Underrated Waterfalls in Upstate New York (Avoid the Crowds) . New York isn’t just a concrete jungle. Drive five hours north and you’ll hit a wonderland of gorges state parks, and roaring cascades. Everyone knows niagara falls . Everyone has seen the Instagram reel of Letch worth. But if you are reading Hidden Trip USA you don’t want the postcards. You want the underrated waterfalls in Upstate New York.
You want the spots where the parking lot isn’t overflowing by 9 AM. Places where you can dip your toes in the plunge pool without elbowing a tourist for a selfie.
I’ve driven thousands of miles across the Finger Lakes the Catskills and the Adirondack foothills to find the falls that don’t make the front page of travel magazines. Ready to chase some white noise? Let’s go.
Why Skip the Famous Falls for Hidden Gems?
Look Letch worth is amazing. But in a sunny Saturday it is like a shopping center parking area. The real enchantment of upstate New York is in the old industrial sites converting into waterfalls the secret swimming spots kept by local inhabitants at any cost and the hike where you encounter no one for two hours.
By chasing underrated falls you get:
- Solitude : Just you, the rocks and the roar.
- Free Parking : No $10 lots.
- Better Photos : No photobombers.
Here is my curated list of the 10 most underrated waterfalls in upstate new york you need to visit this season .
The “Staircase of Dreams” Buttermilk Falls
Yes Ithaca is famous for gorges . But everyone sprints to Taughannock. Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a different beast. It’s a long sliding staircase of water cascading over shale.
Why it’s underrated : People drive past it to get to the “bigger” names.
The Pro Tip : Skip the main pool. Hike the Gorge Trail. You’ll pass ten smaller swimmable pools.
Best time : Late May high flow or September fall colors reflecting in the plunge pools.
Eternal Flame Falls Chestnut Ridge Park
This is a party trick of nature. Behind a small waterfall lives a natural gas leak. Light it with a lighter and you have a flame dancing behind falling water.
The Reality Check : The flame goes out often. Bring a long lighter or waterproof matches.
The Hike : 1 mile round trip. It’s muddy. Wear boots.
Hidden Tip : Go at dusk. The contrast between the blue water and the orange flame is magical for photos.
Parker Falls (Catskills)
Most tourists drive Route 28 to get to Woodstock. They stop at the diners. They miss Parker Falls. It sits literally right off the road hidden behind a guardrail.
Why you’ll love it : Zero hiking required (wheelchair accessible view).
The Secret : Don’t just look from the bridge. Climb down the mossy bank (carefully!) to stand behind the falling water.
Safety Warning : The rocks are slicker than ice. Do not run. Do not wear flip flops.
Split Rock Falls (Elizabethtown)
If you like swimming in freezing pristine mountain water welcome to heaven. Split Rock Falls is a series of potholes and chutes carved into ancient marble.
Location : Just off the I-87 Northway (Exit 30).
The Vibe : Local teenagers doing cannonballs. Travelers with courage.
Actionable Tip : The water is 55°F (13°C) even in July. You will scream when you jump in. Do it anyway. The “natural waterslide” on the far right side is the main event.
The Abandoned Dam Falls Otselic Valley
This is for the urban explorers who love waterfalls. There is an abandoned, crumbling concrete dam in the middle of the Otselic Valley forest. The water spills over the broken dam, creating a veiled curtain of moss and rust.
Finding it : It’s unmarked. Use GPS for “Otselic River South Otselic.” Look for the old stone bridge.
Why it’s a gem : The contrast of rusted rebar green moss and white water makes a moody, unique photo.
Stay safe : Do not walk on the dam structure. It is actively collapsing.
Niagara of the Adirondacks? No. OK Slip Falls
OK slip falls is one of the tallest in the Adirondacks over 250 feet. For decades it was private property . Now it’s public but the hike keeps the lazy tourists away .
The Stats : 3.6 miles round trip. Moderate difficulty.
The Payoff : A massive ribbon of water dropping into a deep, emerald pool.
Pro Photographer Tip : You can’t see the full height from the main viewing platform. Take the unmarked herd path to the left of the platform for the “top down” view. Use a wide angle lens.
Stony Kill Falls (The Swim Spot)
Most waterfalls yell at you to stay on the boardwalk. Stony Kill says “Jump in.”
Located in the Verkeerderkill Falls area, this is a multi tiered beauty. The lower pool is deep enough for safe jumping (check depth first in early spring).
Parking : Small gravel lot off Clove Road. Gets full by 10 AM. Arrive at sunrise.
The Vibe : Feels like a secret jungle. Hemlock trees hang over the water.
Don’t forget : Water shoes are mandatory here. The bottom is rocky.
Shequaga Falls (Montour Falls)
Most “underrated” lists ignore village falls because they seem too “manicured.” I disagree. Shequaga falls drops 156 feet directly behind a public library and a pizza shop.
The Charm : You can eat a slice of pepperoni while staring at a major waterfall.
Best angle : Walk behind the falls via the small trail on the left side. In winter it freezes into a massive ice pillar.
Accessibility : Totally free. Totally open 24/7.
The Cascades of Cascade Creek (Watkins Glen)
I know I know. Watkins Glen is famous. But 95% of visitors stop at the main entrance . The real hidden magic is cascade creek just upstream.
How to find it : Park at the upper entrance (off Route 329) . Walk the Indian trail .
Why it’s better : You get the same stone bridges and dripping moss but you share the trail with maybe 3 people instead of 300.
The shot : The “Devil’s Oven” overlook. Stand on the wooden bridge. Wait for the sun to filter through the hemlocks.
Mossy Brook Falls (Private Property? No. Public Access.)
There is a rumor that Mossy Brook is illegal to visit. That is false. There is a public easement off River Road in the Southern Tier.
The Aesthetic : The water doesn’t fall. It sheets. It flows over a 40 foot wide slab of sedimentary rock creating a perfect curtain of white foam.
Best time : One hour before sunset. The golden light makes the spray look like diamonds.
Warning : The road is unpaved for the last half mile. Don’t bring a low clearance sports car.
Practical Guide to Chasing Underrated Waterfalls
Before you drive up from the city or Buffalo let’s talk logistics. These aren’t disney rides. They are wild places.
What to Pack (The Hidden Trip Kit)
- Water Shoes : Not flip flops. Keens or similar. You will thank me at Buttermilk and Split Rock.
- Bug Spray : The black flies in the Adirondacks (May-June) are evil. Use Deet or Picaridin.
- Dry Bag : For your phone and keys. You will drop something. Trust me.
- Headlamp : For Eternal Flame Falls. It gets dark in the woods fast.
Best Seasons for Waterfall Hunting
- Spring (April-June) : Maximum water volume. But trails are mud pits. High risk of slippery deaths. Be careful.
- Summer (July-Aug) : Low water but you can swim. Go early morning (7 AM) to avoid crowds.
- Fall (Sept-Oct) : Lowest flow but highest beauty. Maple leaves + white water = perfection.
- Winter (Nov-Mar) : Ice climbing only. Do not approach edges. Ice is unpredictable.
The “Leave No Trace” Reminder
Please. I am begging you. These spots are pristine because they are underrated.
- Pack out your trash (yes even banana peels).
- Do not stack rocks (cairns). It disturbs insect habitats.
- Pee 200 feet away from the water.
CTA :
Found a hidden cascade I didn’t list ? Drop a comment below with the name (or vague location) so the Hidden Trip community can explore it respectfully . And if this guide saved you from a crowded tourist trap share this post with a friend who needs to unplug this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these underrated waterfalls in Upstate New York free to visit ?
Yes 9 out of 10 on this list are free . Only buttermilk falls in Ithaca requires a state park entrance fee ($8-10 per car) but it’s worth it for the changing rooms and lifeguards in summer.
Can I swim in these waterfalls ?
You can swim at split rock falls stony kill falls and the lower pools of buttermilk Falls . Do not swim at oK slip falls (the current is a killer) or Parker Falls (shallow rocks).
Which waterfall is best for a beginner hiker ?
Parker falls and shequaga falls. You literally park your car and walk 30 seconds. Zero hiking required.
How do I get to Eternal Flame Falls without getting lost?
Park at the boston hills parking lot. Follow the creek downstream. Look for the white painted arrows on the trees. If you reach the big swimming hole you went too far.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, but keep them leashed at buttermilk and oK slip falls. At split rock falls unleashed dogs are common but there are cliff edges. Use your judgment.
What is the closest underrated waterfall to NYC?
Parker falls in the cats kills. About 2 hours and 15 minutes from midtown. Perfect for a day trip.
Is it dangerous to go behind a waterfall?
Yes. The rocks are coated in slippery algae. At parker falls you can stand safely behind it. At niagara? No. never go behind large volume falls. Use common sense.
Which waterfall looks best in winter?
Shequaga falls (montour falls). It freezes into a solid 156 foot ice tower. It looks like a fantasy movie set.
Do I need a permit for photography at these locations?
No. These are public lands or public easements. You only need permits for commercial film shoots . A simple camera or iPhone is fine.
What happens if I go during black fly season (May-June)?
You will be miserable without bug spray . The flies don’t bite hard but they swarm your face . Wear a hat with netting if you are sensitive . Go in July to avoid them .
Conclusion
Chasing the Underrated Waterfalls in Upstate New York (Avoid the Crowds) changed how I travel. I stopped caring about “famous” landmarks. Now I look for the sketchy dirt road pull off. I listen for the roar before I see the spray.
Whether you are jumping into the 55 degree water at split rock or lighting a flame at Eternal Flame these spots offer something the big parks can’t : Privacy and discovery .
Which one are you visiting first ? Did I miss your secret spot ? (Don’t tell everyone, just whisper it to me).