Taughannock Falls - Camping and Hiking

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. - NYS Parks - Taughannock Falls

Presenting - Taughannock Falls

Taughannock Falls State Park has 3 popular hiking trails to explore and enjoy views of the waterfalls - the North Rim Trail (1.44 miles), the South Rim Trail (1.60 miles), and the Gorge Trail (0.95 mile).  The park also has a campground just within the North Rim Trail.  I camped here for a night.

All these trails start and meet at the park's parking lot at Rt 89.  A good hike would be to cover all trails, going clock-wise - going up the South Rim Trail until the end where it meets the Black Diamond Trail @ Jacksonville parking lot, crossing the pedestrian bridge to connect to the North Rim Trail.  From here, it is a slight downhill hike back to the parking lot.  And then an out-and-back hike on the Gorge Trail.  This would give you a total of roughly 6 miles (with minor elevation gain).  Or you can do the Gorge Trail first and early to avoid the crowd, and enjoy a quiet hike on the South Rim and North Rim trails.  

The Gorge, South Rim, and North Rim Trails

The Gorge Trail gives you a view of the falls from the bottom (2nd photo with Jollibee), and a view of the gorge walls up high.  Signs on the trail say you may spot some Peregrine Falcons and wild Turkey Vultures by the gorge walls.

The North Rim Trail passes by the Falls Overlook viewpoint (1st photo with Jollibee).  This is also where the Visitor Center is, with parking for those who do not want to hike.  The trail also passes by the campground area, which makes a good reason to camp (although I camped late and hiked the day after)

The South Rim Trail is a quiet hike with some viewpoints of the gorge (if not covered by trees).  It ends and connects with the North Rim by the pedestrian bridge at Jacksonville Rd parking lot.

Cascading waterfalls on the Gorge Trail

View of the falls from the Gorge Trail

View on the South Rim Trail

View on the North Rim Trail

There is another plunging waterfalls at Jacksonville Rd, and can be seen from the pedestrian bridge connecting South Rim and North Rim trails.  Here is an interesting photo and a 10-second clip from that pedestrian bridge.

Bridge on Jacksonville Rd.
An interesting view, I must say.

Some camping details...

I arrived at camp late, past 6pm, with just enough time to set camp, gather woods for camp fire, and enjoy the night.  The next day, I broke camp early and parked at the main parking lot and completed the hikes on the 3 trails I've mentioned above.  I had a late lunch at the picnic and playground area across Rt 89, with a view of the beautiful Cayuga Lake.  

Firewood - $0.00

Dinner - $$$

Enjoying IPA at the camp fire

Breakfast set up with my Outback

Lunch with a view of Cayuga Lake

There is more you can do than just camp and hike in the park.  Across Rt 89 is the other side of the park, next to Cayuga Lake, where visitors can swim, kayak, go boating and fishing.  There is a clean and large picnic and playground area.  For me, camping and hiking are enough.  On to another wander - Watkins Glen State Park.

My Reviews.

Disclaimer.  These reviews are based on my preferences and capabilities, which may be different from yours.  These are just for references and guidance.

Campground.

The park's campground is a small, quiet campground, with sites with electric hook-ups, non-electric tent and trailer sites, and tent-only sites.  There is a separate camping area for cabins.  The sites are wooded and well-spaced.  The park has very clean and well maintained bathrooms, with flush toilets and hot showers.  I had a wonderful stay in a quiet site, even with a neighbor with a large group but well-behaved teens celebrating a birthday.

Campground Map

Very clean campground bathroom!

Hiking Trails.

The 3 trails I have hiked are all relatively easy trails, non-technical, with minor elevation gain.  The Gorge Trail is the first choice if you have limited time in the park.  My recommendation for a nice experience is to book a camp, arrive early to set up your camp, do the hikes from your camp, and enjoy a relaxing evening with beer in hand next to your camp fire (alcohol is allowed in this camp, smores optional).