Trail Update North and South Rim trails
Access to the North and South Rim trails from the Jacksonville lot will be closed due to the beginning of the construction/improvements to the trail. You can access them from the overlook parking lot. There will be other detours and closures as the project progresses. We will keep you updated on the areas affected as the work continues. For updates, follow us on FACEBOOK.
For further information, please visit : https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/TaughannockFallsTrailAlert.jpg
Trail Update Black Diamond Trail
The Black Diamond Trail head at the Jacksonville lot will be closed due to the beginning of construction/improvements to the trail. You can access the BDT from other crossroads along the trail. There will be other detours and closures as the project progresses. We will keep you updated on the areas affected as the work continues. For updates, follow us on FACEBOOK.
For further information, please visit : https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/TaughannockFallsTrailAlert.jpg
Taughannock Falls State Park CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Jacksonville parking lot and upper portion of South Rim Trail, including the crossover bridge are closed September 26 and September 27. Jacksonville parking lot and entrance to Black Diamond Trail from Gorge Road are closed from September 30 to October 9. The Gorge Trail. that goes out to the base of the falls and back, remains open through the construction.
Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch and beach nearby. A multi-use trail--hiking, cross-country skiing--winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds.
Boat Launch Site not suitable for any type of sailboat.
For information on Transient and Seasonal Boat Slips please call the park office.
Pavilion Information
Taughannock Falls has three pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $200 and can accommodate 25 to 100 people. Reservations can be made 11-months in advance through ReserveAmerica.com
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
$9.00 Fee collection daily from sun up to sun down. Use pay stations when no gate attendant.
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.
Highlights of Taughannock Falls State Park:
What will you see? Plan your visit today!
Look and listen for these birds at our Park:
Everyone is a Steward: Be a Taughannock Falls State Park Hero!
For more information, please read our Trail Tips!
When you enter or leave Cayuga Lake:
Ask a Naturalist!
Q: Where have all the rocks gone that were once in the gorge?
A: They have become Taughannock Point, the eastern part of the park where the park office, swimming area, concession stand and playground is. As the gorge erodes the park gets bigger!
Q: Why does the streambed look remind me of the surface of the moon?
A: The streambed at Taughannock is made up of limestone. The limestone is susceptible to chemical erosion so if the water becomes acidic (like when rain water puddles dry) the acid reacts with the stone and creates solution pits and ripples in the rock.
Q: After the water from Taughannock creek enters Cayuga Lake where does it go?
A: The water in the lake flows north into the Seneca River, then the Oswego River, then the eastern end of Lake Ontario, into the St. Lawrence River and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Q: Are there any invasive species in Taughannock Falls?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Some of the hemlock forest in the park has been infested with Hemlock Wooley Adelgid, an invasive insect which is deadly to hemlock trees. Parks' specialists are keeping a close eye on our forests to limit the spread of this exotic species.
DID YOU KNOW?
Geography:
History:
The Finger Lakes Environmental Education Department offers scheduled gorge tours and educational programs at Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen State Parks. All park programs are free and open to the public, no registration required, although a parking fee may be charged.
If you have a group (10 or more) that is interested in scheduling its own gorge tour or other educational program at a Finger Lakes State Park, please email regional Environmental Educator Josh Teeter (Josh.Teeter@parks.ny.gov). Please include the name of your group, number of participants, age or grade level of participants, requested program topic(s), and requested program date(s) in your email.
The Finger Lakes Story
Sparkling lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and rolling pastoral land dominate the landscape of the Finger Lakes Region. Over thousands of years, gigantic glaciers and coursing streams have carved this landscape. The most recent glacier moved through shallow river valleys leaving in its place deep, steep-sided troughs. When the glaciers receded north 10,000 years ago, water filled these new troughs, creating the 11 Finger Lakes. Since that time water has flowed down glacially steepened hillsides carrying debris that cut away at soft sedimentary rock to form our beautiful and unique gorges.
Gorge Tours provide information and insights about individual park history, ecology, gorge formation and geology. Tours last approximately one and one half hours.
The Taughannock Falls Gorge Tour - Experience a spectacular stone amphitheater and 215-foot vertical waterfall at the end of the wide and wooded ¾-mile gorge trail. The trail is relatively flat making it a very accessible and beautiful hike for all ages.
Educational Programs are offered about a variety of topics.
Birds ● Fossils ● Reptiles and Amphibians ● Insects ● Invasive Species ● Mammals ● Trees● Park Histories ● Animal Tracks ● Wilderness Survival
If don't see a specific topic please call or email us with your questions.
Deer hunting (bow only) is permitted in season. Please reference the NYS DEC Hunting and Trapping Guide for current dates and rules.
A valid New York State hunting license with the proper hunting stamps will serve as the regional hunting permit. Except where otherwise stated, this is the only permit necessary.
Safety zones and restricted areas are posted to ensure the safety of other park patrons and regional personnel. Signs will be posted at all parks during hunting season to notify patrons of this activity. Handguns will not be permitted in any of the parks. No trapping is permitted.
For additional information, please contact Taughannock Falls State Park at: (607) 387-6739