Get Out and Explore Stunning Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes

Adventure in Upstate New York!

There are so many incredible things to do in the Finger Lakes - especially when the region is alight in the beautiful colors of fall. One of our favorite ways to enjoy fall colors in Upstate New York is to visit the top-rated Finger Lakes waterfalls. 

There are several Finger Lakes waterfalls spread throughout this magnificent part of Upstate New York, including the famous Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park. Beyond hiking to Finger Lakes Waterfalls and enjoying the scenic fall beauty that way, there are some great scenic drives in the area and plenty of other attractions worth seeing. 

Let's also not forget the remarkable Finger Lakes Wineries that dot this scenic part of the state. The Finger Lakes Wineries represent one of the country's fastest-growing and most popular wine-tasting regions. In addition to being home to several highly-rated Finger Lakes Wineries, the area is also home to some wonderful breweries, distilleries, and restaurants. 

With so many great food and wine experiences and plenty of beautiful scenery to marvel at - you can be assured there's something in the Finger Lakes for everyone. Take your stay to the next level and stay at one of the top-rated Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts, backed by the Select Registry network of boutique Inns. View this great guide to Finger Lakes Waterfalls from our Select Registry member Inn at Gothic Eves.

With 50 years of excellence in the hospitality industry, Select Registry Inns and Innkeepers bring warmth and dedication to every stay. Chase Finger Lakes waterfalls and sip and swirl your way through Finger Lakes wineries with us this fall, and experience the Select Registry difference firsthand. Book your Upstate New York getaways today! 

The Top Finger Lakes Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, the Finger Lakes is the destination for you! There are several stunning Finger Lakes Waterfalls spread throughout the region, three of which are close to at least one of our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts. 

Though visiting Finger Lakes waterfalls is always a beautiful experience - and they are a popular place to cool off in the summer - they are perhaps even more beautiful than they are in the fall, each surrounded by the vibrant hues of fall.

Below, we'll examine three of the most popular Finger Lakes waterfalls, all found at popular New York State Parks, that we think are worth the visit this fall. We'll also include even more recommendations for other Finger Lakes waterfalls to see if you feel so inclined!

Taughannock Falls State Park

Though there are plenty of smaller and still beautiful Finger Lakes waterfalls to see in and around Ithaca, none of them are more impressive than Taughannock Falls. It's the tallest waterfall in New York, at a magnificent 215 feet high. Compare that to the 167-foot-high Niagara Falls, and you can see why the crowds flock to this most impressive of Finger Lakes Waterfalls. 

Though the falls themselves are worth the visit, what makes Taughannock Falls State Park so impressive is the canyon in which it's found. You'll have to hike just under 1 mile to reach the end of the canyon and the waterfall, but it's level and reasonably accessible for most travelers. The journey is stunning, as it's surrounded by colorful forest and tall canyon walls made from sandstone, shale, and limestone. 

Taughannock Falls is undoubtedly the top attraction here. Still, there are also a couple of bonus Finger Lakes waterfalls found along Taughannock Creek, not to mention some shoreline on Cayuga Lake - the perfect place for a romantic afternoon picnic!

Watkins Glen State Park

As popular and magnificent as Taughannock Falls State Park is, there is no park more iconic than Watkins Glen State Park, which is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake and is pictured above. Here, you'll find plenty of Finger Lakes Waterfalls to enjoy, in addition to a gorge-filled landscape, with charming stone staircases, tunnels, and bridges that will take your breath away. 

Walking the trail through Watkins Glen State Park is one of our favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes in the fall. The hike is approximately 2 miles long and includes about 800 stone steps (which can get slippery when wet). Don't let that daunt you, though - as your effort will be more than rewarded by the 19 sensational Finger Lakes waterfalls you'll encounter along the way. 

Letchworth Falls State Park

For even more impressive gorges and beautiful Finger Lakes waterfalls, head to Letchworth State Park, located near the town of Mt. Morris, west of the Finger Lakes. This gorgeous area has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East," and you'll see why the moment you arrive. 

There are three major Finger Lakes Waterfalls located within the park, each tucked in amongst the steep cliffs of the gorge (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls). Some of these canyon walls tower up to 600 feet above the river - it's truly a breathtaking sight to behold, and the power of the water roaring through this area is undeniable. 

Though the waterfalls are the star of the show here, there are also more than 60 miles of hiking trails to enjoy, offering a truly memorable fall day of immersion in nature. It's also popular for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. 

Other great Finger Lakes Waterfalls worth visiting include: 

• Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
• Lick Brook Gorge
• Buttermilk Falls State Park
• Bahar Nature Preserve and Carpenter Falls

Unwind at Finger Lakes Wineries

Though we could spend days chasing these gorgeous Finger Lakes wineries, there's a lot more to this fantastic area - including visits to the top Finger Lakes wineries. This region has been growing and refining its delicious wines for decades and is now recognized as one of the top wine-producing areas in the country and the 3rd largest. 

Join us in the Finger Lakes this fall, and you'll have access to more than 100 Finger Lakes wineries. Most of the wineries are found around Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes – but with a few up near Canandaigua Lake and beyond. The Finger Lakes Region is particularly well-known for its production of aromatic white varietals like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, but it's also gaining popularity with cool-climate reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.  

Below, we've listed a few of our favorite wineries to visit and included the nearby lake for reference. 

1. Don't miss Glenora Wine Cellars, the original Seneca Lake winery. Their award-winning wines continually land them on list after list of "must-see" Finger Lakes wineries. 
2. Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery, also on Seneca Lake, offers a broad range of regional varietals.
3. Lamoreaux Landing's Rieslings are delightful, don't miss their award-winning T23 Unoaked Cabernet Franc. You'll find this gem on Seneca Lake.
4. Boundary Breaks Vineyard is perfect for sipping a glass of Reisling, especially at sunset. It offers gorgeous views over Seneca Lake. 
5. Hermann J. Weimer Vineyard was one of the first Finger Lakes wineries in the area and worth a stop to taste their impeccable Rieslings. They are on Seneca Lake. 
6.  A Cayuga Lake Staple, Hosmer Winery is a stop you don't want to miss. 
7. For great lakeside views on Cayuga Lake, head to Sheldrake Point Winery. Don't miss the chance to taste one of the rare Gamay Noirs in the region.
8. Heart and Hands winery is a delightful boutique winery on Cayuga Lake that focuses on small-lot Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. 
9. Keuka Springs Vineyard on Keuka Lake offers everything from crisp, dry rosé and a typically floral Gewürztraminer to sweet ice wine. It's a great stop when the weather is warm!
10. At Ravines Wine Cellars on Keuka Lake, sit back and relax with a delicious glass of Cabernet Franc. You won't be disappointed.
11. If you're looking for something more unique, try the Black Russian Red at McGregor Vineyard on Keuka Lake. 
12. Don't miss Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, the first to experiment with cool-climate grapes in the area. You'll find it on Keuka Lake.

There are also plenty of delightful Finger Lakes Wineries up by Canandaigua Lake and many more in the area worth visiting. Your Innkeeper will be more than happy to make personal recommendations while you're staying in the area! Are you ready to get away this fall? Book a stay at one of the top-rated Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts below. The Finger Lakes waterfalls are waiting! 

Top-Rated Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts

Inn at Gothic Eves

After a day of tasting award-winning wines, beers, ciders or cheese, hiking to a 215 ft waterfall or the other 20 waterfalls, enjoying a wonderful meal in 5 star rated restaurant, and visiting Cornell or Ithaca College, you can find a comfortable luxurious suite at The Inn at Gothic Eves to rest your head. Guest choose our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast because of its access to nature, our spa, our breakfasts and of course to explore the Fingers Lakes.

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Geneva on the Lake Boutique Resort Hotel

Settle into luxurious comfort at Geneva On The Lake, a historic boutique resort hotel and restaurant in Geneva, New York, situated on 10 beautiful acres overlooking Seneca Lake in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. A landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Geneva On The Lake’s charming past and long-time history as a AAA Four-Diamond Award Winner in hospitality are evident the moment you walk through the door.

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Chalet of Canandaigua Bed and Breakfast

Be our guest at this 30-acre luxury boutique B&B rated #1 in Canandaigua and in the Finger Lakes and one of the TOP 25 Best B&B's in the U.S. by Trip Advisor in 2014-2019.

The Chalet is tucked into the wooded hills of Canandaigua, NY providing a private location and a peaceful retreat complete with a grand pond and walking trails, yet the attractions of wine country and the Finger Lakes are within easy reach.

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BrickInn

A stately 1915 Brick Colonial situated on a five-acre wooded parcel in the Historical Village of Mt Morris. Huge mature trees and seasonal flower gardens grace the large front yard.

The interior and five guest rooms at BrickInn are completely updated, bright, fresh, and comfortable with a touch of vintage flair honoring the home’s original detail. We all need a special place to get away and pause, BrickInn was created to be that special place.

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