New York is officially getting a brand new state park, and it already sounds like the absolute perfect weekend escape.
Tucked away in the breathtaking Finger Lakes region, Three Falls State Park is set to transform a former Boy Scout camp into a sprawling 90-acre outdoor oasis.
With scenic gorge trails, restored waterfront cabins, and three distinct waterfalls right on the property, this newly announced destination is already being added to 2026 summer bucket lists.
Located on the southwest shore of Cayuga Lake, just a stone’s throw north of the beloved Taughannock Falls State Park, this upcoming addition to the New York park system is a nature lover’s dream.
The undisputed star of the show here is Frontenac Falls. This visually arresting natural wonder drops 128 feet down a dramatic cliff face of black Geneseo shale into a serene plunge pool below.
Brand new hiking paths and waymarked routes are being specifically designed to give visitors front-row seats to all three of the park’s namesake cascades.
The adventure definitely does not stop at waterfall chasing either.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is teaming up with local organizations to bring fresh life to the property while holding onto its rustic charm.
“The Village of Trumansburg is thrilled to be a partner in this once-in-a-century opportunity to bring additional public lands to the shores of Cayuga Lake,” Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart shared in the official announcement.
Nature enthusiasts will soon be able to book overnight stays in completely restored camp cabins or catch live music in upgraded event spaces.
For aquatic explorers, new docks and kayak launches will provide direct access to Cayuga Lake for a tranquil day of paddling and sailing.
Because this 90-acre waterfront site is so incredibly lush, environmental preservation is a massive part of the master plan.
A brand new nature center is in the works to help visitors dive into the region’s rich biodiversity. You can learn all about the local wildlife, from honeybees and coyotes to a protected population of nesting peregrine falcons that call the gorge home.
The educational space ties perfectly into the state’s initiative to help New Yorkers leave their screens behind.
“Through important partnerships like this, we’re advancing Governor Hochul’s vision to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside’ making it easier for them to stay active and connect with nature,” said OPRHP Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser.
While the exact timeline for all these shiny new amenities is still rolling out in phases, Three Falls State Park is already shaping up to be a crown jewel of upstate New York.
Plus, it serves as the ultimate launchpad to explore the celebrated wine region that surrounds it, or even take a detour to other hidden gem waterfall towns nearby.
At just a few hours away from the city, it provides the ultimate excuse to getaway.
The park is officially open now to visit! Will you take a trip Upstate to check it out?
