New York's Newest State Park Along Cayuga Lake Is Named After Its Scenic Waterfalls
New York State is encouraging residents to "get offline and go outside," and this new state park will offer the perfect opportunity. Officials have unveiled plans for Three Falls State Park, appropriately named for the cascading waters that surround it. The state is converting 90 acres of land along Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region into Three Falls State Park. When it's complete, it will easily rival the nearby Watkins Glen, a stunning state park boasting incredible scenery and waterfalls.
The site of the new park was previously home to the Camp Barton boy scout camp. A newly released plan for Three Falls State Park will expand and improve upon its existing facilities, such as camp cabins, while also adding new features such as docks, an educational center, and event spaces. Visitors will also enjoy new hiking trails and improved access to the lakefront. The park is located just over 12 miles from Ithaca and less than 70 miles from Syracuse. Three Falls State Park is among over 250 parks and recreation sites overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Waterfall access and activities at Three Falls State Park
Three Falls State Park is one of several parks bordering Cayuga Lake. While it may not be the deepest lake in the United States, it is the longest of all the Finger Lakes, spanning close to 40 miles across three counties. Visitors can look forward to expanded access to Cayuga Lake at the new and improved park, including a boat dock and several kayak launches.
New hiking trails and viewing platforms will be added along Trumansburg Creek for those interested in seeing the namesake falls of the park. The main attraction at Three Falls State Park is the 128-foot Frontenac Falls, situated on the western border of Cayuga Lake.
In addition to lake and waterfall access, the new park will have a nature center for environmental education, overnight accommodations, a paved parking area for over 110 vehicles, an upgraded restroom facility, and a venue for live music events. Also featured in the design plan is a peregrine falcon habitat, focused on preserving the federally protected species. The Finger Lakes region of New York is home to multiple native species, including coyotes, snakes, and honeybees. It is the park planners' hope that the center will encourage visitors to leave their devices at home and enjoy the natural wonders surrounding them.
What we know so far about Three Falls State Park
Visitors clamoring to explore New York's newest state park will need to wait a while before exploring its 90 acres. While the official plans have been announced, no specific timeline has been provided for its opening, at the time of writing. All we know right now is that the new park will be built in four phases as funding becomes available.
At this time, Frontenac Falls is not accessible to the public. In the meantime, visitors can get their waterfall fix at the nearby Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg, located just 3 miles away. The park is home to a 400-foot waterfall, one of the tallest in the Northeastern United States. It also offers access to Cayuga Lake, with canoe rentals, a beach area, and cabins facing the water. Surrounding the park are countless underrated New York towns for a laid-back getaway. For details on the opening timeline for Three Falls State Park, keep a close eye on updates from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.