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Niagara Falls and BeyondExploring More than 100 Waterfalls in New York’s Greater Niagara and Finger Lakes RegionsWhile Niagara Falls is New York State’s best known waterfall, there are actually more than 100 additional places to see spectacular cascades in the Finger Lakes and Greater Niagara regions. Western New York’s many waterfalls are situated against a spectacular backdrop of gorges, rock formations and dense forests, which offer shutterbugs, hikers, campers and boaters plenty of places to explore. The rocky terrain complementing the waterfalls was carved out millions of years ago by receding glaciers and rivers. A sample of waterfalls found within two hours of Niagara Falls include: High Falls of the Genesee River: Juxtaposed against the skyline of downtown Rochester, this 96-foot waterfall provides the name for the city’s historic High Falls District and demonstrates why the Genesee River is considered the crown jewel of the region.
Letchworth State Park: Anyone who witnesses the precipitous cliffs that are up to 600 feet tall and the three breathtaking waterfalls of Letchworth State Park immediately understands why this 14,350-acre preserve in Western New York earned the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”
Watkins Glen State Park: Located near the southern edge of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park is a top attraction in the Finger Lakes region. The reason: within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 gorgeous waterfalls along the way. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade, the tallest waterfall of the park. The 60-foot waterfall plummets into another one of the parks unique features – deep "plunge" pools. These seemingly bottomless pools are caused by the swirling of sand and stones wearing away at the tough siltstone in the stream bed.
If you’re looking for an outdoors adventure or just want to witness wonders of nature, check out http://www.travellady.com/Special/outdoors.htm. Or if New York is the choice place for exploration, go to http://www.travellady.com/destinations/east.htm#New%20York. Edited by Esther Cho |
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A walking or guided tour of the waterfall and the nearby
area tells an intriguing history of the region. Once the supplier of power for
over two dozen flour mills located along the Genesee River in the early 1800’s,
the waterfall is now surrounded by historical sites. This includes a pedestrian
bridge with a panoramic view of the waterfall and quality cafés and restaurants.
An additional 67-foot waterfall, the Lower Falls, is one mile downstream from
High Falls. For more information, visit
The chasm was created through thousands of years of erosion
by the snaking pathway of the mighty Genesee River. It is surrounded by a lush
forest containing nearly every species of the eastern North American tree. The
park’s three gushing waterfalls, including one over 100 feet high, are a
spectacle that adds beauty to an already visually stunning display. More than 65
miles of hiking trails offer scenic vistas and easy access to prime
“waterfall-viewing” locations. Camping, horseback riding and boating
opportunities are also available. For more information, visit
Like Cavern Cascade, Rainbow Falls provides visitors with a
rare opportunity to walk behind a waterfall. As its name suggests, Rainbow Falls
also puts on a show on sunny days. Get there in the afternoon to catch the
rainbow. For more information, visit
Buttermilk Falls State Park: Buttermilk State Park is a
photographers paradise. Named for the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk
Creek, it flows down more than 500 feet toward Cayuga Lake. Located just south
of Ithaca, check out the park’s 10 spectacular waterfalls and miles of trails
winding through the gorge. The upper park is ideal for family outings with a
small lake, picnic areas and playing fields. For more information, visit