Nothing is better than flowing freshwaters and natural wonders to calm and rejuvenate the spirit. Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen in New York are popular waterfall designations; however, there are many more waterfalls cascading in shady lush forests, flowing out of crisp blue reservoirs and down rugged steep gorges to explore. These are a few lesser-known falls throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut to enjoy.
Awosting Falls — Minnewaska State Park
Minnewaska State Park is a 22,275-acre conservation area on Shawangunk Ridge in the nearby Catskill Mountains—it offers countless hiking trails with five mountain lakes, dense forests, stunning views, and refreshing waterfalls. Awosting Falls—plunging 70-foot cascading on the eastern side of the park with beautiful trails to Peters Kill, Lake Minnewaska, and Castle Point.
Stony Kill Falls — Wawarsing, NY
The northwestern side of Minnewaska State Park on the Delaware Aqueduct—Stony Kill is picturesque 87-foot waterfalls on a 1.5-mile moderate trail. Above the falls are a small dam and cascading river with a series of pools. The largest known as Nudist Pool named for its clean spring water and occasional nude bathers.
Pratt's Falls — Pompey, NY
The site of Onondaga County’s first flour mill operation that stood at the top of the falls in 1796—and owned and operated by Monoah Pratt and Abraham Smith. Pratt’s Falls is a breathtaking 137-foot ribbon-style cascading waterfall formed by retreating glaciers with scenic trails, archery range, and picnic area.
Cavern Cascade — Watkins Glen, NY
Beautiful cavernous gorge—Watkins Glen on the southern side of Seneca Lake is the most famous of the Finger Lake State Parks with a series of 19 waterfalls on a 2-mile trail with over 800 stepping-stones. The 400-foot deep gorge quickly overtakes hikers along a narrow gorge and Glen Creek with a series of rapids and waterfalls formed during the Ice Age that deepened the Seneca Valley. Streams of water drizzle, drip, and flow off the cliffs as you climb the stunning rugged gorge.
Shequaga Falls — Montour Falls, NY
Famous for its beauty and a small sketch by Louis Philippe which is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris—Shequaga Falls also known as Tumbling Waters at 156-feet overshadows the small town of Montour Falls. From 1796 to 1800, Philippe was in exile and traveled extensively throughout the Finger Lakes Region. In 1830, Philippe became the King of France, and the waterfall sketch is one of many he did of the region.
Dingmans Falls — Delaware Township, PA
The second tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania—Dingmans Falls cascades 130-feet down the mountainous gorge into a refreshing pool and flowing creek. The beautifully cultivated shaded nature trail is handicap accessible wraps along the river lined with hemlock, stunning trees, and hillside cliffs—the tranquil ravine and forestry surround you. Along the trail, you will also pass Silverthread Falls—80-foot shivering thinly threaded waterfalls at the entrances to the trailhead.
Raymondskill Falls — Milford, PA
The beautiful 3-tiered cascading waterfalls are the tallest in Pennsylvania—Raymondskill Falls at 178-feet high is a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. It is a short hike with two viewing platforms—and with plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding Pocono Mountains and Delaware Water Gap region.
The nearby town of Milford is worth visiting—and full of delightful eateries, historic architecture, and the birthplace of America's Conservation Movement. The spas, natural mountainous forest, and waterfalls are refreshing—and picturesque Grey Towers Estate and refreshing mountain air relaxes the soul. For more on the Pocono Mountains and Milford.
Bushkill Falls — Lehman, PA
Beautiful natural park with eight waterfalls within a deep gorge in the Pocono Mountains—Bushkill Falls nature area nicknamed “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania” is great for families and to view many waterfalls within a small concentrated area. The largest Bushkill Main Falls is a 100-foot drop but Bridal Veil Falls and Bridesmaid Falls are just as impressive.
Bridal Veil Falls — Lehman, PA
Bridal Veil Falls with its beautiful pure veil-like water pattern is part of Bushkill Falls nature area which is privately owned and there is an entry fee—the short nature trails are some of the most scenic along the river.
Shelving Rock Falls — Lake George, NY
Lake George Wild Forest is a 73,000-acre conservation area with a 32-miles of shoreline—it offers countless hiking trails for all levels through dense forests and refreshing lakeside trails. Shelving Rock—50-foot cascading waterfalls on the eastern side of Lake George is a stunning and enjoyable hike along the wooded shoreline. So cool off in the falls and swim in one of the most beautiful lakes in the Adirondacks.
Delphi Falls — Cazenovia, NY
Small county park on Limestone Creek with picturesque 52-foot waterfalls—Delphi Falls is a refreshingly pleasant surprise and a great spot to cool off in the summer heat. It is easily accessible from the stone path and there is a second smaller waterfall further down the river with barn and woodland—and a beautiful park for a picnic.
Chittenango Falls — Cazenovia, NY
East of Cazenovia Lake is one of the larger Madison County attractions featuring 167-foot waterfalls—Chittenango Falls cascades over 400-million-year-old bedrock into the Chittenango Creek. From the top ridge, it offers a breathtaking view of the lush valley and below dramatic pours through the gorge.
High Falls — Philmont, NY
One of the best-kept secrets in the Hudson Valley—High Falls Conservation Area is a small nature preserve along the Agawamuck Creek with moderate hiking and stunning waterfalls. The 150-foot waterfalls surrounded by lush forests seen from a hillside viewing area—or along the lower rocky and often slippery riverbed trail. There is also a second cascading waterfall viewable from the lower trail.
Hudson Valley stretching from Westchester County to Albany also has many vineyards, orchards, farms, art centers, and museums to enjoy. Plus many glided-age and other historic estates, including Kykuit Rockefeller Estate, Lyndhurst Mansion, Vanderbilt Mansion, Staatsburgh, and Roosevelt Estate.
Kaaterskill Falls — Hunter Mountain, NY
The beautiful mountainous region, lush wilderness, cavernous gorges, winding trails, whitewater rafting, fishing, historic landmarks, scenic drives, and dozens of waterfalls—Catskills is full of discovery and outdoor adventures. Its four distinct regions and 700,000 acres offer hundreds of miles of hiking—with dozens of breathtaking waterfall excursions like Tompkins Falls, Hardenburgh Falls, and Nevele Falls. The most captivating, Kaaterskill Falls at 260-feet is the highest cascading waterfalls in New York State—the rejuvenating two-step waterfalls with dramatic concave sculpted cliffs surrounds hikers and popular to visit.
The natural scenic beauty throughout the Catskills is worthy to explore—and incredible colorful fall foliage will bring you back wanting more.
Croton Gorge Park — Cortlandt, NY
New Croton Dam forming the New Croton Reservoir which stretches from the Croton River to Croton-on-Hudson and viewable from the Gorge Park or bridge directly over the spillway. It is an impressive castle-like structure and waterfalls—the masonry is 297-feet wide by 2188-feet high and the foundation extends 130-feet below the riverbed. At the time of its completion, the 1906 dam was once the tallest in the world. Croton Gorge Park is popular for hiking, picnic, and fishing.
Letchworth — Castile, NY
Gorgeous lush forests, deep rugged gorges, and flowing fresh waterfalls—Letchworth State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth is the largest gorge on the East Coast. The 17-mile park follows the Genesee River through a deep canyon with three major waterfalls and as many as 50 waterfalls on adjacent steep tributaries. Its magnificent scenery, canyon views, lush forests, intriguing hiking trails, and countless cascading waterfalls make it New York States' best outdoor attraction. For more on Letchworth State Park.
Falls Brook Falls — Tunxis State Forest, CT
Find sluice in this short tranquil hike. Falls Brook the most picturesque and tranquil waterfalls in Connecticut. The series of cascading falls, pools, and shady mile-long trail is good for all hiking skill levels. The upper falls with a 20’ drop are easily accessible; however, the larger lower 30’ falls require some off-trail hiking.
Pryden Falls — Newtown, CT The only thing more wonderful than Pryden Falls is getting here. Located in the center of the Paugussett State Forest along the Housatonic River, the moderate hiking trail provides picturesque views, rich lush forests, and moss-covered landscapes all the way to the falls. It is one of the best scenic hiking trails in Connecticut. Pryden Falls is 45-foot cascading fall.
Great Falls — Canaan, CT
Located on the Housatonic River in the northwest corner of Connecticut, Great Falls is one of the best-kept secrets—with the high water volume and 50’ drop it is impressive and often thought the largest waterfalls in the state, but is smaller than Kent Falls and Roaring Brooks Falls. There is a short river trail and above the falls is a dam—best to visit in the early spring or after a heavy rain.
Kent Falls — Kent, CT
The Jewel of the Inland Parks within the Litchfield Hills—Kent Falls is beautiful 250-foot cascading waterfalls and one of the most easily accessible—with only a short walk to the falls. Kent Falls State Park is great for families offering hiking, picnicking, and fishing—there are two moderate hiking trails along each side of the falls with many lookout points.
The village of Kent is a few miles south with delightful shops and cafes—including the Sloane-Stanley Museum, Connecticut Antique Machinery Exhibit, and Bulls Bridge. Bulls Bridge is one of the last remaining covered bridges in Connecticut. Macedonia Brook State Park and Lake Waramaug are also nearby with great wineries worth exploring. For more on CT waterfalls visit Waterfall Escapes—Discover Connecticut.
New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania offer many more waterfalls, tranquil hikes, charming towns, and beautiful countryside—so get out and explore. Return for future posts on Nashville, Collinsville, and Nantucket.
Sources: Wikipedia, New York State Parks, Connecticut State Parks, Pennsylvania State Parks, Pocono Mountains, Milford Presents, Visit Bushkill Falls, Grey Towers Heritage Association & local business websites.