Upstate New York waterfalls are a sight to see at any time of the year. But when the temperatures drop and the ice starts to form, the beauty intensifies.
Whether you’re somebody who enjoys hiking year round or just someone who appreciates the natural offerings of Upstate NY, these waterfalls are definitely ones to check out during the winter months as well as during the summer.
Taughannock Falls — Trumansburg (Finger Lakes)
A winter wonderland at Taughannock Falls. Photo provided by wanderwomanpics via Instagram
The 215-foot waterfall stands three times taller than Niagara Falls, having one of the largest drops east of the Rocky Mountains. While enjoying the winter activities the state park offers, you can hike to the falls and enjoy the natural amphitheater the gorge and water make.
Bridal Veil Falls — Plattekill (Catskill Mountains)
James Hopson and friends trek the frozen Bridal Veil Falls in Plattekill. Photo provided by James Hopson via Facebook.
This waterfall is a hidden gem of the Catskill Mountains. It’s part of the Platte Cove trails only a 20 minute drive away from Kaaterskill Falls. The ice makes this waterfall a dangerous one but with proper climbing tools, it makes this one just as worth it.
Eternal Flame Falls — Orchard Park (Western NY)
The Eternal Flame Falls surrounded by a winter wonderland. Photo provided by JackHarriganMedia via Instagram.
The magic hides under this 35-foot waterfall in a grotto. The name comes from a small flame that burns from the gas pockets made from the surrounding shale bedrock. Once you approach the falls, don’t get startled about the smell, it’s just the eternal flame.
Split Rock Falls — New Russia (Adirondacks)
A frozen in time moment of Split Rock Falls. Photo provided by Richard Whitcomb via Facebook.
This waterfall is located off the road about 40 minutes southeast of Lake Placid. The waterfall has two main drops with a third just downstream. The uppermost drop is unique in that a large rock splits the flow of water into two streams, hence the name of this waterfall.
Chittenango Falls — Cazenovia (Central NY)
Chittenango Falls State Park frozen over for winter on January 23, 2021.Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com
This 167-foot waterfall sits in the middle of Chittenango Falls State Park. But it doesn’t matter if you’re standing at the bottom or the top, the pictures will be worth it, even in the winter. While you’re hiking around the falls, you might even see the rare Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail.
Ausable Chasm — Keeseville (Adirondacks)
Ausable Chasm, the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" during the winter. Photo provided by lukeperkinsphotography via Instagram.
The “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks” is one of the largest properties in the Adirondacks. The oldest natural attraction in the United States, Ausable Chasm is home to Rainbow Falls, a 91-foot waterfall that is the most photographed in the Adirondacks.
Mine Kill Falls — Blenheim (Schoharie County)
Mine Kill Falls during the winter. Photo provided by hikewith_mnt via Instagram.
The falls consists of three drops. In the wet season, an additional waterfall, a sparkling 70 foot drop can be seen right next to the Lower Falls. This waterfall is on the smaller side at 80 feet but is still a beautiful sight.
Salmon River Falls — Orwell (Central NY)
The Salmon River Falls sits frozen, but signs of a resurgance erupting through, as a cold snap gives way to warmer temperatures Friday, January 24, 2020.N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
At Oswego County’s Salmon River Unique Area, a 110- foot waterfall plunges over a steep shale cliff. Whether you’re fishing in the summer time or fishing in the winter, this waterfall is a must see! The frozen over waterfall that flows into Lake Ontario is definitely worth the pictures!
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