🏞️ Waterfalls, Gorges, and Epic Views Across New York

A seven‑day journey through New York’s most dramatic landscapes — from the mossy, cathedral‑like gorges of the Finger Lakes to the towering canyon walls of Letchworth and the thunderous finale at Niagara Falls. This adventure blends short hikes, scenic overlooks, and relaxed pacing, creating a road‑trip that feels equal parts epic and effortless. A week of adventure and a lifetime of memories. Every stop is chosen for maximum scenic payoff, easy access, and unforgettable photo moments, making it perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves exploring beautiful places with great company.

🏁 Day 1 – Travel to Warsaw, NY
Overnight: Warsaw, NY

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🌄 Day 2 – Letchworth + Finger Lakes
Overnight: Elmira, NY

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🌊 Letchworth State Park
📍 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
🧭 42.5936° N, 77.9750° W
🌟 Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” — dramatic gorge with three major waterfalls (Upper, Middle, Lower Falls).

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🌊 Stony Brook State Park
📍 10820 NY-36, Dansville, NY 14437
🧭 42.5717° N, 77.6969° W
🌟 Known for its narrow gorge trail with a series of cascading waterfalls.

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🌊 Watkins Glen State Park
📍 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
🧭 42.3809° N, 76.8730° W
🌟 Famous for 19 waterfalls in 2 miles — stone bridges and spiral gorge trails.

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🌄 Day 3 – Ithaca Area Waterfalls
Overnight: Elmira, NY

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🌊 Shequaga Falls
📍 2 W Main St, Montour Falls, NY 14865
🧭 42.3476° N, 76.8469° W
🌟 156-foot waterfall that drops right in the middle of town.

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🌊 Eagle Cliff Falls
📍 135 Havana Glen Rd, Montour Falls, NY 14865
🧭 42.3514° N, 76.8427° W
🌟 Multi-tier waterfall tucked inside a lush glen.

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🌊 Hector Falls
📍 Along NY-414, Hector, NY 14841
🧭 42.4929° N, 76.8738° W
🌟 Tall roadside waterfall with dramatic layered rock backdrop.

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🌊 Robert H. Treman State Park
📍 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
🧭 42.4008° N, 76.5853° W
🌟 Known for Lucifer Falls and rugged Enfield Glen gorge.

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🌊 Buttermilk Falls State Park
📍 112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
🧭 42.4176° N, 76.5258° W
🌟 Stepped cascade waterfall right near the entrance.

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🌊 Ithaca Falls Natural Area
📍 Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850
🧭 42.4532° N, 76.5036° W
🌟 150-foot wide curtain waterfall — very accessible.

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🌄 Day 4 – Finger Lakes to Cazenovia
Overnight: Cazenovia, NY

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🌊 Carpenter Falls
📍 3350 Appletree Point Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
🧭 42.7563° N, 76.4234° W
🌟 90-foot waterfall in a scenic forest gorge.

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🌊 Taughannock Falls State Park
📍 2221 Taughannock Park Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
🧭 42.5446° N, 76.6005° W
🌟 215-foot waterfall — taller than Niagara Falls.

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🌊 Chittenango Falls State Park
📍 7170 Gorge Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035
🧭 42.9873° N, 75.8513° W
🌟 167-foot waterfall with a classic postcard view.
Fillmore Glen State Park
1686 NY-38, Moravia NY 13118, Multiple waterfalls on a gorge trail

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🌄 Day 5 – Catskills Waterfall Loop
🏨 Recommended Town to Stay: Woodstock, NY
Charming, central, walkable, great restaurants.

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🌊 Diamond Notch Falls
📍 Diamond Notch Rd, West Kill, NY 12492
🧭 42.1887° N, 74.3238° W
🌟 Secluded double waterfall in forest wilderness.

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🌊 Vernooy Kill Falls
📍 Upper Cherrytown Rd, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
🧭 41.8440° N, 74.3860° W
🌟 Peaceful multi-tier cascade in remote woodland.

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🌊 Plattekill Falls
📍 Platte Clove Rd, Hunter, NY 12442
🧭 42.1359° N, 74.0903° W
🌟 Twin-drop waterfall in a dramatic mountain cove.

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🌊 Bastion Falls
📍 NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436
🧭 42.1930° N, 74.1022° W
🌟 Roadside cascade at entrance to Kaaterskill Cove.

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🌊 Kaaterskill Falls
📍 Laurel House Rd, Hunter, NY 12442
🧭 42.1938° N, 74.0636° W
🌟 Iconic 260-foot two-tier waterfall — one of NY’s tallest.

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🌊 Day 6 – Niagara Falls
Overnight: Erie, PA (shorter drive home)

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🌊 Niagara Falls
📍 Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
🧭 43.0962° N, 79.0377° W
🌟 World-famous trio: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls & Horseshoe Falls.

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🌙 Best Stop After Niagara
✔ Erie, PA – Shorter final drive
✔ Or Cleveland, OH if you want more dining/lodging options

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🚗 Final Day – Return to Lexington, KY
Erie → Lexington ≈ 6 hours
Cleveland → Lexington ≈ 5 hours

You will be in charge of your own meals and lodging. The Microtel Inn and Suites is the only hotel in the area of Letchworth State Park. I'll announce the other hotels as I find them. I've been in this area twice before.