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Taughannock Falls
Overview
Taughannock Falls State Park offers one of the most iconic natural spectacles in the Northeast. Located near Trumansburg, New York, the park is famous for its 215-foot waterfall, which drops through a massive rock amphitheater. RV travelers will find a rustic yet well-maintained camping experience that focuses on the stunning landscape of the Finger Lakes region. It provides a peaceful retreat for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature and the mist of the falls.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned on the western shore of Cayuga Lake, the park provides a beautiful transition from high, rocky cliffs to gentle shoreline. The surrounding area of Trumansburg is characterized by rolling hills and vineyards, offering a quintessential upstate New York atmosphere. The park layout allows visitors to enjoy both the deep, cool gorge and the expansive views of the lake, making it a scenic basecamp for exploring the Finger Lakes region.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides a mix of electric and non-electric sites suitable for varying RV sizes. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, the inclusion of potable water access and well-spaced sites ensures a comfortable stay for those who prefer state park camping. Standard features for travelers include:
- Electric hookups available at select sites
- Modern restrooms and showers
- Convenient dump station for self-contained rigs
- Picnic tables and fire rings for every visitor
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Gorge Trail, an easy walk leading directly to the base of the falls. For a different perspective, the Rim Trail offers panoramic overlooks of the entire gorge. Beyond hiking, the park features a swimming beach on Cayuga Lake and a boat launch for water activities. Visitors are also just a short drive from the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the vibrant culture of Ithaca, which features unique shops and local eateries.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers who prioritize scenery and outdoor activity over luxury resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families looking to explore the natural history of New York or couples seeking a romantic backdrop for their RV adventures. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of wind through the trees and spending your days on the trails, this park is a must-visit Finger Lakes destination.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Maxim A
An amazing place. The walk took about an hour, but we thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty and took so many wonderful photos and videos. I think visitors see completely different views at different times of the year. If you love nature, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Kristine Schultz
This is a wonderful place to get outside and enjoy a hike. The views of the waterfall are magnificent. It was well worth the three hour drive to get there. Another natural wonder in New York State has been crossed of my bucket list! Yeah! 😃😊
George Amato
This is a great place to visit! It is a beautiful easy hike thru a wide gorge to the waterfall! And yes, you can explore the bottom of the gorge along the way! Popular hike, so best to go off peak times! There is also a nice, quiet hike along the rim. Part of it is fenced off at the rim for safety. There are several views of the gorge below. You can park at the gorge entrance (bathroom across the street) or along the rim at a waterfall view point (bathroom).
Joshua Silverman
This is a dramatically scenic set of trails! We hiked the Rim Trail and enjoyed spectacular views of the gorge and the falls. Be prepared for a challenging walk with a lot of elevation change. We did the Rim Trail clockwise, but the park actually advises going counter-clockwise for a more gradual climb. We learned why the hard way: the start of the clockwise route is a very steep rise with lots of steps. Trust the park's advice—it would have been less effort to hike it the recommended way! A quick note: we couldn't hike the Gorge Trail because it closes mid-October, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. The Rim Trail itself is well-marked and fenced, so there's no danger of accidentally getting near the edge. Overall, the views are truly stunning and worth the effort.
George Farah
In my road trip exploring upstate New York I decided to stop by Taugannock Falls. I saw pictures online and it looked pretty cool so I told myself I'll stop by. I was not ready for how absolutely stunning this park is. Walking to the falls itself is quite easy and the whole way there you have a breathtaking view of the mighty gorge. I was essentially looking at a wall of rock hundreds of feet high. It was stunning to see such a site especially in the northeast. Usually something like this is out in Utah or Arizona. I got to the end of the trail and was absolutely in awe of how beautiful the landscape was. The falls itself was stunning albeit not a lot of water was falling when I visited. But just being surrounded by natural walls hundreds of feet high was magical. It makes you really appreciate mother nature. Don't forget to drive a quick few minutes to the upper view! It's a minute walk to the vantage point from the parking lot and is just as striking!