Chittenango Falls State Park
Chittenango Falls State Park, in Cazenovia, New York, is a NYS Parks property built around a 167-foot waterfall. You can view the falls from the top, walk a winding trail down into the gorge, cross a footbridge below the falls, and climb back up a small trail on the other side. It is open sunrise to sunset, year round with some restrictions, and NYS Parks charges $5 per car. It sits in the same NYS Parks Central Region as Green Lakes.
Chittenango Falls at a Glance
The Waterfall
NYS Parks calls the 167-foot waterfall "the main attraction" of the park. The standard visit is a loop: look down on the falls from the top, follow the winding trail into the gorge, view the falls from the footbridge, and return to the top along the small trail on the opposite side.
The gorge trail is steep and wet in places. NYS Parks says the park is open year round "with restrictions," so parts of the gorge trail may close in ice or high water; check the park page or call (315) 423-3744 before a winter visit.
Hours and Fees
- Hours: sunrise to sunset, year round, with restrictions.
- Vehicle fee: $5 per car daily; $35 per bus.
- Park office: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Empire Pass: covers day-use vehicle entry at most state parks.
Camping
NYS Parks lists camping at Chittenango Falls as available from mid-May to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to sunset. (The park page still shows Labor Day as "September 1st", the 2025 date; check current dates when you book.) Reserve through ReserveAmerica or call the park with questions.
Picnics
The park has two pavilions, priced $50 to $200, holding 25 or 100 people. NYS Parks lists fishing, hiking and picnicking as the park's activities.
Address
5241 Gorge Road (Route 13), Cazenovia, NY 13035. Phone (315) 423-3744.
Chittenango Falls vs Green Lakes
They make a good pair. Green Lakes has the lakes, the beach, a golf course and 22 trails; Chittenango Falls has a single big waterfall and a short, steep gorge loop. Both are run by NYS Parks. If you are camping at Green Lakes, Chittenango Falls makes a good short outing. For the other nearby state parks, see Clark Reservation and the Old Erie Canal.
Good For
- Waterfall photos and a short, steep walk.
- Picnics near the falls.
Maybe Skip If
- You want to swim or paddle. NYS Parks lists no swimming here. Go to the Green Lakes beach.
Chittenango Falls State Park FAQ
How tall is Chittenango Falls?
NYS Parks gives the waterfall as 167 feet.
How much does it cost to visit Chittenango Falls State Park?
$5 per car daily and $35 per bus, according to NYS Parks.
Can you walk to the bottom of Chittenango Falls?
Yes. A winding trail leads into the gorge to a footbridge below the falls, and a small trail on the other side climbs back to the top. Sections can be restricted in winter.
Where is Chittenango Falls State Park?
5241 Gorge Road (Route 13), Cazenovia, NY 13035.
Can you camp at Chittenango Falls?
Yes, from mid-May to Labor Day, booked through ReserveAmerica.