A quick, easy hike through a wooded gorge leads directly into the waterfall amphitheater.

There are three ways to see Taughannock Falls:

1. Hike to base of the falls via the Gorge Trail (easy hike)

The Gorge Trail is a quick, easy hike through a wooded gorge that leads directly to the amphitheater of Taughannock Falls. The views at the base of the falls are incredibly impressive, as Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet into the pool directly in front of you.

This hike is 1.8 miles out and back and can be completed in about an hour.

2. Go to the upper viewing platform (no hiking required)

You can also see Taughannock Falls from above via the upper viewing platform - no hiking required! Just put in "Taughannock Falls Overlook View Point" into Google Maps.

3. Hike the nearby North Rim and South Rim Trail Loop (easy - moderate hike)

This loop is 2.9 miles and circles the upper part of the gorge. From there, you can get more completely unobstructed, picture perfect views of Taughannock Falls.

Note: Taughannock Falls is accessible year round, but the falls usually dry up in the middle of summer. The best time to visit is in the spring.

Tip: Your visit to Taughannock Falls can be easily combined with Buttermilk Falls, Robert H Treman and Watkins Glen State Parks as part of a Finger Lakes NY road trip.