---
title: Finger Lakes Waterfalls — Watkins Glen, Taughannock Falls & Letchworth State Parks
url: https://enjoythefingerlakes.com/waterfalls
updated: 2026-10-24
site: Enjoy the Finger Lakes
---

# Finger Lakes Waterfalls and State Parks

## Watkins Glen State Park
- **Gorge Trail:** 19 waterfalls in a 1-mile stretch.
- **Season:** the Gorge Trail typically opens mid-to-late May and closes mid-to-late October, depending on weather. **In 2026 it closes at 6:00 pm on October 25**, or earlier if cold nights force it.
- **Park hours:** open year-round, dawn to dusk. The north and south rim trails are open all year, but there is no gorge access from them November to May.
- **2026 pool season:** June 27 – September 7.
- https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/watkins-glen-state-park

## Taughannock Falls State Park
- **Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet** past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge (NY State Parks). The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance calls it one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern U.S.
- **Gorge trail:** wide, wooded, about ¾ mile and relatively flat. It ends at a stone amphitheater and the falls.
- **Two entrances:** the lower one serves the boat launch, marina, swimming, pavilions and campground check-in. The upper one serves the overlook, visitor center and trail system.
- **2026 swimming:** June 26 – Labor Day, 11:00 am–7:00 pm daily.
- https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/taughannock-falls-state-park

## Letchworth State Park
- Nicknamed the **"Grand Canyon of the East,"** with views from **Inspiration Point** (Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance).

## Fillmore Glen State Park (south of Owasco Lake)
- Near Moravia. Visit Finger Lakes notes its deep gorges and **5 waterfalls**.

## Drive times from Springside Inn (OSRM estimates)

| Park | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Taughannock Falls State Park | ~69 min | 48.5 mi |
| Watkins Glen State Park | ~92 min | 68.3 mi |

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