Taughannock Falls State Park - New York Waterfalls

Taughannock Falls State Park
Ulysses, NY

Call the park office for more information: (607) 387-6739
For camping call: 1-800-456-2267

Park Information
The falls are formed by a rock bed creek entering the lake and surrounded by a glen with walls climbing to 400 feet (120 meters). The cataract has a drop of 215 feet (66 meters), one of the highest east of the Rocky Mountains slightly higher even (25 ft., 8 m) than Niagara (American side), but they cannot be compared because it has much smaller volume. Taughannock is interesting year round - the falls and gorge create a natural amphitheater with dense spray rising from the bottom often shrouding the lower part of the cataract in mist. The name "Taughannock" originates either from that of the Delaware Indian chief Taughannock or as the Delaware word taghkanic ("great fall in the woods").

Directions

The park is located about 8 miles North from Ithaca or 4 miles South from Trumansburg along Route 89. From the New York State Thruway, take Exit 41 to 318 East for 4 miles. Head South on Route 89 for 35 miles.

The park is also accessible from Route 96 in the center of Jacksonville. From Jacksonville Road (across from the Exxon Gas Station) head South about 3 miles and take a right onto Park Road just after Gorge Road.

Park Operations

The Park is open all year Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; nights and weekends during summer with camping from March to mid October. The Rim trail closes in winter.

Facilities

The hiking trails offer spectacular views and unique geological formations including 215' Taughannock Falls, which is 33 feet taller than Niagara and is the highest vertical single drop waterfall in the Northeastern U.S. It can be seen from two lookout points: one from below at the end of the 3/4 mile Gorge Trail, the other from above at the falls Overlook on Taughannock Park Rd. The Park size is 783 Acres with 76 Campsites (16 electric, 60 with no utilities), and 10 cabins. Also available is boat launching, tie-up docks, (seasonal berths), beach swimming on Cayuga Lake, and bathhouse.

# Swimming is available only in designated life guarded area
# Bikes are not permitted on the hiking trails but there is a bike path just outside the park
# Picnic areas have tables and fireplaces
# Pay telephone is available
# Hot Showers and flush toilets are available
# There is a concession stand
# Picnic shelters are on the premises
# Permitted activities are posted in park office
# The park offers summer music concerts
# There is Fishing in the creek and the lake
# Boat rentals are available

Special Passes

Special Passes to Taughannock and other New York State parks are available to New York residents. The Empire Passport provides unlimited vehicle access to nearly 200 state parks in NYS for an annual fee (currently $39). Empire passports are available at any state park, regional DEC office or by writing: Passport, State Parks and Recreation, Albany, NY 12238. Parks are free to people who are 62 years and older during weekdays, Monday through Friday.