Looking for a fall day trip? Great, because we've got some ideas for you. Yes, those ideas include apple picking, pumpkin picking, and hiking in general.

What improves hiking ten-fold though? Being with some pals you love, laughing a lot, and perhaps a stunning waterfall or two?

Yeah, we can't really think of anything more lovely to enhance your day trip hiking experience than the presence of a beautiful rushing waterfall.

Most of these waterfalls won't be a day trip, though. For most of them, you'll either need a flight or a very long train ride. You'll need a hotel, some pals, and a bottle of wine. Did anyone say weekend vacation?

Read on to discover 7 of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of New York. Then, start checking flights.

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1. Watkins Glen State Park (1009 North Franklin Street - Watkins Glen)

Watkins Glen State Park is waterfall city. You will leave this park absolutely enchanted by the sheer magnitude and beauty of its waterfalls.

We can astound you with the details alone. Don't believe us? Check it out for yourself.

It's got 19 waterfalls, cascading down from the park's 200-foot cliffs. Its trails wind over and under the waterfalls, even though the spray of Cavern Cascade.

If you like fishing, it's also a good spot for that. There are a ton of rainbow trout in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek.

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2. Ice Caves and VerKeerderkill Falls (66 Sams Point Road - Cragsmoor)

VerKeerderkill Falls is a stunning, high AF waterfall. The highest waterfall in Sam's Point Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains, in fact.

There's a sign beside VerKeerderkill Falls that reads, "This is one of the earth's last great places." As it turns out, that sign is not an understatement. 

As you step out onto the cliff and stare into the 180 feet drop to the bottom of the canyon, you'll understand why VerKeerderkill Falls is truly one of the most stunning spots in the Hudson Valley. You'll also probably understand why it's wonderful to be alive.

You can get to these gorgeous falls pretty easily from the city, by riding Short Line buses from Port Authority to Ellenville, then riding a taxi from Ellenville to Sam's Point Preserve.

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3. Middle Falls (Letchworth State Park)

Middle Falls flows from the Genesee River. It's one of three major waterfalls that fall from this river, but it's absolutely the most radiant.

It's probably the most gorgeous waterfall in New York (besides Niagra Falls, of course). 

It's a 107-foot-tall waterfall, and it's even wider than that. It's easily accessible, surrounded by pleasantly paved walking paths. If you can, make it to Inspiration Point, and stand on the well-established lookout and gaze into rapture.

There are also swimming holes at the base of Middle Falls if you're willing to leap into freezing cold water.

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4. Kennedy Dells County Park Loop (355 North Main Street - New City)

If you hike the Kennedy Dells County Dells Park Loop you'll parallel a stream and the scenic ruins of a dam and bridge. 

It's a relatively relaxed, flat mile-and-a-half hike, but of course it also contains stomach-dropping views of a waterfall, which you can reach by following the creek.

These waterfalls are relatively small, but gorgeous nonetheless.

Plenty of people bring their dogs on this hike, though leaving them on leashes is required. 

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5. Niagra Falls

Clearly the most famed of waterfalls-- the Beatles of waterfalls really --Niagra Falls is obviously worth a visit. It's every bit as stunning as it's famed to be.

It was designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 2008, and is located beside plenty of hotels, events, attractions and restaurants for your weekend getaway. 

There are Niagra wineries, golf, sightseeing tours, and plenty of hotels, motels, campgrounds and cottages. What we're saying is, we think you should go here for a weekend. Get up close with these powerful, flowing falls.

Will you ever be the same again? We're not sure, but screw that whole "going after your wedding," thing. Go with your friends.

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6. Split Rock Falls (Hammond Pond Wild Forest)

Part of the Bouquet River, Split Rock falls is just 20 miles east of Lake Placid.

It's got a huge, deep swimming basin. We wouldn't recommend swimming, however, since first of all, it's freezing. Second of all, plenty of ambulances are summoned to its waters every year. 

So, if you asked us we'd advise you to just stare into the falls' splendor as the water rushes between the walls of the mountain ravine.

The viewing area is at the top of the falls, and it's stunning to see the water spill through the surrounding trees. The Boquet River flows into Lake Champlain near Willsboro New York, which you can get to via an hour-long flight upstate.

Which, we'd suggest, is completely worth it. A worth it we're calibrating based on this waterfalls' beauty alone.

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7. Eternal Flame Falls (Orchard Park)

Eternal Flame Falls is every bit as gorgeous as its name suggests. 

Yes, there is an eternal flame alight behind the falls. For years, scientists posited that it was caused by gases from the ancient, hot rocks. Scientists, however, have disproved that theory. The rocks aren't hot enough. They haven't been able to identify what causes the flame.

We're certainly curious, but mostly we're into marveling at the natural beauty in play here, with the graceful rushing water and the splendor of the fire.

It also features a two mile trail out and back near Orchard Park. It's a fairly simple trail, with a few trees to climb over but otherwise relatively straightforward.

We would recommend trying to make it here during sunset.

Check out Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maze, and Winery, Oh My!

[Feature Image Courtesy of Ayay]