New York City isn’t just a huge, concrete jungle. Behind the bustling traffic and tall skyscrapers, are both natural and man-made hidden escapes. What is better than going off the path and discovering a waterfall in NYC? The city is home to many gorgeous waterfalls, from natural waterfalls found in Central Park to man-made falls in the Financial District. We’re positive you’ll stumble upon the perfect one and escape from the relentless sounds of the city for a while.

Best waterfall NYC has to offer

Surround sound waterfall in Greenacre Park

If you’re looking for a waterfall so loud that you’re unable to hear anything else in the city, this might be the spot for you. Located at 51st St and Third Ave, Greenacre Park has a waterfall that is so loud, that it drowns out all surrounding city noises. The waterfall is 25 feet high and is constructed from man-made granite blocks. The park offers the perfect escape from the city and is so beloved that it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. With multiple seating spots to eat lunch or meet up with friends, it’s the best hidden secret in Midtown. The park is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Waterfall oasis in Paley Park

Another hidden gem in Midtown Manhattan is the oasis in Paley Park, often cited as one of the finest urban spaces in the U.S.! Located at West 52nd St between Madison and 5th Ave, this is a great spot to zone out and enjoy a more natural scene in the city. The park opened in 1967 and was built by businessman William S. Paley for his father, Samuel Paley. The waterfall is a good 20 feet and lit up by lights behind it, creating a magical atmosphere, that you’re sure to love especially in winter. So take some pictures and listen to the relaxing sound of the falls. The park itself is wheelchair accessible, making it a welcome space for all. Visitors are welcome 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.

Largest Midtown waterfall

Located at E 47th between 2nd and 3rd Ave and near the United Nations, is a park that houses several small waterfalls, a curved cascade, and a waterfall tunnel. It’s a pretty secluded spot, so this may be the perfect hidden gem to check out if you’re not into big crowds. It’s located right next to the Consulate General of Belgium and British Consulate General New York.

National 9/11 Memorial waterfalls

The waterfalls featured as the centerpiece of Michael Arad and Peter Walker’s 9/11 Memorial are titled “Reflecting Absence,” and are also the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The significance of them? If you don’t know already, each of these waterfalls are footprints of where each Twin Tower stood before September 11, 2001. Both about an acre in size, they release around 26,000 gallons of water every minute over the 30-ft walls. The names of the victims of the attacks are carved into the parapets surrounding the waterfall pools. The pools are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm for visitors who wish to stop by to pay their respects.

The Bronx River

There are several waterfalls located along the Bronx River, most of which are connected to water mills that date back to the 1700s. The Snuff Mill Waterfall is located at the New York Botanical Garden. While this waterfall is technically a dam, when it was constructed to power the Snuff Mill in 1840, the water wheel is no longer there. The Rock Garden Cascade was built in the 1930s and is considered off the beaten path, and can be quite the quiet oasis on leisurely days. The 13-ft River Park Waterfall near the Bronx Zoo entrance is also technically a dam on the Bronx River. It’s located near a large playground, so if you’re looking to get away from the city with your kids, they can enjoy the playground while you enjoy some falls. The last waterfall along the Bronx River is the Twin Dam Falls. There are two falls, one is a classic waterfall drop and can be viewed from the Mitsubishi Riverwalk Outlook. The other is best viewed from inside the Bronx Zoo and is near the Bison Reserve.

All these waterfalls are within walking distance of each other. If you’re visiting one, maybe just make a day out of it and visit all of them!

Central Park Falls

Even if you’re an avid Central Park goer, you may not have discovered some of the waterfalls inside the park. Five waterfalls are located north of the park and are completely man-made. The water running through these falls is also the same as the drinking water you get from the tap water in your home. This water is supplied to the falls from a 48-inch pipe hidden by the rocks at the Pool Grotto. Three of the Central Park waterfalls can be found along the Loch, a watercourse that flows through the Ravine in the North Woods. To find these three falls, the Central Park website suggests entering through the West side from Glen Span Arch around 102nd Street. Once you’ve located the Loch, simply follow the moving water to find the three waterfalls.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden waterfall

According to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website, the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is one of the oldest and most visited Japanese-inspired gardens outside of Japan. Constructed between 1914 and 1915, the garden is a blend of ancient hill-and-pond style as well as a more modern style. The garden features hills contoured around a pond, an island, and a waterfall. Designed by Japanese landscape architect, Takeo Shiota, the three-acre garden is a splendid place to take a stroll in, while listening to the sounds of the fall. Some other architectural elements include a Shinto shrine, a pavilion, wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and a wooden torii.

Best waterfalls in New York

As an honorable mention, here are two of New York’s tallest waterfalls.

Giant waterfall in New York

Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Catskills Mountains north of New York City. The waterfall’s status as New York’s tallest waterfall has been contested because the Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall. Though most of its height is attributed to the first drop, that height is only 180 feet tall. Once combined with the second drop, at 260 feet tall, Kaaterskill Falls is one of New York’s tallest waterfalls.

Taughannock Falls

At 215 feet tall, Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in New York, even taller than the Niagra Falls (167 feet tall with 3 drops). The waterfall is located in the Rocky Mountains east of New York City. Note, swimming in the falls is strictly forbidden!