The 215-Foot Waterfall That Became New York’s Best-Kept Secret Outside The Finger Lakes

Taughannock Falls State Park, New York

Standing 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls, Taughannock is the king of Northeast waterfalls.

This slice of the Finger Lakes has more than just its main 215-foot cascade though trails wind through gorges older than the last ice age, and summer swimming holes stay cool even in August.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in this New York natural wonder.

Gorge Trail: The Signature Hike

The Gorge Trail runs 0.75 miles on a flat, wide path that takes you directly to the base of Taughannock Falls. 

You’ll pass the smaller Lower Falls (a 20-foot cascade) while walking alongside Taughannock Creek. 

The trail stays cool in summer thanks to shade and mist from the falls. 

This trail is open year-round in 2025, weather permitting. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos. 

The path is mostly level with a gravel surface, making it accessible for most visitors. 

Allow about an hour to enjoy the full trail experience. 

The trail is well-maintained and wide enough for groups to walk together. 

During low water periods, you can sometimes walk on parts of the creek bed.

Lakeside Relaxation

The lakeside area, called Taughannock Point, extends about a quarter-mile into Cayuga Lake and offers a perfect spot to relax after hiking. 

You’ll find a stony beach with smooth stones (bring water sandals), many picnic tables, and great views across the lake. 

The swimming area has lifeguards and a roped-off section with a dock and springboard. 

Swimming is available from June 28 through September 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. 

The area includes a playground and concession stand for snacks. 

Changing rooms and bathrooms are available nearby. The point was created by rock deposits from millions of years of gorge erosion. 

You can watch boats coming and going from the marina while relaxing on the shore.

Fishing Hotspots

The Taughannock shoreline drops off sharply into Cayuga Lake, creating prime fishing spots. 

You can catch lake trout (5-6 pounds on average), yellow perch, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout. 

Spring brings rainbow trout up Taughannock Creek to the small waterfall visible from Route 89. 

The creek mouth offers good shore-casting with white jigs or minnows and slip bobbers. 

The lake is about 435 feet deep at its deepest point, attracting larger fish. 

Late fall fishing can be excellent for lake trout near the shore. 

Winter ice fishing is popular when conditions permit. 

Non-residents can buy one-day or seven-day fishing passes at the park office.

Boating & Marina Services

The park’s marina offers parking for 25 boats, a concession stand, and a protected harbor for exploring Cayuga Lake. 

You can use the concrete boat ramp year-round, while the marina operates from mid-spring through October. 

Overnight boat slips are available, though boats taller than 6 feet above the waterline can’t pass under the bridge. 

Rent kayaks from Paddle-N-More in the park to explore the shoreline. 

The marina has a pump-out station for boat waste. 

Transient slip rates start at $15 per night or $12 with a camping reservation. 

Rental prices for paddleboarding and kayaking lessons start at $35. 

Call the park office at (607) 387-6739 for current rates and reservations.

Picnic Paradise

Taughannock Falls State Park has many picnic spots throughout the grounds, with the best views at North Point and South Point near the marina. 

The lakeside section has numerous tables with Cayuga Lake views, perfect for a meal after hiking. 

For larger groups, reserve one of three pavilions, priced from $50 to $200 depending on size. 

Pavilions hold 25 to 100 people and can be booked up to 11 months ahead on ReserveAmerica.com. 

Many picnic areas have grills for cooking. 

The south pavilion is near the playground and beach for easy access. 

Pavilion reservations require a $7.25 reservation fee plus the rental cost. Reserve at least 14 days in advance or call for last-minute availability.

Winter Wonderland

Taughannock Falls State Park stays open year-round with winter activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. 

The Rice Hill area becomes a popular sledding spot when snow accumulates, with a warming hut and wood stove at the top. 

Two shallow ponds freeze for ice skating in cold weather. 

Cross-country ski on the multi-use trails through the forest near Rice Hill, with views of Cayuga Lake. 

The Gorge Trail usually stays open all winter to see ice formations on the waterfall. 

Parking areas at both the top and bottom of Rice Hill make access easy. 

The trails are less crowded in winter for a more peaceful experience. 

Winter brings dramatic changes to the gorge with ice and snow formations.

Camping Comforts

Taughannock Falls State Park provides 68 pet-friendly campsites for RVs and tents from April through October 2025. 

Sites in Camping Area A have gravel pads, fire pits, and picnic tables under shady trees. 

The western campground has 18 back-in sites with 30-amp electric hookups for trailers up to 30 feet. 

You must book at least 2 nights, with reservations available 9 months ahead. 

Comfort stations with hot showers are clean and well-maintained. 

The day-use fee ($9) covers entry to other NY state parks on the same day. 

Water spigots are placed between campsites for easy access. 

The 2025 camping season runs from May 17 to October 14.

Rustic Cabin Retreats

The park has 16 rustic cabins as an alternative to tent camping, with room for four people in each cabin. 

Cabins come with a refrigerator and electrical outlets, plus an outdoor fire pit and picnic table. 

Find these cabins on the lake side of Route 89, some with views of Cayuga Lake from the porch. 

For 2025, book cabins at least 2 nights in off-peak times or 7-14 nights in peak season (June 20-August 24). 

Two cabins are accessible for visitors with disabilities. Cabins are available from May 17 to October 14, 2025. 

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. 

Out-of-state residents pay an additional $7 per night.

Visitor Information

Find Taughannock Falls State Park at 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886. 

The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round. 

Vehicle entry costs $9 daily, collected from sunrise to sunset. 

New York residents 62+ get free entry on non-holiday weekdays with ID. 

Consider the $80 Empire Pass for unlimited visits to all NY state parks for a year. 

Use the pay stations when no attendant is present. For questions, call the park office at (607) 387-6739. 

The park is located about 8 miles north of Ithaca.

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