Rainbow Falls
New York · 60-foot drop · Watkins Glen State Park · Last verified 2026-05-23
Rainbow Falls is the iconic side-cascade in the middle of Watkins Glen State Park's Gorge Trail — a 60-foot curtain that pours off a cliff right next to the path, drenching anyone who passes. The 1.5-mile Gorge Trail climbs 832 stone steps through 19 waterfalls; Rainbow is at the halfway mark and is the photo most people come for. Closed in winter due to ice on the steps.
The trail
1.5 miles each way, rated moderate with 520 feet of elevation gain. Watkins Glen State Park main lot (south entrance) off NY-14 in the village. $10 per vehicle, or free with Empire Pass.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Falls (this page) | — | 60 ft | moderate · 1.5 mi | N | $10 |
| Rainbow Falls | 0 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Central Cascade | 0 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Aunt Sarah's Falls | 2 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Shequaga Falls | 3 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Hector Falls | 3 mi | 165 ft | easy | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~60 ft)
- Bridal Veil Falls60 ft
- Buttermilk Falls60 ft
- Looking Glass Falls60 ft
- Looking Glass Falls60 ft
- Looking Glass Falls60 ft
Same best season in New York
- Pratt's Falls137 ft
- Vernooy Kill Falls60 ft
- Plattekill Falls60 ft
Questions visitors ask about Rainbow Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Rainbow Falls?
Rainbow Falls is 60 feet (18 m) tall. Height is sourced from NY State Parks.
Is Rainbow Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Rainbow Falls is inside Watkins Glen State Park. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Rainbow Falls?
No — dogs are not allowed on trails here. Service animals are an exception per ADA.
Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Rainbow Falls. The Gorge Trail crosses through the spray of the falls — no pool access. Wading or swimming in Glen Creek is prohibited.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?
Peak flow is typically May, June, July, August, September, October. Season-wise: spring, summer, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Rainbow Falls?
Yes — entry costs around $10. Most Watkins Glen State Park entrances accept the America the Beautiful annual pass.
How far is Rainbow Falls from a major city?
Rainbow Falls is 1 miles from Watkins Glen (about 1 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in New York
Where it is
42.3726, -76.8825
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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