Waterfall Hikes Near Manhattan, NY

1,694,263 residents
New York Time Zone
7 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Manhattan sits on a narrow urban island at the mouth of the Hudson, framed by steep bedrock outcrops, river gorges and coastal bluffs that define the surrounding landscape within a fifty-mile radius. Nearby waterfall hikes range from moderate wooded gorge trails and rocky scrambles to a handful of easy roadside cascades and a single drive-up site, offering rapid transitions from city streets to rugged river valleys and skyline or river vistas.

Located at 40.7834°N, -73.9662°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Manhattan

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

7 of 7 gauged

7 waterfalls near Manhattan have live flow data today

Buttermilk Falls Moderate Buttermilk Falls Moderate Foul Rift Falls Moderate Pottersville Falls Barely Flowing Rippowan Falls Low

Updated 30 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Labor Day

Sunny · 79°F

Aft 74°F Slight Chance Rain Showers
Lab 79°F Sunny Best
Tue 82°F Sunny
Wed 83°F Mostly Sunny
Thu 87°F Chance Rain Showers
Fri 79°F Mostly Sunny
Sat 80°F Sunny

Flowing best right now near Manhattan

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Foul Rift Falls Moderate · 8550 cfs 68th percentile
  2. 2 Buttermilk Falls Moderate · 25 cfs 28th percentile
  3. 3 Buttermilk Falls Moderate · 101 cfs 26th percentile
  4. 4 Rippowan Falls Low · 13 cfs 20th percentile
  5. 5 Pottersville Falls Barely Flowing · 28 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Manhattan hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Manhattan

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Manhattan (2 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Passaic Falls waterfall

Passaic Falls

18.3 miles away
New Jersey
Drive Up
0.1 miles 50 ft
Rippowan Falls waterfall

Rippowan Falls

33.1 miles away
Connecticut
Easy
1.0 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Manhattan (6 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

31.6 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

27 miles away
New York
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Pottersville Falls waterfall

Pottersville Falls

13 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

48.7 miles away
New York
Moderate
1.5 miles 500 ft

All 7 Waterfalls Near Manhattan

Passaic Falls waterfall

Passaic Falls

18.3 miles away
New Jersey
Drive Up
0.1 miles 50 ft
Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

31.6 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

27 miles away
New York
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rippowan Falls waterfall

Rippowan Falls

33.1 miles away
Connecticut
Easy
1.0 miles 200 ft
Pottersville Falls waterfall

Pottersville Falls

13 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

48.7 miles away
New York
Moderate
1.5 miles 500 ft
Foul Rift Falls waterfall

Foul Rift Falls

29.4 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Manhattan

Are there free waterfalls near Manhattan?

There are 5 free waterfalls near Manhattan, including Buttermilk Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Manhattan?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Manhattan, including Passaic Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Manhattan?

There are 6 dog-friendly waterfalls near Manhattan, including Buttermilk Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Manhattan?

There are 6 kid-friendly waterfalls near Manhattan, including Buttermilk Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near Manhattan?

There is 1 waterfall that allows swimming near Manhattan, including Buttermilk Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Manhattan?

The shortest waterfall hike near Manhattan is Buttermilk Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Manhattan?

The tallest waterfall near Manhattan is Buttermilk Falls at 165 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Manhattan?

Yes, 3 waterfalls near Manhattan have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Manhattan?

The closest waterfall to Manhattan is Passaic Falls, approximately 15.6 miles away.

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Where to Stay

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Glamping Hipcamp

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RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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