If you’ve covered every nook and cranny of Western New York, it may be time to branch your hiking adventures out to other areas of New York State.
With summer just around the corner and the weather finally warming up, now’s the perfect time to plan a little weekend getaway to check out some of the best hiking trails that our state has to offer. From lesser known trails with waterfall views, to mountain high look outs and swimming holes, there’s so much to explore. Grab some friends and pack the car, because these hikes are totally worth every minute of the drive!
As always, remember to leave no trace and be sure to follow posted signage!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
@deannanicole96 10/10 recommend during fall. #waterfall #fall #scenicview #upstateny #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Hallucinogenics – Matt Maeson
1. Grimes Glen
4703 Vine St, Naples, NY 14512 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 2hrs
Trail Length: 1.1 miles
Trail Features: Located in the Finger Lakes region, Grimes Glen is considered an easier hike that can be completed in less than an hour. To cool down on a hot summer day, there are two 60ft waterfalls along the trail. If you are looking for more of a challenge with even more waterfalls, check out the nearby Conklin Gully 12 Falls trail and make it a full day adventure.
ADVERTISEMENT
@travelwithsudipa Must do bucket list Experience in Upstate NY- Full video tour link in bio #ausablechasm #upstateny #newyorktravelguide #waterfallhike🗻❤️ #escapenyc #nycgetaways #adirondackpark #upstatenytiktok💯 ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
2. Ausable Chasm
2144 US-9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 6hrs
Trail Length: Various trails, 5 miles altogether
Trail Features: This is a bit of a drive from Buffalo, but it is considered “The Grand Canyon of The Adirondacks” so it is 100% worth it for a weekend trip. Here you’ll find 5 miles of hiking trails, white water rafting, riverwalks, tubing float tours, and more. This is a tourist destination so entry is not free and early visits are recommended to avoid large crowds.
@travelwithfatima_ One of the prettiest waterfalls in New York. Watkins have 19 waterfalls throughout this 2 mile trail. #newyork #watkinsglenstatepark #hike #upstatenewyork #waterfall #nature #fyp ♬ Fall Rain – July
3. Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Loop
1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 2hrs 30 mins
Trail Length: 4.2 miles
Trail Features: This trail is considered fairly moderate in difficulty but offers some gorge-ous views. The gorge path winds in and out of waterfalls with unique rock formations along the way in this roughly 2 hour loop trail.
@emilyyyann104 Welcome to Chimney Bluffs NY😍⛰ #chimneybluffs #exploreny #traveltiktok ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco
4. Chimney Bluffs Trail
7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 2hrs
Trail Length: 1.3 miles
Trail Features: Taking you to the edge of Lake Ontario, the Chimney Bluffs Trail offers a look over the water as well as unique “chimney” clay formations.
ADVERTISEMENT
@basicallyemilyphoto Ithaca New York travel guide- Taughnocck Falls, Ithaca. #camping #hiking #naturelove #nature #ithaca #newyorktravel #viral #fypシ #viral #waterfalls ♬ Sleep On The Floor – The Lumineers
5. Ithaca WaterFalls
Ithaca, NY 14850 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 2hrs 45 mins
Trail Length: Various trails
Trail Features: Ithaca is home to over 150 waterfalls so we simply could not pick one trail. Trails range from easy to difficult so there is something for every skill level. Some popular trails include the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail, Lucifer Falls Gorge Trail, and the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail.
@poweredbymonsterenergy #totravelistolive#exploretheworld#traveltiktok#traveltok#catskills#kaaterskillfalls#waterfall#nature#naturalbeauty#rocks#naturephotography#travel#travellife#hike#ny#newyork ♬ black out days – solartunne
6. Kaaterskill Falls Trail
103 Laurel House Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 5hrs 10 mins
Trail Length: 1.4 miles
Trail Features: Located in the Catskills, this hike brings you face to face with Kaaterskill Falls which drops 260ft in elevation. From the top of the falls, you can see a breathtaking view of the Hudson River Valley. If you are looking to explore the rest of the region, hop on the Kaaterskill Trolley to check out nearby shops and dining.
@travelwithsudipa #whitefacemountain #lakeplacidny #upstateny #upstatenycheck #escapenyc @travelwithsudipa ♬ A beautiful view. Bitter sweet symphony – L a l y 𓅓 | granola things
7. Whiteface Mountain
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, NY-431, Wilmington, NY 12997 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 6hrs
Trail Length: 0.2 miles
Trail Features: Whiteface is the fifth highest peak in the New York which means the views from the top are impeccable. While there are various trails at White Mountain, the vehicle accessible trail via Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway is the best option for a quick arrival at the top and a short hike to the summit along the Alpine Nature Trail. At the peak, you’ll find a castle built from native stone, a restaurant, and gift shop.
ADVERTISEMENT
@sunnyinsyracuse Underground waterfalls are the coolest. #GetTheWChallenge #upstateny #waterfall #newyork #birthday #adventure ♬ Outdoors – Colin Tierney
8. Secret Caverns
671 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 4hrs
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Trail Features: Secret Caverns is a tourist attraction so there is a fee but it’s well worth it. This hike involves a roughly 1hr long guided tour through a cave that ends with a 100ft underground waterfall.
@amorraytravels Fun fact: this water flows into the Roundout Reservoir, which provides water for more than 9 million people in NYC! ✅ #newyorker #swimminghole #nature #adventure #waterfalls #nycgetaway #newyork #travel #newyork #getaway #ny ♬ chicken tikka – moustache enthusiast
9. Peekamoose Blue Hole
Peekamoose Rd, Sundown, NY 12740 / More Info
Time from Buffalo: 5hrs
Trail Length: 4.5 miles
Trail Features: This hike takes you through the Catskill Forest Preserve to a natural swimming hole. The Blue Hole gets its name due to its gorgeous turquoise color. Due to the popularity of this hike, permits are now required to hike to the Blue Hole which can be obtained for $10 in advance.
