Ithaca Falls

4.7 (69 reviews)

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Ithaca Falls - February 2026 - Hiking Near Me

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Maggie B.

These falls are breathtaking and definitely worth a stop if in the area. There's a free public parking lot across the street and a very short walk over either a dirt hill path or across the rocky base takes you directly below the power and might of this huge rush of water. You can get close enough to feel the mist from the water, which is quite refreshing on a hot day. You can also see the falls from the overlook on the street, but the view is unobstructed and very much worth it if you venture a little further in.

Jada C.

What a beautiful place. Ithaca Falls embraces serenity and calmness. I visited this place about 10 years ago. The beauty never faded. The waterfall melts all the tension away. Something about the water clears the anxiety and makes me feel present. It helps to clear my mind. People can bring their dogs to this waterfall. My dog enjoyed walking around the water. As she gets her little paws wet, she drinks a little bit of the water. Maisie likes walking on the gray rocks. I think she views it as a hike.

Joe C.

Gorgeous falls probably the easiest stop off in the area to check out the falls. Ample parking but be warned its lumpy gravel be careful not to bottom out. It's a short hike to the falls. The water was relatively low today which is nice cause we can get substantially closer. There several warnings about swimming and diving dangers. Not the best location for that but buttermilk has swimming.

Shelby A.

Ithaca falls was the start to a long day of state parks and adventure. It is a much smaller park with a small gravel lot which we drove right past at first. Once we parked it's a short bit steep downhill to the flat sidewalk that goes to the park. It's small with seating and a trail that runs down the river to the beautiful waterfall all the way at the end. Maybe a 10-15 minute walk tops. Easy ground there are a few rocky parts that are uneven but most of the ground is flat.

Melody N.

We came here right before the school dorms were opened. There were quite a few people touring and taking pictures, but it wasn't too long until we would be able to get a shot in. The falls were a short walk from the parking lot across the street(which was free)! The kids loved wading through the water nearby but we were careful not to go too close to the middle. There were several signs warning not to swim. The fall was quite stunning to see so close and the pictures really do not do it justice. Would highly recommend to visit and walk around.

Andrea B.

Short little walk to beautiful wide falls! There is free parking. Gorgeous, just like all the waterfalls in this area.

Jessica P.

Amazing waterfall and rich in history. Loved the sign about how Cornell founded it and the gun factory that used to be there. Great warning signs as well. You could walk right up to the falls. Great scenic spot.

Samantha R.

Beautiful place to explore and feel the breeze of the waterfalls. A lot of tourists there.

Hunter S.

Ithaca Falls (I'm referring to the town and large waterfall proper) is very quirky and pretty, but I enjoyed Robert H. Treman Park (also further out in Ithaca) better. This place, full of nature, Cornell University, little shops and restaurants, is definitely worth a visit, but I think the main falls is overrated. The main trail going to the base of the falls wasn't even open when I went. There is supposed to be a mural project, which I plan to visit later. Definitely a college town as well!

Erin T.

Such a chill place in the middle of Ithaca. It's an easy walk to the waterfall from the parking lot. (Free parking.) Cute little neighborhood across the street to walk around in.

Amanda K.

Ithaca falls is a beautiful and fairly easily accessible waterfall to get to. There are a good bit of rocks to navigate your way through but it wasn't too challenging. There is a small parking area a short walk away that holds about 20 cars. We walked down and then over to the falls. We spent about 10-15 minutes here. It's a nice place for a quick photo but not a place for hiking. Dogs welcome and no swimming allowed!

Win C.

Soooo pretty. I had no idea Ithaca had so many falls and this was one of my favorites because it's sooo discrete. We parked our car nearby and it took us 5-10 minute walk to get to the falls. We literally walked up to the heart of the waterfall and barely anyone was there at 11am.

Bill T.

These falls are beautiful. Although you can see them from the street (bridge) it's worth a five minute walk to the rocks below the waterfall. So amazing that this beautiful scenery is in the heart of a city. It's a little rocky towards the falls but a fairly easy walk over all. Great spot for a picture with your sweetheart!

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Jess M.

Elite 19

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11 years ago

Ithaca Falls is absolutely beautiful. The only reason for four instead of five stars is because I was looking for falls a little bit more away from "civilization". That said, if you are looking for something with quick and easy access, this is your place. Parking is right off the street up a little bit of an incline. The "hike" to the falls isn't what I consider a hike, rather it was a walk in nature. It was so beautiful and peaceful here, and our dog enjoyed that the "hike" wasn't anything long or vigorous because it was so, so hot outside. All of the signs about lead didn't cause me concern, because really, anything bad can happen in any situation. So, I try to enjoy every moment. I would have loved to sit here on a towel with a book, because the sound of the falls were just so peaceful and calming. But, the heat (and our dog who gets antsy quickly) caused us to spend only about ten minutes here. I will definitely be back in nicer weather, likely in the fall to see the change of leaves. Maybe then I will up it to five stars. read more

Ithaca Falls - This sound of the water falling is so peaceful and soothing! - Hiking Near Me

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Andrea L.

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11 years ago

Beautiful scenery and gorges!! Especially great during warm sunny weather. Also a great place to skip rocks. I would not consider myself as an outdoorsy person but I still really enjoyed the scenery here! The only thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars are the signs about possible traces of lead in the waters... read more

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Cathy M.

Elite 16

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12 years ago

This was a fun find! We were looking at colleges. I heard that this waterfall was really close to the road. We parked across the street. Nice short safe walk. What a great surprise!!! Highly recommend! Worth the 5-10 minutes!! We went in September. Beautiful! Do go! read more

Ithaca Falls - Great find! Take a hike! - Hiking Near Me

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Grace C.

Elite 17

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8 years ago

Extremely easy to get to with a fairly large parking lot across the street from the falls. We carried our 15 month old and had no problems reaching the falls even though it's a little rocky at parts. You can see the falls from the bridge if you don't want to get up close and personal. read more

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Steve L.

Elite 26

1

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9 years ago

Beautiful natural area. well kept and not too crowded. worth the trip and not expensive either. Good eating nearby

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Ramah H.

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8 years ago

I came from Seattle Washington 2 years ago to meet my now husband. We took a picture by the waterfall and used it as our wedding picture. What a beautiful place to fall in love. Came back this year on our 1 year anniversary took another picture in the same spot. Its beautiful and kids are swimming at the bottom of the falls with life guards on duty. read more

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Naz B.

Elite 20

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11 years ago

As others have said, these falls are a 5 min walk away and close to the main road. How close you ask? We kept our eyes peeled, worried we were going to miss it. Then there it was. The entire damn waterfalls. Right off the main road! Seriously, this is a 30 minute stop. 5 minutes to get to the falls, 25 minutes to ogle at how beautiful they are. Hiking to look at waterfalls is sooo 2014. Go to these instead if you are lazy and/or want a quick payout! read more

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Matt H.

Elite 17

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13 years ago

I define a waterfall's value to be its Beauty times its accessibility divided by its price, and this waterfall has the highest value of all the ones in the finger lakes. Beauty: Who says size matters? While this waterfall isn't large, it is absolutely stunning. If Taughannock falls is all about size, then Ithaca falls is all about making the most of what you got. And what its got is a gorgeous set of rocks that create a breathtaking pattern (especially when the water is really rushing) that is really quite magical. Accessibility: Basically a 5-20 min walk from Downtown or Collegetown. The only famous waterfall that you can access with almost no effort when you live or stay at a hotel in the heart of Ithaca. It's truly nature at your doorstep. Also, its completely flat at the base of the falls (the prettiest part). This is the waterfall to take your 95 year old grandma too, no hiking required! Price: Free parking in the lot across the street, or a free walk from your residence. I guess this means I'm dividing by zero, oh well ... this ain't math class. When it comes to Ithaca falls you can visit poor, out of shape and lazy and still manage to enjoy some of the most spectacular nature the world has to offer. read more

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Jingqiao H.

Elite 21

188

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9 years ago

Just take a casual walk down there (even not a hike) and you can experience one of the most beautiful moments when you see the breathtaking waterfall. Take off your shoes and jump into the water, then you will forget about the time and fly into the endless happiness. Travel by yourself or go with a gang or families. I guarantee you that you will take tons of photos and have a lot of fun. read more

Ithaca Falls - At the entrance you can peek a bit of the fall - Hiking Near Me

Ithaca Falls - Gorgeous waterfall and very chilling - Hiking Near Me

Ithaca Falls - Beautiful waterfall! - Hiking Near Me

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Allen C.

Elite 17

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12 years ago

I give Ithaca a lot of crap, but one thing I can't hate on is Ithaca Falls. Free, incredibly accessible, and beats a lot of the other falls in the region. What makes it so much more stunning is that the water falls down along a slope of rocks, so it's a lot more interesting than some other falls where the water just falls straight down. You can find this waterfall at a small recreational area at the intersection of Lake and Falls Streets. There's a parking lot but there will also be plenty of street parking. Along the short trail (maybe like a one minute walk from the sidewalk) you'll see people reading, relaxing, playing in the water, and fishing. If you just want to find some peace in nature, here's a place you can get to effortlessly. read more

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Joe D.

Elite 18

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14 years ago

What a beautiful and historical gorge. Ithaca falls is right off Rt 13 before heading up to Lansing NY. There is a parking lot and the falls is right across the street. You can view the falls from the bridges above the falls or from street level. It's a short walk back and you're standing at the base of the falls. Depending on what time of year it is, the falls can really have a lot of water flowing over. If Ithaca has a dry spell without rain, it slows down a bit. The water flows into Lake Cayoga. One of the largest of the finger lakes. read more

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Kimberly U.

339

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14 years ago

The best waterfall in Ithaca and it's free! The hike is short, it was more like a walk actually. We visited this twice after looking at buttermilk falls (which was dry when we went) and Robert H. Truman falls which was also amazing (they had a diving board!) my family and I decided that Ithaca falls was the most breathtaking of the three falls we saw. We even swam in it there was this huge log floating around and we rode on it like a canoe. it held 3 adults and we were paddling with this stick we found. It was so fun. Its a nice place to have a picnic! Please just be aware of your trash and take it with you. Don't leave it there. read more

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Dominik D.

Elite 21

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11 years ago

A single, fantastic waterfall is the centerpiece of this outdoor activity but the rock walls on either side are also magnificent. read more

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Catherine G.

93

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11 years ago

Ithaca Falls is absolutely beautiful. Easy hike with easy access to the falls. The Falls is at the base of Cornell University. Plenty of public parking and you can hear and see the falls from the road. The day that we toured the Falls there was plenty of water so the viewing was gorgeous. It was early June so the site was perfect. Ithaca has over 100 waterfalls, but this one is a must see. read more

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Canny F.

Elite 26

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11491

14 years ago

The first waterfall I saw here. Amazed as usual by the view.

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Jean V.

23

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15 years ago

ALMOST the best falls I have ever been to and here is why: It is so absurdly convenient and if you know the secret entryway, you are super lucky as it most certainly enhances the overall experience. I visited on a warm June day when the water was about 68 degrees and tantalizingly refreshing. So lovely, in fact, that I decided to walk right into the water and "water hike" up to the eddy of the falls. If you are going to do this, I recommend you wear good shoes and have a walking stick as you will need both. If you do not have both of these items, do not attempt this as I would only recommend it to avid and experienced hikers. I must have stayed in the water for a good 2 hours and then explored the shale rock after I was too shriveled to remain in the actual falls. Once of my favorite places in the entire world. read more

Ithaca Falls - Getting up close and personal with Ithaca Falls! - Hiking Near Me

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Yan T.

Elite 26

2581

1835

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13 years ago

Beautiful and underrated falls right in the heart of Ithaca. A 2-minute walk from the parking lot bring you face to face with this small wonder. Bring the camera. read more

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Shelby B.

Elite 19

95

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1124

10 years ago

It doesn't get much cooler than having an amazing waterfall tucked neatly away in the middle of town. Ithaca Falls is located right in the heart of Ithaca. Just a quick hike and you have a great place to hang out, take a swim, or grab a couple photos. It's just one of the very cool things to see and do in and around Ithaca! read more

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Cesie A.

Elite 14

125

212

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13 years ago

Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. And so easy to access! I took a friend from out of town a few weeks ago and the fall leaves surrounding it made it beautiful!. read more

Ithaca Falls - The falls in the fall - Hiking Near Me

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Amy C.

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13 years ago

One of my favorite spot in ithaca. It's nice to walk over with friends from west campus in weekend. It's a place that you feel very close to the nature, forget about the stress and claim down all your nerves. read more

Ithaca Falls - With friends at ithaca fall - Hiking Near Me

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Elizabeth R.

0

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11 years ago

Lovely visit to Ithica Falls with the pups! Only low point was when a neighbor came to warm everyone toxic lead was found and we should be careful??? read more

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S V.

0

3

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10 years ago

Ithaca Falls are beautiful and absolutely worth seeing. It's so easy too; while driving back to Queens I desired to visite , I park and walk over to see them. Ten minutes and some beautiful photos later, we were on our way. I love Ithaca for its variety of waterfalls. Ithaca Falls is indeed the easiest one to see. Just pull in, watch and you can be on your way. read more

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Dave D.

Elite 16

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9 years ago

If you're looking for somewhere to see a big beautiful waterfall in the middle of the city then this is the place for you.

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Natalie B.

27

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13 years ago

Great falls, very accessible, parking right next door, short walk along a trail. I saw some people with a kayak in the water here, seams like a great idea, also it says no swimming but there were people in the water as well. read more

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Nicole G.

Elite 18

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9 years ago

Great spot to take a walk and some great photos. My sister and I stopped here on a February road trip and got to see the falls in an amazing icy state. read more

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Addis G.

0

4

0

7 years ago

Very beautiful the rocks are very slippery I suggest bringing water shoes and maybe bring a camera the water from the fall is nice and overall it's a just a beautiful sight and I recommend it to tourist or if your just here for a vacation the water gets deep fast so I would bring pool clothing if u have any intend on getting in read more

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Zashi J.

3

49

6

13 years ago

It is on Lake St. which is very close to the downtown area. The only thing missing is that they don't have a sign that says Ithaca Falls. Good thing there was another couple when we arrived who knows the way. It is a short easy walk to the falls, around 5 mins. The falls is beautiful. You can sit by the rocks on the side of the falls and just enjoy the view. read more

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Chris W.

2

15

3

11 years ago

Another great waterfall hike. I love going to school in Ithaca. So much to do out doors.

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Corn Girl R.

64

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1

12 years ago

A lovely fall near campus. It is not our favorite one but it is well worth the visit.

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More info about Ithaca Falls

Ithaca, NY
Directions
Visit Website
http://nyfalls.com/ithacafalls.html

Hours

What time does Ithaca Falls open?

What time does Ithaca Falls close?

Outdoor Amenities

Does Ithaca Falls have parking?

Yes, Ithaca Falls has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Review Highlights - Ithaca Falls

“You can find this waterfall at a small recreational area at the intersection of Lake and Falls Streets.”

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Robert H Treman State Park

4.8

(118 reviews)

8.1 km

Robert H. Treman State Park was the last of the state parks in the Finger Lakes we visited a week…read moreor so when we spent the Fourth of July in the area, and it was a great way to say goodbye to the region. The park encompasses both sides of Enfield Creek and has several options to enjoy. At one end of the park is the Upper Park Entrance. This entrance has the Old Mill and access to all three hiking trails and is closer to the Lucifer Falls. (If you want to see Lucifer Falls without a hike, park at the Upper Entrance and you're not too far from Lucifer Halls - an easy flat walk to it, really.) The other end of the park is the Lower Park Entrance. It has camping areas (well used over the Fourth of July weekend when we visited - we saw tons of families enjoying the holiday weekend here), access to the Gorge Trail and Rim Trail, the Lower Falls (a waterfall with a swimming hole at the base - the swimming pool even has a diving board!), and everything else you need for a day of swimming and exploring (bathrooms with showers, picnic pavilions, etc.). We parked at the Lower Park Entrance (the lot was almost empty around 9am on a Sunday morning - even though it was a holiday weekend) and started off on the Gorge Trail, which is a 2.12 mile hike along Enfield Creek. This was probably the hardest hike we did at any of the state parks we visited over this holiday weekend (Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls, and Taughannock Falls). It was steep. I also didn't think it had the best views for the first mile - you're not quite as close to the water or *in* the gorge as you are on some of the other Gorge Trails. But once we got down to the creek, the views were beautiful (a few small falls), and it wasn't as crowded as the other trails either. (FYI: it was buggy and humid and hot, so if the weather is hot, definitely start early.) I had read on AllTrails that the hike up to Lucifer Falls was tough, so I was a little worried. But actually I didn't find it the hardest part of the hike at all. And Lucifer Falls was absolutely the highlight of the hike and the park for us. It's a 115-foot waterfall and it sort of winds and meanders in this incredible way - different from the other falls we saw on our Finger Lakes hikes. If you're visiting the park, do not miss Lucifer Falls. We returned to the Lower Entrance on the Rim Trail, which wasn't as beautiful as the Gorge Trail, but ended up being a treat, too, for a surprising reason. The Rim Trail didn't take us back to where we had parked our car. It does take you near to the Lower Entrance, but on the South side of the Creek. So when you finish the trail, there's a sign telling you how to get back to the Lower Entrance Parking, and that way back happens to take you past the Lower Falls. So we got to see the Lower Falls - tons of people swimming and diving (with plenty of lifeguards, too). We now know to save some time for a swim at the base of the Lower Falls the next time we visit this park! There are a lot of great parks, hikes, and trails in the Finger Lakes, but I really enjoyed our visit to Robert H. Treman State Park. Lucifer Falls is special, and the park was a great way to get some exercise and get some amazing waterfall shots, too.

This was one of my least favorite places to camp because the campsites offer no privacy and have no…read morespace or trees separating you from your neighbors. If you prefer a more intimate and peaceful camping experience, this is not the place for you. There is a swimming area that has a lifeguard on duty snd many waterfalls to see. That being said, the gorge trails are fantastic and worth visiting for day hikes. The hike is not particularly challenging and is a couple miles long. The views of Lucifer falls at the end are awesome!

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Instagram: telephonesmoothie

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Stewart Park

4.6

(16 reviews)

1.3 km

This has a bit of everything. Gorgeous views. Bike/running trails. Nice playgrounds. Beautiful old…read moreand new trees. A great place to relax and enjoy life, just be prepared for other people coming for the same reason.

Nice large park on the waterfront in Ithaca. Lots of music…read moreevents happen in this space every year including Ithaca festival and the reggae festival. I personally remember running a 5k road race here in the park. Good place to relax have fun in the playground which is big and awesome. Swings for two along the waterfront to watch a sunset. Bbq grill's aplenty for a nice day cook out.

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Tree planted in memory of a loved one.

Taughannock Falls State Park

4.6

(167 reviews)

13.5 km

After briefly stopping at the [free] overlook to get some photos, we decided it would be nice to do…read morethe walk to the falls too, so we chose the Gorge Trail. It was 1 mile each way (from the parking lot to near the base of the falls). The trail was relatively flat and shaded for parts of it (but not all). There were a few benches along the way to take breaks, and water at the beginning of the trail to fill up your water bottle. It costs $10/car to get into the state park but you can use that ticket to get into other state parks on the same day without paying again, which would be great to visit nearby Buttermilk Falls and other parks.

I visited Taughannock Falls State Park about a week ago when my husband and I were in the Finger…read moreLakes for the 4th of July, and I'm glad we included it in our itinerary for our trip. The highlight of the park - and its namesake - is Taughannock Falls, a 215-foot plunge waterfall. That's what we were there to see, but let me explain more about the park. The park crosses Taughannock Boulevard. On one side of the road, is the park of the park with lots of amenities: the marina, boat launches, a beach, a concession stand, bathrooms, a playground, and more. We were there on the morning of the Fourth of July, so lots of families were setting up for a fun day for the holiday: picnics, beach, boat day, etc. On the other side of Taughannock Boulevard is the waterfall and several trails. There is one parking lot by the trails, which was already full when arrived around 9am on Saturday, which was the Fourth of July, but we parked near the entrance on the other side of the park and walked over to the trail. There is signage requiring cars on Taughannock Boulevard to stop for pedestrians; it felt safe to cross. We took a little walk around the side of the park with the amenities, but we were there for the falls. We walked along the Gorge Trail - a .95 mile trail that is very flat. While not paved, it was a flat, wide dirt path, making it much more of a walk than a hike. Compared to other parks with falls in the area, it really doesn't feel like you're *in* a gorge, but you do walk along Taughannock Creek. But it's not quite as beautiful of a trail as some others in the area. But we were for the waterfall, which is incredible. It's worth a sweaty walk (it was a hot, hot day) to get to. We took a million pictures, watched the hawks flying over the falls, and took in the falls for as long as we could before heading back along the Gorge Trail. (Unlike other parks nearby, the Gorge Trail doesn't connect to the other trails, so you have to return on the same trail.) It might not be my favorite of the state parks we visited during our time in the Finger Lakes, but the waterfall is stunning and well worth a visit. It's also a great option for anyone who wants to visit a waterfall but isn't up for a more challenging hike, as the Gorge Trail is extremely flat and easy!

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Cayuga lake

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Buttermilk Falls State Park

4.5

(135 reviews)

4.5 km

A shady 1-mile walk along a creek down to Buttermilk Falls. Then ride back ;-)…read more Our last nature outing on this visit (Jul 2026) was a one-mile hike along Buttermilk Creek. We got dropped off on King Road near the upper-park lot. The shady Gorge Trail off the west end of the bridge was mostly-downhill, past Heart Pond and the small Pinnacle Falls. Those were about a quarter of the way. The rest was always within hearing if not within sight of the musical stream and the sometimes-chattering birds. There was some fencing to guard you from a cliff's edge, and a couple of stone stairways to climb. The reward was the gently-sloped but raucus Buttermilk Falls. The signs warn "No Swimming", which was tempting. We planned our pickup right there, off NY-13 Elmira Road by the State Park office and parking lot. A lovely serene 1-mile walk. Another gift from Ithaca.

We stopped briefly to see the falls and there were lots of people swimming, picnicking and…read moresunbathing during our visit. It's $10 to park but we used our ticket from our earlier visit to nearby Taughannock falls to get in. We didn't explore the whole park but I'd consider coming back to do so, to walk one of the trails.

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First test spot on the walls

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The bridge to cross the falls on the top

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

4.8

(26 reviews)

1.1 km

Glad I got the chance to check out this check trail. It's been closed since I moved to Ithaca for…read moresome maintenance and just the winter but it's well worth it. You know it starts in the heart of College town right next to the theater in the law school and immediately spectacular fall with the stone arch Bridge. It's gorgeous the Falls continue Cascade down several bends and turns the trail comes right up to the Falls just pouring right next to you as your Spencer Street. There's another arch bridge and the final cascading Falls at the bottom. It was pretty nice. It was. It's kind of picture box by a nice little cherry blossom or I think maybe an apple rose blossom or something but well worth it on this nice spring day to check out now that it's open if you go to Cornell, definitely check it out. It's well worth it and it drops you off right at commons. So if you're taking the street to the commons from college town, considered this and said it's great.

This awesome trail is right in downtown Ithaca. Parking is a little tricky, but there are free…read morespots and park to pay spots. Definitely read the signage! I read some reviews about this trail before going and everything was accurate and amazing. It's a simple enough trail that is just over 1 mile out and back. Dogs are allowed and there are several steps. It's very peaceful and beautiful. There is a waterfall around every corner!

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Triphammer Falls

3.7

(7 reviews)

1.3 km

Super easy to get to- free parking on weekends with a short walk. You get to drive around Cornell's…read morecampus too which is a plus! Pretty empty in the summer

This waterfall is more of a walk-by spot, as there's no access to the bottom. However, there's a…read morebeach area and spots to launch a canoe or kayak. The trails appear to circle the lake, offering great fishing opportunities, which were quite popular during our visit. Parking can be a challenge, as most spaces are reserved for the nearby college.

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Cornell University Ornithology Lab

4.8

(12 reviews)

4.5 km

The Cornell Lab does work that helps conserve birds diversity through research, K through adult…read moreeducation, and participatory activities. I first learned of them through a phone app i downloaded to help identify birdsong. We visited on a weekday (Jul 2026), viewing pictures and displays and information about local wildlife. They had a large windowed area looking into wild bird habitats. We walked the trails a little too. It was fun to visit! C'mon out to hike, look, and learn. Join or volunteer or make a donation. It's helping the local birds and birds around the world!

One of the coolest places I've ever been! The outdoor trails are incredible, with beautiful…read morehabitats that attract a wide variety of birds. We saw during our short walk two Osprey and Ruby-crowned Kinglets while exploring. The inside is just as impressive, with one of the best interactive museums I've experienced, full of fascinating specimens and thoughtful learning opportunities in a gorgeous building. The gift shop is well stocked and collaborates with Wild Birds Unlimited. A must see if you're in the area and into conservation or wildlife!

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The trails need to be color coded or something to help people find the correct trail they want to take.

Photo Op!

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Ludlowville Park

4.0

(2 reviews)

11.8 km

This park is beautiful! It's tiny, with a small playground and a little pavilion with a grill…read more There is a little swing seat by the falls as well. There is a path down, but it was rushing enough that we didn't try to go down. But still, it was beautiful!

Small public park with a steep off beat path down to a waterfall overhang, small veranda and a lot…read moreof teens swimming in the watering hole here. The area is a little slippery with the rocks and you have to be careful to not turn an ankle. Not handicapped accessible to the falls aside from the view at the rim. Deep overhang helps keep it cool but also have to watch falling rock eventually.

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Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

Taughannock Falls Overlook

4.5

(23 reviews)

13.5 km

We enjoyed hiking through Taughannock Falls State Park in Ithaca NY (Jul 2026). There's terrific…read moreviews of the falls from an overhead Taughannock, a small pedestrian bridge, and a spacious viewing courtyard.

Overlook is half way point of North Rim Trail. Since half of the trail was close during winter…read more People just drove and park here (free parking). There is a visitor center and bathroom but it wasn't open when I was there. View is not bad. It is a 2-minute stop. Take some picture and then go back to the car. Gorge trail has better view because you can get close and feel the energy of the waterfall.

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February 2025

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Cornell Botanic Gardens

4.6

(33 reviews)

1.6 km

The beautiful gardens at Cornell are a must-see if you're in the area. We only had a little bit of…read moretime to stroll around a portion of the gardens, but we were all so impressed with the variety of plants and the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens. This will definitely be on my list to visit again the next time I'm in the area.

Amazing! Well kept, organized and a beautiful way to spend the day. We went to the gardens around…read morethe welcome center, which was good enough for us. However, the campus has SO many gardens that they maintain, so there are plenty more to visit.

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Herb Garden

Buttermilk Falls State Park

4.5

(135 reviews)

4.5 km

A shady 1-mile walk along a creek down to Buttermilk Falls. Then ride back ;-)…read more Our last nature outing on this visit (Jul 2026) was a one-mile hike along Buttermilk Creek. We got dropped off on King Road near the upper-park lot. The shady Gorge Trail off the west end of the bridge was mostly-downhill, past Heart Pond and the small Pinnacle Falls. Those were about a quarter of the way. The rest was always within hearing if not within sight of the musical stream and the sometimes-chattering birds. There was some fencing to guard you from a cliff's edge, and a couple of stone stairways to climb. The reward was the gently-sloped but raucus Buttermilk Falls. The signs warn "No Swimming", which was tempting. We planned our pickup right there, off NY-13 Elmira Road by the State Park office and parking lot. A lovely serene 1-mile walk. Another gift from Ithaca.

We stopped briefly to see the falls and there were lots of people swimming, picnicking and…read moresunbathing during our visit. It's $10 to park but we used our ticket from our earlier visit to nearby Taughannock falls to get in. We didn't explore the whole park but I'd consider coming back to do so, to walk one of the trails.

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First test spot on the walls

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The bridge to cross the falls on the top