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round. Consistent. Rarely completely dry.
GPS Location: N 42.34453, W 76.85136
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes, there is a paved walkway from the street to the end of the park.
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Deckertown Falls
Deckertown Falls is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the area, but definitely a gem! Located on the outskirts of the village of Montour Falls, Deckertown Falls is a moderately challenging hike not commonly known to tourists. Please keep in mind the surrounding land is posted private property so stay on the public path.
There’s a dirt/grass parking area for about 3 cars on East Catharine Street.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall.
GPS Location: (N 42.34377, W 76.82997)
Wheelchair Accessibility: No.
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Havana Glen Park/Eagle Cliff Falls
Most road trippers traveling through the historic village of Montour Falls (a sweet little spot between Corning, NY and Watkins Glen, NY) will make a pit-stop at She-Qua-Ga Falls and the nearby Watkins Glen State Park. But we recommend adding another local gem to your waterfall list: Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park.
This 40-foot waterfall is a favorite of both locals looking to cool their feet on a hot summer day (no swimming allowed) and campers who can set up their tents and RVs just a few feet away in the park’s wooded campground (also perfect spot for gatherings and afternoon grilling while enjoying the majestic sounds of the falls and adjacent creek).
There’s a suggested admission of $2 and parking, as well as a playground (so please drive with care) and shaded picnic areas throughout the park. Those with accessibility issues have access to the base of the falls - a nice photo area. Others lookin to enjoy the main drop need to climb a few stone steps, a few more wooden steps, and 28 metal grate stairs - with railing - to main falls.
While a short and easy hike to the main falls - the trail has areas that are flatter than others - with some spots consisting of carved shale steps that narrow significantly at certain points. For this reason, we recommend wearing shoes that are both waterproof, as muddy pools can form during rainier seasons, as well as with a good grip to avoid slipping. The trail follows a beautiful water cascade.
Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall. The park is closed after mid-October, so visit early in the fall. Rainy seasons are optimal for aggressive falls, just prepare for muddy trail. Earlier days visits are best to avoid congested trail pathways.
GPS Location: Park entrance: (N 42.33709, W 76.83316)
Trailhead: (N 42.33578, W 76.82941)
Eagle Cliff Falls: (N 42.33467, W 76.82588)
Wheelchair Accessibility: The glen trail is not accessible. The main park and facilities and the view of the first set of falls are accessible.
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcomed, but due to narrow spots and cliff edge along the cascade on one side, we highly recommend leashing your dog, not just on the trail, but also in the park and camping areas for everyone’s safety.
Waverly Glen Falls
Waverly Glen Falls is a 40-foot waterfall that's easily accessible but can be difficult to find. Located in the small village of Waverly in Tioga County, Waverly Glen Falls can’t be seen from the park, so most visitors have no clue that this impressive waterfall is just a few steps away.
Enter Waverly Glen Park from West Pine Street and Moore Street entrance to reach Waverly Glen Falls. Drive until you come to a chain-link fence. If the fence is open, you're allowed to enter.
Best Time to Visit: Springtime and during periods of high water. During the dry months, this waterfall can dry up to a trickle.
GPS Location: Parking area: (N 42.009312, W 76.555359)
Waverly Glen Falls: (N 42.010837, W 76.557151)
Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Watkins Glen State Park
Home to nearly 20 waterfalls and 10 hiking trails, Watkins Glen State Park is the place to see the most waterfalls in Finger Lakes Wine Country. On the southern point of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park is home to a publicly accessible 832-stone step trail overlooking a gorge carved out by the waterfalls in the park. The most notable waterfalls on the trail are Rainbow Falls and Cavern Cascade. You’ll have to walk behind part of each of these falls and you will definitely get sprayed. Be careful on the trail, especially in these locations which can be slippery and wet.
Enter Watkins Glen State Park through the Main, North, or South entrances. We suggest you use the Main Entrance If you plan on hiking to the waterfalls. For the best views of the waterfalls take the Gorge Trail up and take the Indian Trail or South Rim Trail back. Watkins Glen State Park is a must-see for waterfall lovers and anyone seeking a gorgeous Finger Lakes Wine Country experience.
Best Time to Visit: The Gorge Trail is closed in winter and reopens in stages in the spring. Which happens to be one of the best times to visit. The second best time to visit is in the fall as the leaves are changing. Call before your visit and see these waterfalls with the fall foliage or spring showers.
GPS Location: (N 42.380592, W 76.872932)
Upper Park Entrance: (N 42.37038, W 76.87483)
Rainbow Falls: (N 42.37264, W 76.88239)
Cave entrance: (N 42.37514, W 76.87386)
Wheelchair Accessibility: The gift shop, restrooms, swimming area, most pavilions, and the view of Sentry Falls from the main parking lot are accessible. The gorge and rim trails are not.
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail or within the swimming area. Pets are allowed elsewhere within the park if on a leash.
Waterfalling is just one of the many adventures you can experience while visiting the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Just make sure to check park websites before exploring for updates, closings, and restrictions.
Sources: AllTrails
