This post was written by guest blogger, Kim Crawford. All images were also captured by Kim and Adam Crawford. See their Instagram page at Family Adventures in New York State and their website at https://familyadventuresinnewyorkstate.com/
Waterfall chasing is something of an obsession for me, regardless of the season. In my mind, waterfalls can be just as stunning in the winter as they are in the summer. You can never see the same waterfall twice as the water level and seasonal rain are constantly changing their faces. Every waterfall is beautiful in its own way, but some are just magical.
Barcelona Falls – Barcelona, NY
This waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem and probably my top favorite.. Located in the small town of Barcelona, this waterfall flows right into Lake Erie and is incredible to see.
Why we Love it:
While it’s not constantly flowing at total capacity, when it is, it’s spectacular. Couple that will a lovely beach walk to reach it and you have yourself one romantic destination.
Know Before You Go:
You will want to keep an eye on the water table and try to visit after a good rain. We visited in the late fall, and while it wasn’t truly flowing at its best, the entire setting was breathtaking. Lake Erie was pretty low, so there was more beach in between the waterfall and the lake. If it’s a wet spring, the waterfall can flow directly into the lake.
The Eternal Flame Falls – Orchard Park, NY
The Eternal Flame Falls is something of a legend in New York State. People travel from far and wide to see this enchanting waterfall because it has a unique attribute, a natural gas flame inside the falls.
Why we Love it:
This is an exquisite waterfall with a flame underneath of it; what is not to love? The hike to the falls is pretty spectacular too!
Know Before You Go:
This is a very popular waterfall. If you want to avoid the crowds, you will need to get there early; otherwise, you might have to wait a few minutes while other people are jostling for position to get a picture in front of the falls. The hike down to the Eternal Flame can be slippery and muddy after it rains. Proper footwear is an absolute must here.
Russell Brook Falls – Roscoe, NY
If you find yourself in the Catskill Mountains, you won’t want to miss this gorgeous waterfall. It might not be as tall as some of the more famous waterfalls in the region, but the natural beauty of the gorge around it makes it a stunning place to explore.
Why We Love it:
This waterfall is off the beaten path, but that is what makes it so incredible. Its remote location creates a solitude that brings meaning to “getting away from it all.” Like many Catskill waterfalls, this waterfall has large rocks, creating multiple drops to the falls. If you climb above the main falls, there are a series of smaller falls and the remains of what appears to be an old bridge.
Know Before You Go:
This isn’t an easy waterfall to find. Between spotty cell service and my GPS sending us way out of the way, it took us a while to finally locate the falls. However, once you find it, you will be glad you persevered; it’s breathtaking.
Three Falls Woods – Manlius, NY
Another unique destination, Three Falls Woods, has several different habitats to hike through. However, its the waterfalls that stand in a direct line along the top of the escarpment that’s the draw for this nature preserve.
Why we Love it:
Don’t get me wrong, I love the waterfalls here, but the high cliff walls surround the valley floor bring the awe value to this preserve. The way the cliffs cut in and out like giant castles walls is stunning. There are also numerous streams running through the valley floor that add an element of wildness to this destination.
Know Before You Go:
These waterfalls are extremely seasonal. The creeks dry up in the summer and leave them barely trickling. This is one of those places that is a winter destination. To capture a picture of the falls all in a row, you need to visit when they are frozen. We visited in the Spring, and we just could capture the same picture of the three falls when the snow and ice were gone.
Excelsior Glen – Watkins Glen, NY
There are many waterfalls spread throughout the Finger Lakes, but this one holds a special place in our hearts. Maybe because my son has always been a huge Jurassic Park fan and the lower falls make me feel like I have stepped back into prehistoric time.
Why we Love it:
Every time we have visited these waterfalls (there is more than one), we have had the place completely to ourselves. This isn’t one of those roped-off, paved for your safety kind of places. This is a wild bit of nature, hidden away from the world.
Know Before You Go:
There are three waterfalls here, but it is challenging to reach the top falls. This is a sneaker/hiking boots-only destination. It takes some dexterity to climb up to the second falls and expect to get your feet wet.
Chittenango Falls – Cazenovia, NY
If there were a quintessential waterfall, Chittenango Falls would be it. Just the way the water flows down over the massive falls, cascading over the jetting rocks, creates a stunning picturesque waterfall.
Why we Love it:
The view from the bottom of the falls is nothing short of fantastic. Magnificent waterfall aside, Chittenango Falls State Park is home to an endangered snail called the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail. This is the only place in the world where these snails can be found.
Know Before You Go:
This is another waterfall that you want to hit early in the day because of its popularity, especially in the spring. We visited in the early fall and didn’t have to compete with many people to enjoy the falls. There are multiple viewing areas; however, getting to the bottom isn’t for everyone. The path is steep and uneven (and closed in the winter).
Tinker Falls – Tully, NY
You’ll also want to view this waterfall in the winter because it’s one of the most unique waterfall experiences you can have in New York State. Tinker Falls is an excellent example of a hanging waterfall, which, if you catch it when it is flowing, is exquisite. Otherwise, this waterfall can be nothing but a trickle. When it is frozen, it is an amazing sight to see, especially from behind, as you walk through the cavern behind it.
Why we Love it:
Walking behind this waterfall, regardless of the time of year, is a pretty fantastic experience. What drew us here was everything else there is to do in the area. Tinker Falls is located in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area, which is appropriately named. This destination provides hours of outdoor fun between the Hang Gliding Launch Site at the top of the hill (providing a spectacular view of the valley) and the Labrador Hollow boardwalk.
Know Before You Go:
The area around Tinker Falls can be exceptionally slippery in the winter. You will want to have crampons or some sort of gripping surface of your boots. You can’t climb up behind the falls in the winter without them. If you want to see the waterfall in warm weather, the best time is in the early spring in the winter runoff.
About the Author
Kim and Adam Crawford live in Upstate New York with their two children. Kim and Adam have made their love of travel, outdoor adventures, photography, and their home state into a passion project, their website, Familyadventuresinnewyorkstate.com. Family Adventures helps readers find fun family outings and adventures, as well as hidden and little-known destinations in New York State.
Resources
USDA Forest Service: Visit Us-Waterfall Safety