Day Trips from Buffalo
← All Buffalo day tripsDay Trips from Buffalo: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Buffalo, NY. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Buffalo
Letchworth State Park
USA
Just 1 hr 9 min from Buffalo, rated 4.9 stars by 12,550 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Letchworth State Park Upper Falls
Hunt, NY 14846
Just 1 hr 14 min from Buffalo, rated 4.9 stars by 707 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chittenango Falls State Park
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Just 2 hrs 48 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars by 2,855 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rainbow Falls
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Just 2 hrs 31 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars by 1,147 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Just 2 hrs 25 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars by 10,156 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Buttermilk Falls
Ithaca, NY 14850
Just 2 hrs 41 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars by 199 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cavern Cascade
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Just 2 hrs 26 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Eagle Cliff Falls
Montour Falls, NY 14865
Just 2 hrs 34 min from Buffalo, rated 4.8 stars by 279 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Stony Brook State Park
Dansville, NY 14437
Just 1 hr 32 min from Buffalo, rated 4.7 stars by 2,913 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wiscoy Falls
Portageville, NY 14536
Just 1 hr 10 min from Buffalo, rated 4.7 stars by 360 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
NY 14757, USA
Just 1 hr 19 min from Buffalo, rated 4.7 stars by 196 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Devil's Hole State Park
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Just 27 min from Buffalo, rated 4.7 stars by 2,274 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Buffalo
What are the best waterfalls near Buffalo, NY?
The best waterfalls near Buffalo range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Buffalo?
Some waterfalls near Buffalo have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Buffalo?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Buffalo are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Buffalo?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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