Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls
Trumansburg, New York
Details
Distance
1.95 miles
Elevation Gain
364 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Ross Kyker
No matter the time of year, Gorge Trail to the base of Taughannock Falls is a must do while in the Finger Lakes! Simple but rewarding hike!
The trailhead is located right off NY Route 89 with plenty of parking just across the street from it. Be sure to take your camera and tripod because these 215 ft tall falls are a sight to see!
The hike to the base of the falls is a very easy 1.5 miles out and back. In the summer months the trail is well shaded and has plenty of places along the trail to cool off in the stream or wait until the end and catch the refreshing mist from the falls! Fall months in New York are some of the best colors you'll experience but often hard to plan for since peak colors last only about 2 weeks and change from year to year.
If you plan on taking photos early morning is best to avoid crowds. This is a pretty powerful waterfall so to get the soft cottony look you won't need much more than a 1-2 second exposure. Because of all the surrounding trees its always a good idea to take a circular polarizer to reduce the glare on the water and brighten that foliage! To capture the power of these falls you'll need 1/50th of a second or faster to freeze the motion.
To hike to the overlook of the falls, check out this adventure: Taughannock Falls Overlook.
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Reviews
Go in summer, and then go again in winter. You won’t regret it.
5.0
Taughannock Falls is a stunner, and it's beautiful in any season. The deep freeze of winter is a unique treat to see the waterfall frozen and huge icicles hanging from the gorge walls as you hike to the base of the falls.
5.0
These falls are awesome! You are not allowed to swim under the falls, but you walk right next to the river on the gorge trail and swimming/wading is permitted there. You can also visit Seneca Lake while you're here. The lake is right across the road from the trail. Beautiful area!
4.0
I loved this trail that led to great views over the gorge and the falls. I highly recommend taking this short hike and soaking in the views.
5.0
Taughannock Falls is a gorgeous waterfall, and a must-see in the Finger Lake region. This trail is also one of the few gorge trails that is open in the winter, and the waterfall is also stunning in the winter.
5.0
One of the most beautiful sites to see in New York!!
5.0
This is an easy hike (walk) to a very impressive waterfall. I recommend bringing a camera, tripod, and waterproof boots if you want to walk down into the rocky riverbed.
5.0
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Nearby
Taughannock Falls Overlook
Explore Smith Woods
Ludlowville Falls
Fly Fish at Salmon Creek Falls
Hike Coy Glen
Ithaca Falls Trail
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