Rainbow Falls

Schuyler County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Schuyler County, New York
Access status: Seasonal state park gorge trail with many stone steps
The walk: About 2.6 miles for the full Gorge Trail and North Rim loop that passes Rainbow Falls
Ground & access: 832 uneven stone steps in the gorge; wet steps are very slippery. No toilets inside the gorge. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail.

Rainbow Falls, NY
Photo credit
Photo: bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rainbow Falls is a spray-filled side falls beside a stone staircase and bridge in the Watkins Glen gorge, Watkins Glen State Park. From the main entrance, pass the gift shop and restrooms and climb the spiral staircase to Sentry Bridge. Follow the Gorge Trail upstream past Cavern Cascade and a line of small pools; Rainbow Falls comes into view on the right after another stone staircase. Return the same way, or continue upstream to Mile Point Bridge and loop back on the rim trail.

Plan your visit

Watkins Glen State Park main entrance on North Franklin Street, then up the Gorge Trail past Sentry Bridge and Cavern Cascade to Rainbow Falls

Where Are Those Morgans gives 2.6 miles round trip for a loop that goes up the Gorge Trail past Rainbow Falls to Jacob's Ladder and returns on the North Rim Trail. No source gives a separate distance to Rainbow Falls alone.

832 uneven stone steps in the gorge; wet steps are very slippery. No toilets inside the gorge. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail.

Where to start

Main entrance lot at 1009 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen. The park also has south and upper entrances with their own parking.

Timing & water

The Gorge Trail is open from mid to late May until mid to late October, depending on the weather. The north and south rim trails stay open all year, but from November to May they give no access to the Gorge Trail or the falls.

Before you go

Vehicle entrance fee of $10 per vehicle.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Schuyler County, New York.

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