This New York state park is home to a waterfall taller than Niagara—plus a swimming beach, waterfront camping & gorge hikes

Just a road trip from NYC, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a 215-foot waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, plus a swimming beach, waterfront camping, Cayuga Lake access and scenic gorge trails.

Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, Finger Lakes region, upstate New York, USA on a sunny day. — Getty Images / benedek

Sydney Hargrove

– Junior Staff Writer

· July 19, 2026

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Just a road trip from NYC, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains—a breathtaking 215-foot cascade that’s actually taller than Niagara Falls. But the famous waterfall is only the beginning.

The park also features a swimming beach on Cayuga Lake, waterfront campsites, scenic gorge trails, boat launches, fishing, picnic areas, and some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the Finger Lakes.

A scenic view of the Taughannock Falls in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. — Getty Images / Andrew F. Kazmierski

See a waterfall that’s taller than Niagara Falls

The park’s biggest claim to fame is Taughannock Falls, where water plunges an incredible 215 feet through towering rock cliffs. That’s 48 feet taller than Niagara Falls, making it one of New York’s most impressive natural wonders.

One of the best parts? You don’t have to tackle a strenuous hike to experience it. The relatively flat Gorge Trail follows Taughannock Creek directly to the base of the falls, offering dramatic cliff views the entire way before ending beneath the massive waterfall itself. For panoramic overlooks, visitors can also stop at the park’s upper viewing area.

Taughannock Falls is located in Ulysses in the mountain at Watkins Glen state park of New York State. ,at time during fall — Getty Images / New Saetiew

Spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking or camping

After hiking, head down to Cayuga Lake, where the park transforms into one of the Finger Lakes’ best summer recreation spots.

Visitors can cool off at the public swimming beach, launch kayaks or paddleboards, fish from the shoreline, or simply relax along the waterfront.

Want to make it a weekend? The park offers waterfront campsites and cabins, allowing visitors to wake up just steps from one of New York’s largest Finger Lakes.

Gorgeous hikes in every direction

While the Gorge Trail is the park’s signature walk, it’s far from the only option. Additional rim trails climb above the gorge for sweeping views of the cliffs, forests, and waterfall below.

Throughout summer, the park bursts with lush greenery, making nearly every overlook feel postcard-worthy.

Plan your visit

Taughannock Falls State Park is located just outside Ithaca in New York’s Finger Lakes region, roughly a 4½-hour drive from New York City.

The park is open year-round, though summer is one of the best times to visit thanks to swimming, camping, boating, and warm-weather hiking.