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Looking for a fun getaway in New York State? Consider a long weekend of waterfall hopping in the Finger Lakes! There are so many incredible waterfalls that are well worth a visit. While there are more waterfalls than you can fit into one visit, you can visit several of the most popular ones during a few days in the Finger Lakes. If you’re looking to plan a Finger Lakes waterfalls trip, you can visit the major waterfalls in the region on a three- to four-day trip.
After several trips to the Finger Lakes, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the best waterfalls in this region. I’ve thought about what waterfalls are a must-visit for first-time visitors and which can be skipped (or perhaps consider planning a week-long Ultimate Finger Lakes Waterfall Trip to see every one of the top waterfalls!)But, if you only have a few days available to visit this time, you can always plan a return trip.
This Finger Lakes itinerary is jam-packed with waterfall hopping! There are several waterfalls to visit daily; however, I only included one moderate gorge trail each day.
Before You Go
🏨 Book The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, a beautiful property on Seneca Lake within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park! Or enjoy a glamping experience at Firelight Camps in Ithaca!
💦 When to visit: Many gorge trails on this Finger Lakes itinerary are open seasonally. So, the best time to plan your trip is after Memorial Day through mid-October.
🚗 You Need a Car:It is necessary to have a car to explore the Finger Lakes. If you’re flying in, you can find the best rental car prices here.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
For this specific trip to the Finger Lakes, I would recommend staying in either Watkins Glen or Ithaca. Ithaca has more restaurants, access to stores, etc. However, Watkins Glen is idyllically located on Seneca Lake. These two destinations are only 35 minutes from one another, so you could base yourself in either and still experience both towns.
If you don’t mind moving hotels, book two nights at Firelight Camps in Ithaca and two nights at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. This way, you get to experience glamping and staying at a stunning lakefront hotel. I’ve stayed at both, and they are two of my favorite stays I’ve ever had. These would truly add to your experience. Or pick one of the other if you’d prefer to stay at one hotel during your stay. These are my top recommendations for where to stay in the Finger Lakes:
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is located on Seneca Lake near Watkins Glen State Park. This is the perfect place to relax after exploring the state park. (Book Now | Read Reviews)
Firelight Camps in Ithaca
Firelight Camps in Ithaca is a luxurious glamping spot. This elevated camping experience includes Pinterest-worthy tents and unique amenities such as a fireside bar. (Book Now | Read Reviews)
Holiday Inn and Suites Ithaca
Holiday Inn and Suites Ithaca is the perfect stay for those looking for a nice, affordable hotel to base themselves. Breakfast is included, and the hotel is near Ithaca’s waterfalls. (Book Now | Read Reviews)
La Tourelle Hotel and Spa
La Tourelle Hotel and Spa is a hotel and spa in Ithaca, NY. The property feels as if it was plucked from the French countryside. It is charming and beautiful. (Book Now | Read Reviews)
P.S. La Tourelle and Firelight Camps are located on the same property. So if you opted to spend a night at each, it would be streamlined.
Finger Lakes Waterfalls Itinerary
This Finger Lakes waterfall itinerary overview gives you a sense of how to spend your time there. While it may seem really packed, there is time to grab lunch and have a sit-down dinner. Consider starting your days off early to make room for other activities, such as visiting wineries and spending time by one of the lakes.
Depending on your travel distance, you may want to spend an extra day in the region. If you’re traveling from nearby, plan for two to three nights. If you’re traveling from farther away, plan three to four nights for this itinerary to give yourself more time in the Finger Lakes. While I would recommend a day trip to Letchworth. If time is restricted, you can opt to cut out the day trip to Letchworth State Park. Letchworth is well worth visiting (It’s one of my favorites); however, you may not have an extra day to squeeze this day trip in.
Alternatively, you can move the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls from the date of your departure to the morning of day 2 or 3 of this itinerary. However, I would only recommend doing that if you have a high fitness level, as hiking two gorge trails in one day can be quite strenuous.
Day 1: Ithaca
Highlights
- Taughannock State Park
- Robert H. Treman State Park
- Ithaca Waterfalls
Taughannock State Park
Upon arrival in the Finger Lakes, head directly to Taughannock State Park. This will allow you to take a scenic drive along one of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake. The lake views will give you a taste of what the Finger Lakes have to offer.
First, stop at the scenic overlook of Taughannock Falls (GPS directions to Taughannock State Park will lead you directly there). The overlook is steps away from the parking lot and gives you an aerial view of the tallest waterfall in New York, Taughannock Falls. I would stop at the overlook first as it offers immediate gratification and allows you to see a waterfall as soon as you arrive in the Finger Lakes.
Once you’ve taken in the view from above, take the easy hike to the base of Taughannock Falls. This is a 2-mile out-and-back trail.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Head to Robert H. Treman State Park, stopping first at Lower Enfield Falls. Lower Enfield Falls can be accessed from the Main Entrance. If you are visiting during the summer, make sure to bring swimsuits and plan some time for swimming in the waterfall pool.
If you are up for a long hike, you can hike the Gorge and Rim trails from Lower Enfield Falls. This would be around a 5-mile hike.
Alternatively, drive to the Upper Entrance of Robert H. Treman State Park, where you can hike the Gorge Trail. From the Upper Entrance, the Gorge Trail is 0.62 miles. I suggest making this trail as it highlights the most beautiful parts of the park and is better if you have limited time. Tip: Do the Gorge Trail in and the Rim Trail out. While the Rim Trail is a bit more difficult, it has a great viewpoint of Lucifer Falls.
Ithaca Waterfalls
Time permitting, check out some other waterfalls in Ithaca, including Ithaca Falls and Businessman’s Lunch Falls. I spent a while swimming at Robert H. Treman State Park and didn’t have time to do this on my summer visit to Ithaca. These waterfalls would be great spots to bring a picnic or takeout for dinner!
Day 2: Ithaca + Watkins Glen
Highlights
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Eagle Cliff Falls
- Shequaga Falls
Watkins Glen State Park
Start your day at Watkins Glen State Park. This park can get busy during the afternoon when tour buses arrive, so try to arrive early. Follow the 800 stairs up the Gorge Trail until you reach Rainbow Falls, the most iconic spot in the park. While there are a lot of stairs, chances are you will stop so many times during the hike that you won’t even notice it. This is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the region and should not be missed on a waterfall trip to the Finger Lakes.
Shequaga Falls and Eagle Cliff Falls
Next, head to nearby Montour Falls, NY, to explore some of the smaller waterfalls in the region.
Shequaga Falls is a quick and easy stop located in the center of town. This waterfall is located between two houses. Its unique location makes it well worth a visit.
Just outside of town is Havana Glen Park, home to Eagle Cliff Falls. A short and sweet hike brings you to the base of Eagle Cliff Falls. It’s a small but very picturesque waterfall. I enjoyed visiting this spot because it is quiet compared to many well-known Finger Lakes waterfalls.
Day 3: Day Trip to Letchworth State Park
Highlights
- Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park
While it is a bit of a drive from the other areas you are exploring on the Finger Lakes waterfall itinerary, it is worth taking a day trip to Letchworth State Park if you have an extra day. There are hiking trails in Letchworth State Park. However, you don’t need to hike to see the beautiful waterfalls and views.
Take a relaxing, scenic drive through Letchworth State Park, stopping to look at the views of the Gorge and the waterfalls.
*If you can only plan for three days in the Finger Lakes, you can cut out the day trip to Letchworth State Park and move up to day four in the itinerary.
Day 4: Ithaca + Drive Home
Highlights
- Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Before departing from the Finger Lakes, spend your last day hiking the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park. The trail is 0.65 miles each way and gets more and more beautiful as it progresses. Make sure to continue along this entire trail; you will not be disappointed. The trail follows cascading waterfalls and plunge pools. It is a pretty and peaceful park to end your last day in the Finger Lakes.
If you have extra time before departing, there is a swimming pool waterfall at the end of the gorge trail where you can take a dip on a hot day.
Drive Home
After a waterfall-filled adventure in the Finger Lakes, it’s time to depart and make your drive back home.
Best Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes Itinerary: Wrap-up
This wraps up the Finger Lakes waterfalls itinerary. This is on of my top recommendations for trips in New York State. The region is so incredibly beautiful and has some of the best waterfalls. This is the perfect itinerary for those wanting to see the waterfalls’ highlights in this region. There are so many more stunning waterfalls in the Finger Lakes to see!
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
⛵ Best Things to Do in Watkins Glen NY
📷 The Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls You Must Visit
💦 Visiting Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park
For more New York travel, check out my New Yorksection!
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