Beyond the famous rushing waters of Niagara Falls, Upstate New York harbors
countless hidden waterfalls tucked away in forgotten gorges and peaceful forests.
While tourists flock to well-known spots, local adventurers know that the region’s
most magical cascades often require a bit more effort to reach.
From the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes, these lesser-known waterfalls offer
peaceful retreats where you can experience the raw beauty of flowing water without
the crowds.
Carpenter Falls
Tucked away in the Finger Lakes region, Carpenter Falls plunges 90 feet into a
pristine gorge surrounded by old-growth forest. The unmarked trail requires careful
navigation but rewards explorers with views of three distinct waterfalls.
The main cascade’s natural amphitheater creates perfect acoustics for the thundering water, especially after spring rains.
Eagle Falls
Hidden within the Adirondack’s West Canada Lakes Wilderness, Eagle Falls drops
through a series of scenic cascades accessible only by a challenging 3-mile hike.
The falls flow year-round, but spring’s high water creates dramatic whitewater
channels through ancient bedrock.
Local anglers know this spot for its excellent brook trout fishing in the deep pools below the falls.
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Split Rock Falls
Located off a quiet road near New Russia, Split Rock Falls features a unique double
cascade where the Boquet River divides around a massive boulder. The short but
steep path to the base offers excellent photography opportunities in early morning
light.
Swimming is possible in the deep pool below the falls during summer months, though the water remains refreshingly cold.
Tenant Creek Falls
Three distinct waterfalls await hikers willing to explore this remote spot in the
southern Adirondacks near Hope. The first falls greet you after a moderate half-mile hike, while the upper falls require more challenging scrambling.
Each waterfall has its character, from graceful veils to powerful plunges through narrow rock channels.
Rainbow Falls
Nestled in the Ausable River Valley, this hidden gem features a perfect arc of water
that spectacularly catches the morning light. The unmarked trail follows old logging
roads before descending steeply to the river’s edge.
Local photographers consider this spot particularly magical during fall when surrounding maples turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
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Secret Falls
This unnamed cascade in the western Catskills has earned its nickname among
local hikers who appreciate its secluded location and pristine setting. The falls pour
through a series of natural stone steps created by ancient glacial activity.
A dense hemlock forest surrounds the falls, creating a cool microclimate even on hot summer days.
Silver Spray Falls
Located in a forgotten corner of Grimes Glen, Silver Spray Falls requires wet wading
upstream through a scenic gorge to reach its base. The 60-foot cascade creates a
fine mist that supports rare ferns and mosses on the surrounding cliff walls.
This fall’s flow varies dramatically with rainfall, making it most impressive during spring thaw or after summer storms.
Papermill Falls
These historic falls once powered a 19th-century paper mill in the small town of
Avoca. The remaining stone foundations frame perfect views of the 30-foot cascade
tumbling over layers of shale.
Residents still tell stories of the mill workers who used the falls’ power to create paper from local wood pulp.
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Bridal Veil Falls
Hidden within the Rensselaer Plateau’s vast forest, Bridal Veil Falls creates a
delicate curtain of water that seems to float down moss-covered rocks. The remote
location requires navigating unmarked logging roads and following a faint trail
through thick forest.
Winter transforms the falls into a spectacular ice formation beloved by local ice climbers.
Buttermilk Falls
Not to be confused with its more famous namesake in Ithaca, this secret Buttermilk
Falls lies hidden in the western Finger Lakes region. The falls tumble down a series
of natural limestone steps, creating multiple pools perfect for summer cooling.
Local families have enjoyed picnicking beside these falls for generations, though the spot remains relatively unknown to outsiders.
Chase Lake Falls
This remote cascade in the southern Adirondacks rewards adventurous hikers with a
pristine wilderness experience far from marked trails. The falls drop through a series
of rapids before making a final 40-foot plunge into a crystal-clear pool.
Black bearsoccasionally visit the falls during early morning hours, making this a prime wildlife viewing location.
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Allen Falls
Tucked away in St. Lawrence County, Allen Falls combines three distinct drops
along a peaceful stretch of the Grasse River. The surrounding forest harbors old
maple trees that create stunning reflections in the calm pools between cascades.
Local kayakers occasionally run these falls during high water, though most visitors
prefer viewing from the safe vantage points along the shore.
Unnamed Falls
This mysterious cascade in the northern Adirondacks has no official name but holds
special significance for local Native American communities. The falls flow through a
natural arch formed by ancient glacier movement thousands of years ago.
Traditional stories speak of healing properties in the pool below the falls, where the water remains surprisingly warm year-round.
Stag Brook Falls
Hidden within a remote valley near Whiteface Mountain, Stag Brook Falls offers a
series of cascades accessible via an unmarked fisherman’s path. The main falls drop
80 feet through a narrow granite channel shaped by centuries of flowing water.
Mountain bikers occasionally use old logging roads to reach this secluded spot during the summer months.
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Mossy Bank Falls
This intimate waterfall near Painted Post flows through a deep ravine lined with
ancient eastern hemlock trees. The falls create a perfect natural air conditioning
effect during hot summer days, making this a favorite local cooling spot.
Fossil hunters occasionally find marine specimens in the shale layers exposed by the
falling water.
Secret Waterfalls of Upstate New York
These hidden waterfalls represent just a fraction of Upstate New York’s countless
natural treasures waiting to be discovered by adventurous explorers. Remember to practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles when visiting these sensitive environments, and consider joining local conservation groups working to protect these pristine waters for future generations.
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