Fillmore Glen S. P.

Tucked into the rolling hills of Cayuga County in New York's Finger Lakes region, Fillmore Glen State Park is one of the area's most rewarding natural escapes. The park's heart is Dry Creek, a lively stream that has spent millennia carving a dramatic gorge through ancient glacial rock. The result is a landscape of layered stone walls, canopied hemlock and hardwood forest, and five cascading waterfalls that tumble into cool, clear pools below. Whether you're here in the first flush of spring or the golden haze of late summer, this glen has a way of pulling you in and making the rest of the world feel very far away.

The Gorge and Its Waters

Walking into Fillmore Glen feels like descending into a secret. The gorge closes in gradually around you, mossy walls rising on either side as the sound of falling water grows louder. Dry Creek — despite its name — runs vigorously through much of the year, fed by snowmelt and spring rains that send it rushing over the park's signature waterfalls. By summer, the creek settles into a refreshing, cold-water swimming and jumping destination that draws families, day-trippers, and anyone who knows to look for it. The designated swimming area benefits from the natural chill of gorge-shaded water, making it a genuine relief on a hot upstate New York afternoon. The rocky creek bed and surrounding cliffs give the place a wild, untamed feel — but it's an approachable wildness, the kind that invites you in rather than turning you away.

Swimming and Activities

The park officially sanctions swimming and jumping, and lifeguards are on duty to keep things safe — a reassuring fact if you're bringing young swimmers along. You'll find clearly designated spots to take the plunge, and the jumping areas draw the kind of enthusiastic crowds that gather wherever cold water and a little bit of height meet. Beyond the swimming hole, the trails wind through the gorge on well-maintained paths, passing all five waterfalls and offering views that shift dramatically with the seasons. Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe among the hemlocks, and the surrounding forest rewards anyone willing to slow down and look closely.

Plan Your Visit

Fillmore Glen State Park sits just outside Moravia, New York, and is easily reachable from Syracuse to the north and Auburn to the northwest — both within comfortable driving distance for a day trip. Parking inside the park costs $7 per car, though if you don't mind a short walk, you can park outside the gate and stroll in at no cost. The park offers picnic tables and toilet facilities, and for those who want to linger longer, camping is available on site. The park shines brightest in summer for swimming, in spring when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic, and in autumn when the gorge walls are lit up with foliage color. Pack layers — even summer mornings in the gorge can feel cool — bring plenty of water, and plan to spend at least a half day. Once you hear the waterfalls and feel the creek, you won't be in any hurry to leave.

Named after President Millard Fillmore, the park reflects the area's historical significance and connection to early American settlers.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park’s ecosystems. Avoid disturbing wildlife and stay on designated trails.