LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Glenora Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Glenora Falls
Glenora Falls is a tucked-away cascade in New York’s Finger Lakes region near the village of Glenora, formed by a small creek that drops toward Seneca Lake. It’s a compact, scenic spot that rewards a short visit with close-up views of the water and the surrounding wooded banks—popular with photographers and anyone looking for a quick nature break while exploring the lake shore. The falls are reached by a brief 0.4-mile out-and-back approach with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain, making the outing easy and accessible for most hikers. Note that access can include roadside walking or informal footpaths rather than a heavily developed viewpoint, so visitors should respect property boundaries and leave no trace. If you’re camping nearby, the Finger Lakes - Hector District campground lies about 3.86 km (2.4 miles) away, making Glenora Falls a pleasant half-day excursion from camp.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Hector Falls (165 ft) lies 5.6 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Aunt Sarahs Falls (90 ft, 10.1 mi) and Silver Thread Falls (80 ft, 9.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Length: 0.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back); Elevation gain: ~100 ft; Difficulty: easy. Surface/route: short combination of roadside walking and informal footpath—no long, maintained boardwalks or developed trail infrastructure. Conditions: mostly short, uneven forest footing with some rocky sections near the creek; expect wet, slippery rock at the water’s edge. Access notes: approach is brief but not a fully developed maintained trail; users should proceed cautiously, stay on public right-of-way where present, and respect private property and posted signs.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a small but charming waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The falls are part of a creek that flows into Seneca Lake, making it a peaceful spot for photography or relaxation.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Glenora Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Glenora Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
2.77 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CATHARINE CR AT MONTOUR FALLS NY (19 km away).
Today
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
25 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
28 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
49 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
41 cfs
9/10Mon
Strong
31 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Dundee hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 145 feet of descent through Glenora Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 654 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 91 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 112 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 654 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 145 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Glenora Falls is located near Glenora, New York, along Route 14. It is accessible by a short walk from the roadside, but specific directions may vary depending on the viewing point.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be available along the roadside or at nearby locations, but there is no designated parking lot for the falls.
Elevation
650 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.490072° N, -76.916906° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check local maps and resources for the best viewing points. Be mindful of private property and avoid trespassing. Wear sturdy shoes if walking off-road.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Luxury Lake House Dock Firepit Lake Access
Savannah House Wine Country Inn & Cottages
Single Island Shores
The Hotel Laurel at Seneca
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Finger Lakes - Hector District
2.4 miles away · 0 sites
The Finger Lakes National Forest, positioned along the ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, offers scenic beauty and unlimited recreational opportunities any season of the year. Whether you are a hiker, cross country skier, camper, fishing or hunting enthusiast, snowmobiler, horseback rider, mountain biker, or wildlife watcher, the Forest can provide the recreational experience you are seeking!The most popular season is autumn when the trees and pastures are ablaze with color. Hunter ejoy
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Seneca Lake, local wineries, and the Finger Lakes National Forest are nearby attractions.
Wildlife
The area may feature common wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Glenora Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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