New York Has A New State Park

New York officials have unveiled the name for a new 90-acre state park being established on the shores of Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls.

Officials with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said the area will be designated Three Falls State Park, named for three scenic waterfalls located in and adjacent to the park.

The site was acquired by New York state in 2025 and was formerly the Camp Barton Boy Scout camp. Officials said plans for the park include new trails, improved lake access, restored cabins, and a nature center.

The new Three Falls State Park is located on the shores of Cayuga Lake. (New York State Parks Photo)

New York State Parks and its local government partners managing the property also released a conceptual plan to preserve the diverse ecology of the former Camp Barton scout camp while expanding recreational opportunities, improving infrastructure, and enhancing public access.

The park will be operated by Three Falls Local Development Corporation, a collaborative entity comprised of representatives of the towns of Covert and Ulysses and the village of Trumansburg. 

Split among four phases of improvements, the plan for the new park includes several key enhancements, such as:  

Restored camp cabins 

New docks, kayak launches and lake access infrastructure

A new Nature Center and environmental education learning spaces 

Preservation of peregrine falcon habitat 

Rentable music and events spaces 

An improved central restroom facility 

New hiking trails and waterfall viewing areas 

And a permanent 110+ space parking area

The new park is located just north of Taughannock Falls State Park and includes a half-mile of Cayuga Lake shoreline, restrooms, and the 128-foot Frontenac Falls.