03/15/2026
New York’s Newest State Park: As noted here yesterday, Three Falls State Park is the newest State Park in New York State—located on the west side of Cayuga Lake less than two miles north of Taughannock Falls State Park. Much work will be done, completed in phases, before this 90 acre park is fully open to the public. Trumansburg Creek flows through here and the showpiece is 128-foot high Frontenac Falls—located at the arrow in the top image, much closer look below. I was invited to check this out in the past—the former Camp Barton scout site—and it’s a wonderful Finger Lakes gorge, one that is tricky to hike in the stream. It would be much too dangerous to do so now with the current going through there with the recent snowmelt. I had a tough enough time doing it on a calm summer day. The plan is to create additional trails and viewing spots to safely enjoy the cascades.
The new state park will be operated by the Three Falls Local Development Corporation—a collaborative comprised of representatives from the towns of Covert, Ulysses and Village of Trumansburg. There are significant plans for this park including:
* Restored camp cabins,
* New docks, kayak launches and lake access infrastructure,
* A new Nature Center and environmental education learning spaces,
* Preservation of peregrine falcon habitat,
* Rentable music and events spaces,
* An improved central restroom facility,
* New hiking trails and waterfall viewing areas,
* And a permanent 110+ space parking area.
This is WONDERFUL news for folks who have an appreciation for the Finger Lakes beauty. It’s a fine addition to the New York State Parks system—which in my opinion is among the finest in America. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.