Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park () is located in the Town of Ulysses in Tompkins County, New York in the USA. The park is northwest of Ithaca, New York near Trumansburg, New York. The name Taughannock comes from the Algonquian-speaking Lenni Lenape (Delaware) Indians, referring either to chief Taughannock or the word taghkanic (great fall in the woods).[].

The main cataract of the falls is a 215 ft drop, making it 33 ft taller than Niagara Falls. It is one of the largest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. The water flows through a long gorge with cliffs up to 400 ft high, characteristic of the area's gorges that give rise to the common "Ithaca is Gorges" bumper stickers and t-shirts. The waterfall and gorge comprise an example of a hanging valley that developed in a very similar fashion to the one at nearby Watkins Glen State Park. None of the local gorges were "carved by glaciers." In fact all of the gorges are post-glacial valleys carved by the streams that still run through them. It is the valleys over which the waterfalls hang that were eroded (over-deepened) by the advance of the Pleistocene ice sheets.

Visitors can reach an excellent view of the waterfall by walking along a 3/4 mile long trail. Visiting in autumn is particularly interesting because of the picturesque colors of the surrounding trees.

The Park offers hiking and nature trails, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and a boat launch, as well as ice-skating, sledding, cross-country skiing in the winter.

Photo gallery

See also

  • List of New York state parks

External links

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chris marx
25 March 2010
Sweet place to run, do the loop trail, then end by running up to the falls themselves, very rewarding! Also, skip the parking fee and park at the "Falls Overlook" (see link)
Rob Horan
28 October 2010
The North Rim and Gorge trails are fantastic. If you are pressed for time and/or don't want to walk far then go for the Gorge trail. The South Rim trail is a bit of a letdown though. Its fairly dull
Michelle Berry
22 July 2012
eat by the little inlet of water a little past where the boats are docked. picnic tables have a great view of northpoint and it's a sweet spot.
Beth Watkins
3 September 2010
I've been to this park a few times over several years. Be aware that cellular service is spotty at best, both at the overlook and on the gorge trail, regardless of your provider. The best time for ph
Andy Arthur
1 August 2016
The swimming in Cayuga Lake is great. Also, make sure to check out the upper gorge trail -- many people overlook this area.
Miguel Gonzalez
11 August 2014
Walk up the trail to the falls. And drive up to the overlook above the falls. Beware falling rock.
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Map
3000-3096 Gorge Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA Get directions
Wed 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Thu 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Sun 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Mon 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

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