A top 5 must see?

[hoohaa]

OK, this fall I'm trying to plan to hit 3-5 state parks for some photo action. Problem is, most of those websites with the state parks don't tell you everything you need/want to know, unfortunately.

So, basically what I'm looking for are a top-5 -- individual preference is fine -- of state parks with great waterfalls, gorges, scenic views, lake views, sunsets -- whatever. I just want to be able to hit spots where I can spend a bunch of hours shooting. If I can hit more than one park in a day -- even better. Let me know though! I'd like to not have to travel 10 hours to get there (I'm near Oneonta), but I don't have a problem with a few hour jaunt for the right spots.

Anyway, if you could -- let me know your top 5 and what is great about each park. I know my goal is to get at least one park with a ton of great sunset chances and one with many falls (I've done Watkins Glen).

Thanks for any thoughts/feedback!

[Matt]

Niagara Falls - duh
Taughannock - tall, plenty to explore - visit in spring
Watkins Glen - you know this place is great- days worth of shooting, nearby Montour Falls waterfalls
Rochester High and Middle - Just to do some Rochester things, hit up our parks, museums and beaches.
Cascadilla Gorge - Lots of falls here- and in the area. When school is not in session you can get the gorge pretty much to yourself.

[cbobcat49]

Allegany State Park - the 3rd most "wild" area in NY. The fall colors get spectacular mid-October
Ricketts Glen State Park - in PA but still a state park 20+ falls. Probably great in the fall.
Stony Brook State Park - 8 falls of various sizes. can be combined with a trip to Letchworth. They're fairly close.

[Mark J]

My list is a little different -- falls I enjoyed that are off the beaten path. Not at state parks, but near them.

5. Lick Brook, Ithaca. A stone's throw from Buttermilk Falls State Park. Not spectacular, but far less busy than other Ithaca area falls. Possibly the very steep terrain minimizes the number of casual hikers. I like to hike cross country to Lick Brook after doing the length of Buttermilk from north (bottom entrance) to south (top entrance).
4. She-Qua-Ga, town of Montour Falls. Doesn't even fit my own definition due to its in-town location, but I found this falls to be captivating. Close to Watkins Glen SP.
3. Great Gully, Union Springs. Nice creekwalk, then you could get your lake and sunset shots at nearby Long Point SP.
2. Sugar Creek Glen, Dansville. Very beautiful and less than an hour's drive from Letchworth SP.
1. The Blue Hole and Rattlesnake Gulf, Otisco. Provided you can find a safe and legal way to get there. Closest SP is Fillmore, or head to Otisco or Skaneateles Lakes for your lake and sunset shots.

Any list of truly top 5 to see in NY would have to start with Niagara, Watkins Glen and Taughannock in that order with numbers 4 and 5 debatable -- Letchworth and Chittenango perhaps. One of the fun things about exploring waterfalls is to find the ones that really resonate with you personally, regardless of whether they are the biggest, the tallest, the most grand. Have fun and be sure to post your pics!

Mark J.