Ranking ·
2026 Best Waterfalls in New York
We prioritized height, flow reliability, and accessibility. Each pick links to a full schema-ready detail page.
Top of the New York ranking is Kaaterskill Falls (Catskill Mountains) — the tallest waterfall in the Catskills and the most-photographed drop in the Northeast for fall color.
Editor’s picks
Editor's picks across New York's headline waterfalls — start with the marquee Catskills cascade, then the Finger Lakes gorges:
- Kaaterskill Falls — the 260-foot two-tiered Catskills cascade central to the Hudson River School of 19th-century landscape painting — 2.6-mile loop via the Laurel House Road trailhead, peak fall foliage mid-October to early November.
- Taughannock Falls — the 215-foot Finger Lakes plunge taller than Niagara's American Falls — easy 0.75-mile gorge trail outside Ithaca.
- Niagara Falls — the marquee North American waterfall — drive-up Bridal Veil and American Falls on the US side.
Waterfall type
Difficulty
Amenities
#1
4.6167 ft (50.9 m)0.1 mi · Drive_upBlockDrive_upNiagara Falls
Niagara County, NY
Niagara Falls is a 167-foot block waterfall in Niagara County, New York, reached by drive-up access over 0.1 miles.
View details →#2
4.3260 ft (79.2 m)2.6 mi · ModerateTieredModerateKaaterskill Falls
Greene County, NY
Kaaterskill Falls is a 260-foot tiered waterfall in Greene County, New York, reached by a moderate hike over 2.6 miles.
View details →#3
4.1215 ft (65.5 m)1.9 mi · EasyPlungeEasyTaughannock Falls
Tompkins County, NY
Taughannock Falls is a 215-foot plunge waterfall in Tompkins County, New York, reached by an easy walk over 1.9 miles.
View details →