New York's Hidden Gem Finger Lakes Village Offers Hiking Trails With Gorgeous Waterfalls

If you're looking for bucket list vacation spots for your 20s, New York's Finger Lakes region is worth considering. The 11 long, slender lakes sprawled across central New York were carved by glaciers millions of years ago. According to Native American legend, though, the lakes represent the place where a powerful spirit laid its hand to bless the land. Whatever origin story you prefer, there's no arguing how stunning this region is, which explains why it attracts millions of visitors each year.

Narrowing down your itinerary isn't exactly simple when you've got so many picturesque towns to visit on the East Coast. However, about 30 miles south of Seneca Lake (the deepest and largest by volume of the Finger Lakes), you'll find Montour Falls, a hidden gem with a population under 2,000. The Seneca Indians once lived here before the Sullivan Expedition destroyed their settlement in 1779. It was later resettled and incorporated as the Village of Havana in 1836. Eventually, the village was renamed Montour Falls in 1893 to honor Queen Catharine Montour, a well-regarded Seneca matriarch who once lived here.

Montour Falls might be a hidden gem, but it isn't too far off the beaten path, so getting here is easy. Visitors can fly into Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (about 90 miles) or Syracuse Hancock International Airport (roughly 94 miles away). Either way, you're looking at under two hours of driving. Once you arrive at this village, also known as the Valley of Tumbling Waters, the outdoor scene takes over. Lace up your boots because spectacular trails and waterfalls await.

Montour Falls doesn't have thousands of hiking miles to choose from, but the few trails here are breathtaking. Shequaga Falls, an easy 0.1-mile stroll and the crown jewel of the village, is hands down the best place to start. This short paved path takes you to the prettiest waterfall in the village. When you see the 156-foot cascade, you'll understand why its name means "tumbling waters" in the Seneca language. This waterfall is believed to have inspired a sketch by Louis Philippe, the then-future King of France, during his travels in the 1800s, and that sketch supposedly sits in the Louvre. There are picnic tables and benches around the falls, perfect for a mid-hike snack. For the best experience, visit when the waters are at their fullest in spring, or during winter, when the falls transform into a frozen heaven.

For more roaring waterfalls, the 0.3-mile Deckertown Falls trail offers one-of-a-kind geological wonders. The 60-foot falls stagger down three distinct steps, each tier creating its own cascade. There's a pool at the base, but swimming directly in the waterfall isn't advised due to safety concerns. The cliffs can get slippery after rain, so wear good hiking boots and watch your step.

Then there's Aunt Sarah's Falls, the waterfall that welcomes every visitor into this village. Located at the entrance to Montour Falls on Route 14, local lore says it's named after a Seneca woman who jumped to her death from this 90-foot cascade. There isn't much hiking involved since it's just a 0.1-mile walk, and road users passing through on NY-14 can see this beautiful waterfall right from their cars. However, the best and safest place to see and photograph the falls is from the designated parking area, but be careful, as Route 14 gets busy.

Exploring a park here should be on your itinerary, and Havana Glen Park fits right in. More than anything, though, the Eagle Cliff Falls is what most people come for. The walk from the parking lot is just 0.3 miles, and you'll pass creeks and steps before reaching this waterfall, which drops about 40 feet into a natural amphitheater surrounded by rocks, limestone, and what genuinely looks like an eagle spreading its wings carved into the rock face. The park also has a playground and 10 tent camping sites. Just know that Havana Glen Park is seasonal and only opens from spring to fall, so check the park website before your visit. There's also an entry fee of $2 to $3 per vehicle, but it's worth it.

Since most trails clock in under a mile, avid hikers also have something waiting for them, and that's the Catharine Valley Trail (CVT), which stretches between nearby Watkins Glen and Huck Finn Road. This trail works for hikers and bikers, and along the way you'll spot deer, rabbits, and birds (according to a Tripadvisor reviewer. The trail covers 13 miles, takes about two hours to complete, and rewards you with two waterfalls.

If you're interested in staying overnight, lodging options are plentiful. The Falls Motel is a cozy family-owned spot just one block from Shequaga Falls. Or you can stay at The Hotel Laurel at Seneca or Lakeside Resort, both rated close to 10/10 and located in Watkins Glen, about 3 miles away. Montour Falls' proximity to Seneca Lake, one of the best wine-tasting destinations on the East Coast, makes it easy to combine waterfall chasing with vineyard hopping during your trip.