Chasing Waterfalls in Upstate NY
Hi Everyone
I am a little late for this post for October because the time slipped away this month … thankfully in all the happiness.
However, I do not want to break the chain of documenting my travel diaries. So here I am...
I am also feeling a tiny bit guilty for not posting this in time to list out travel tips for a perfect fall trip. This magical weekend was one of mydream trips because it was full of waterfalls, hikes, lookout points, National Parks, and stunning fall colors.
October took #TeamTangy to the fabulous Upstate New York area to experience nature's happy dance.
Upstate New York area's most famous finger lakes region is named so because it has more than 5 lakes in the shape of fingers and looking at the map it gives an illusion of fingers. Apart from beautiful waterfalls (which we will get to in bit …) this region is also famous for special wineries. So, for any nature-lover upstate NY brings a wide variety of “things-to-do” lists. Upstate NY is also famous for its very well-known glass museum as well in Corning.
Since Upstate NY is a huge region, it stretches from the Finger Lakes area all the way up to The Adirondacks mountains – you can pick up any small city to stay and it will include a bit of driving up and down to cover this waterfall studded landscape.
The best time to visit this region is between April to November since most of the parks close in November due to cold weather.
Day 1
The day started with a beautiful drive in crisp fall weather and the first stop was at
Buttermilk Falls State Park –
This was a beautiful waterfall with a to-and-fro hike of about 2.5 miles bringing you very close to nature with a number of small and large waterfalls gushing through the black canyon formations. Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake and it is located in Ithaca, NY.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail –
One of a kind and most beautiful waterfall trail with thousands of steps, multiple picturesque bridges, and ornated railing across the whole trail takes you to a gorgeous view of this amazing waterfall right in the middle of the city. Parking was hard to find but you may get lucky. The gorge is a short three-quarter of a mile in length, but it is long on amazing waterscapes. There are eight sizeable waterfalls that range from eight to 80 feet in height along this handsome stretch of Cascadilla Creek.
Taughannock State Falls Park –
Another super gorgeous trail with a unique landmark and phenomenon takes you to the humongous waterfall as a rewarding view. The ground of this trail looks like a nature miracle, which was once a sea that, became land. The gorge floor is made up of light gray limestone that was once lime mud made from skeletons and shells of algae and other marine organisms.
Day 2:
The main agenda of our next day was to cover the magnificent Watkin Glen National Park where we encountered another beautiful waterfall which was right behind a small church when you take a turn and it suddenly appears out of nowhere.
Chequaga or Shequaga falls
It’s a sight not to miss.
Watkin Glen National Park-
This dreamy national park is absolute heaven with nature miracles like you are walking inside a mountain and looking at the nature carving to bring out this beautiful gem. It took millions of years of hard work from the 5 elements to bring out this beauty. As we know the nature teaches us a beautiful lesson for life in all forms. It depends on us how to absorb them.
Watkins Glen State Park is in the village of Watkins Glen, south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County in New York's Finger Lakes region.
Watkin Glen was formed because of platonic movements and this gorge was formed. The hike to the main attraction is about a mile up top and is called “Rainbow Falls and Glen of the Pools” and it’s a sight to take all in. Due to the fall weather, this amazing trail was decorated with fallen leaves giving yellow and orange vibes as if it was welcome. If you ever get an opportunity to visit this beautiful place do not miss taking some nice shots 😊
This day ended with a long drive to a scenic overlook of the winery region and watching the sunset with some beautiful hues in the sky.
Day 3 –
Our third day included several detours to view fall colors. Though we were a couple of days late to see them at peak in this particular region, the drive-through of some overlooks was amazing. The famous lookout points were -
Mt Utsayantha Fire tower - Climbing up this fire tower allows a beautiful panoramic view.
Hunter Mountain
Kaaterskill Falls
Since we were on the road trip we didn’t get a chance to explore much food options but we got to try some really good sandwiches, ramen and Thai food.
Upstate NY is beautiful in fall times..don’t miss it.
This was an inspiration for me to plan my annual break to a waterfall and your posts have inspired me for experiencing nature more closely.. All your looks are great but the look in yellow dress is par everything else..❣️