WNY Waterfall
Challenge

Patch design by Katelyn Davis

Welcome to the Western New York Waterfall Challenge brought to you by Outside Chronicles.  The sound and sight of moving water calms the mind and fills the spirit. This challenge will help you discover the unique waterfalls of Western New York. We also want to give back to the outdoors and have donated over $487,000 to great organizations. We aim to promote outdoor activities and help people appreciate our region’s natural beauty.

What’s Included in the Challenge

  • Challenge Packet – a PDF containing information to get you started, park descriptions, trailhead coordinates, maps, checklists, and more. Check out some sample pages and the 2026 waterfall list.
  • Digital Maps – every location has a digital map you can import into the easy-to-use Avenza maps app.
  • Challenge App – use our app to track your progress; the app works on iPhone, Android, or in a web browser.
  • Challenge Portal – waterfall chasers can check trail conditions, access a Google map of hike locations, report a problem, and more.
  • Private Facebook Group – participants can join a private challenge Facebook group to ask questions, share photos, and meet fellow waterfall chasers.
  • Improved Physical & Mental Wellbeing – it’s a proven fact that getting outside in nature will improve your physical and mental fitness.
  • Give Back – a large portion of your challenge registration fee will be donated to organizations doing incredible work in the Western NY.

New to the Challenge? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Giving Back

Outside Chronicles gives a large portion of proceeds from the challenge to a worthy cause or organization that promotes stewardship of the outdoors or protects the lands we use for recreation.

We are donating to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, which protects our water, restores our waterways and ecosystems, and connects people to these waterways.  Learn more about this year’s beneficiaries.

Challenge Rules

This year’s Challenge features 20 waterfall locations. Participants need to earn 25 points to receive a finisher patch, sticker, and bragging rights.

  • Earn twenty-five (25) points by completing challenges in our app between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026, inclusive.
  • Points can be earned by finding waterfalls, completing stewardship tasks, and other fun challenges!

For Independent Health, please use your Health Extras card like a credit card at checkout.

For Highmark WNY, you will need to use your personal credit/debit card and submit a Wellness Card Reimbursement Claim Form.  Claims can be submitted on the member website. Log in at myhighmark.com and click Manage under Spending Account Balance to access your personal dashboard. Then, select Claims and Claims Activity under the menu in the upper left corner to submit your claim.

How to Get Started

1. Register

Head to our store and purchase the challenge product that fits your situation.  We have the following to choose from:

Individual: $25
Family (up to 4 members, +$5 for additional patches): $65
Pet and Owner: $45
Scouts: $20 (Use coupon code scouts26 at checkout, put your troop number in the Order Notes)

2. Download Challenge Packet

After your purchase, you will be emailed a link to the digital Waterfall Challenge packet. The packet contains more information about the parks, maps, suggested hikes, landmark locations, and how to sign up for our app.

3. Chase Waterfalls!

Use the information in the Challenge packet and app to earn 25 points, waterfalls are worth 2 points each. Each map has a suggested path, but feel free to make your own adventure.

Remember to take a garbage bag and leave the trails better than you found them.

4. Complete Challenges

Our new app will keep track of your progress. As you complete challenges, your points will increase. Reach 25 points to earn a finisher patch and sticker.

But don’t stop there! You can earn additional in-app badges. Some of the badges will earn you additional stickers! Check out the My Badges section of the app for details.

5. Follow Everyone’s Progress in the App

You can see the Top 100 Leaderboard, check your points, follow a photo feed of submissions, and chat with other chasers; all within the app.

6. Get some 2026 WNY Waterfall Challenge Merch

Tee shirt design by Katelyn Davis

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