Chasing Waterfalls in New York

 “A river cuts through a rock, not because of its power but because of its persistence.”  –Jim Watkins

The best thing about having a rainy summer...lots of water at the falls. A lot of the smaller falls around upstate New York can be dry by July and August, but this year they are amazing. We've visited 18 waterfalls so far this summer. Eight of those were this past week while we took a short getaway to Cazenovia. All were on our way there and back to Ithaca. There are waterfalls everywhere up here.

Bucktail Falls - I think this was our favorite spot. Located right off the road and only a few locals were there. We were told there was a trail that led to at least five more falls, but we were on our way to Skaneateles for lunch and decided we would have to do the hike this time. This is one of the falls that becomes a trickle when the weather dries up. It was beautiful the day we were there.

Enchanted Hollow Falls - Some falls are spectacular, others are beautiful for where they are. These falls were small, but the hike was fun and it was a little bit of a challenge to find our way. The payoff was worth it. Everything was so green and lush.

Tinker's Falls - These falls are easy to get to, plenty of parking and a flat gravel trail until you reach the bottom of the falls. Steep, slippery steps lead to the back of the falls and that's where the challenge begins. These falls are a combination of falls the top drops about 50 to a rocky cascade of 30 ft.  

Delphi Falls - These falls are located in a county park and very easy to get too. Swimming at our own risk is allowed and the park would be a great place to spend a warm summer day. Grills and picnic tables are available.

Chittenango Falls - These falls are in a state park right outside of Cazenovia. They can be viewed with little effort from the top, but the best way to really see how pretty they are is to hike down to the bottom.

Three Falls Woods - This area was wonderful to hike and explore. It’s named for the three major waterfalls, but there are many more to be discovered while you climb up, over and through the creeks.

Pratt's Falls - These falls are also located in a nice county park. There’s a viewing platform at the top, but it doesn't give you a very good view of the falls. The best way to see them is to take the steps down to the bottom...even here the park limits your access and the woods block some of the view.

Fellows Falls - I have seen beautiful pictures of these falls taken from the creek at the bottom of the falls, but we couldn't figure out how to get to the creek safely.