Finger Lakes Wine Country offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in New York State. The region is also a haven for waterfall chasing. One might assume that waterfall viewing is best in the warmer months, but waterfalls truly come to life and are spectacular to see in the winter. Enjoy sparkling snowy scenes when you visit these five magical waterfalls this winter.
For more ideas on how to spend this season in wine country, please read our guide to outdoor activities to enjoy in the winter in the Finger Lakes. Bookmark our complete waterfall guide for future visits!
Watkins Glen State Park
The famous waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park attract visitors from near and far every year and every season. While the famous Gorge Trail, which takes you directly through the gorge and past 19 cascading waterfalls, is closed in the winter for safety due to icy conditions, the South Rim Trail is open year-round. It offers a glimpse of a true winter wonderland from above, overlooking the gorge and its waterfalls.
The South Rim Trail passes the scenic stone-arched Sentry Bridge, which offers visitors a glimpse of the canyon and Keyhole Falls.
What’s great about visiting this popular natural attraction in the winter is not only the stunning scenery, but also the fact that it’s less popular, allowing you to take in the surrounding beauty with fewer people.
As with any winter hike, use caution, as there may be ice.
Seneca Mills Falls
Located just outside of Penn Yan along the 7-mile Keuka Outlet Trail that connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake, you can find another gorgeous waterfall in any season. A sight to see with a layer of snow at Seneca Mills Falls, located in the ruins of a former mill.
This 40-ft waterfall can be accessed by foot along the Keuka Outlet Trail or by enjoying other winter activities such as snowshoeing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
If you’re looking for the quickest way to visit Seneca Mills Falls, you will want to find the small parking area on Outlet Road, around three miles outside of the town of Penn Yan. From here you can enjoy the easy walk along the trail for about .3 miles before approaching the scenic waterfall.
Aunt Sarah Falls
Another roadside waterfall in wine country that is especially beautiful in winter is Aunt Sarah Falls, located on State Route 414 just north of the village of Montour Falls.
This is one of the region’s waterfalls that is highly dependent on water flow. During a dry summer, you won’t be able to see Aunt Sarah Falls, but luckily, in the colder days of winter, the flow freezes and makes for a stunning frozen waterfall and giant icicle scene.
There is a parking area right next to the falls, making it a straightforward and quick stop, even on the coldest of days!
She-Qua-Ga Falls
Towering above the village of Montour Falls at 156 feet, She-Qua-Ga Falls is another scenic gem of the region and absolutely gorgeous in the winter. Situated between residential homes and the village of Montour Falls, you can witness this stunning waterfall from the viewing platform, driving through the town, and from Main Street.
The name of She-Qua-Ga Falls means ‘tumbling waters’ in the Seneca language,e as this site was formerly a Seneca Tribe village.
During an arid season, it’s hard to see this waterfall, but in the winter, you not only get water flow but also all the frozen beauty around it.
Honorable Mention
Hector Falls
Catch a glimpse of one of the most well-known waterfalls in the region while driving along State Route 414. The cascading Hector Falls is truly stunning every season of the year – and it can be viewed right from your car!
In the winter, you are rewarded with a view of the cascading water, dusted with snow and ice. From this spot, you’re witnessing the upper falls. What you won’t be able to see from this vantage point are the series of waterfalls below the bridge you’re driving on, flowing into Seneca Lake.
Please note: the highway where this waterfall is located is fast-moving and can be very dangerous. If possible, avoid exiting your car. If you do, please watch out for oncoming vehicles – some of which are not easily visible around the bend.