Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail — Attraction in Town of Ulysses

The Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail is a lifetime experience. The trail is easily accessible for strollers, wheelchairs etc., but you can also jump down on the creek bed and walk right next to the water for much of the quick hike. We walked the creek bed both ways and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the end of the trail you will get a great view of the Taughannock Falls, but we would have loved to get closer to the base. There is a large concrete barrier several hundred feet back from the falls and everyone tends to bottleneck there. It is still a really nice view of the falls.

There is also a small waterfall near the parking area, and we did walk right up into that one and had fun exploring in it.

After the gorge trail we walked both the south and north rim trails. There is an old RR bridge connecting the two rim trails at the high point, and there is a pretty impressive upper falls that can be viewed really well from that old RR bridge. Overall there was definitely more to see from the north rim trail.

Aside from the main falls overlook near the visitor center, the only clear view of Taughannock Falls on the rim trails is at location #14 on the north side. That location was the only private view of the falls that we had. It’s also several hundred feet closer to the falls than the main overlook at the visitor center. There is a short chain link fence there, but it was nice having that clear view without a crowd. There are also some nice clear views of Cayuga Lake coming down the north rim trail.

There was a lot of great wildlife to view as well. There were a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting on the rock wall and we also saw some ravens nesting there. We also got a great look at some Baltimore orioles, rough-winged swallows, and a beautiful little black-throated green warbler. The wild roses were abundant along the creekside and...

Taughannock Falls State Park in New York is a beautiful natural area that offers stunning scenic views and outdoor recreational activities. The main attraction of the park is the impressive Taughannock Falls, which cascades 215 feet down a gorge, making it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains.

The park provides various hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The Gorge Trail offers a captivating walk along the edge of the gorge, providing up-close views of the magnificent waterfall. There are also other trails within the park, such as the South Rim Trail and the North Rim Trail, which offer different perspectives and additional opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

Camping is available at Taughannock Falls State Park, with both tent and RV sites. The campground provides amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. It’s a great option for those who want to extend their stay and fully enjoy the park’s offerings.

Additionally, the park features a swimming beach on the shores of Cayuga Lake, where visitors can cool off during the summer months. Boating and fishing are also popular activities on the lake.

Overall, Taughannock Falls State Park is a picturesque destination that combines the allure of a majestic waterfall with the tranquility of nature. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the scenery, this park offers a memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature...

If it were just nature, it'd be downright idyllic. We just walked the short gorge trail, up to the base of the falls. The walls of the gorge are immense and cavernous. In early August, the foliage is in its fullest glory, lush and verdant. Small minnows swim up the stream bed. A cormorant landed in the water near the falls, and Ebony Jewelwing damselflies flitted about like forest nymphs. A mink played playfully in the water near the falls.....

But disappeared when some people hopped the fence, and jumped into the water to get photos of themselves under the falls.

Many others played in the water also. On a hot summer day, admittedly, it's hard to resist the allure. But the crowds aren't all pleasant - some leave litter behind, Instagram models constantly posing, I think I saw about a half dozen colorful baggies of dog poo.

So, highly recommended. Just not on a summer weekend. I think I'll...