History of Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is a gorgeous state park located on the west side of Cayuga Lake. This park has the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains at a height of 215 ft. The word, Taughannock, is an Algonquin word meaning “full of trees.” The area around Taughannock Falls State Park is said to be, according to local legend, the site of a battle between the Cayugas and the Delaware Indians. The Cayugas killed the Delaware Indian Chief, Taughannock, and threw his body over the falls.
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The Gorge Trail
The gorge trail is an easy flat surface to traverse. It is a great trail for families with small children, with or without strollers. The gorge trail leads up to the falls to a viewing area.
This is a very dog-friendly park, and this is one of the few gorge trails in New York that welcomes dogs (on a leash, of course.) The trail is wide enough that you can walk your dog and not have to worry about encroaching on people’s space or other dogs. As always, please be courteous of others, and clean up after your pets!
Viewing The Falls
This area gets pounded by water, and visitors in this area get very wet from the spray from the Falls. If you don’t want to get wet, I advise you not to travel any further than the bridge. In the Wintertime, the viewing area is often closed due to icy conditions.
Please be respectful of other visitors and do not leave your trash behind! Please carry it out with you and deposit it in the nearest trash can.
The Rim Trails
The South Rim and North Rim trails at Taughannock Falls State Park offer gorgeous views and beautiful scenery. This trail is not a suitable stroller trail as there are many steps to ascend and roots to climb over.
There are also places on the trails where you are forced to walk alongside the highway, which can be dangerous for smaller children. The view from the top of the falls is breathtaking and incredibly worth the climb for everyone else.
Cayuga Lake
The two sections of Taughannock Falls, separated by Route 89 running between them. One side has the waterfall, and the other sits right on Cayuga Lake. Visitors can bring their watercraft to launch at the Taughnnock Falls Boat Launch, take a swim, or have a picnic lunch.
Scenic Overlook
If you want to get an amazing view of the falls without having to walk far, the Falls Overlook has a stunning view. The lookout is only a few feet from the parking lot. There are hiking trails at the Overlook but the real attraction is the incredible view of Taughannock Falls.
Winter at Taughannock Falls
Seeing Taughannock Falls in the Wintertime is incredible. The Falls, covered in ice, are spectacular, and if can brave the cold, the hike the trail to the base of the falls will reward you with a fantastic photo opportunity. If you aren’t up for the hike, you can get still get a great view of the falls from the scenic overlook. Either way, seeing the falls in the winter is something that should not be missed.
The gorge trail is flat, so it is one of the few Finger Lakes gorge trails that remain open in the wintertime. Please be aware that even though the trail is flat, it is icy in places. I recommend wearing microspikes or yaktrax on this trail. If the snow begins to thaw, the trail can be mucky in places. Don’t wear your best shoes here.
Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Hiking and Walking
Don’t let the ice and snow stop you from enjoying the breathtaking beauty of winter. These traction grips help outdoor adventurers explore icy terrain safely.
Parking at Taughannock State Park
There are two parking lots at Taughannock Falls State Park on both sides of the highway. Both charge for parking (It is the entrance fee to the park). If you are going to be visiting the falls, the best lot to park in is the west parking lot, just under the entrance to the gorge trail. Otherwise, you will end up parking in the beach parking lot and have to cross the street to get to the falls.
Helpful Links: http://www.nysparks.com/
Address: 2221 Taughannock Park Rd., Trumansburg, NY 14886