Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Robert H Treman State Park

    4.8 (117 reviews)

    Robert H Treman State Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Robert H Treman State Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    A must-visit for the trail and water hole, but avoid camping and aim for morning or early evening to avoid the heaviest afternoon crowds.
    Aly W.

    As a park, Robert H Treman is still five stars. The hike is beautiful and the swimming hole is a blast. A must-do if you're in the Finger Lakes. As far as the camping goes, it's great for easy guaranteed access to the swimming hole, but leaves a lot to be desired for such a popular destination. Three stars for camping is probably generous. Supposedly we had one of the older bathhouses when we camped at Letchworth last year, but I was happy with it. It was clean, and I liked that there was an enclosed space for your belongs just before the shower. Very much a treat for someone who previously only experienced rustic camping with outhouses only. The bathhouse and especially the restrooms nearest our campsite at Robert H Treman were nowhere near as nice as Letchworth, and very dirty. There was a mess in the ladies room by our campground, and all they did was put a wet floor warning. It was never cleaned the three days we were there, and I have no idea how long it was there before. Also, baby millipedes everywhere. I can only hope the cabins are better maintained than the restrooms. My husband wasn't happy about a noisy camper with awful bright blue lights that stayed on all night, and found people less considerate than Letchworth over all in terms of honoring quiet hours, but that's probably just luck of the draw. Regardless, you're better off staying somewhere else and coming in the morning or early evening to avoid the heaviest crowds in the afternoon. The parking lot for the swimming hole seemed a lot less busy in the evening.

    Eileen O.

    This is an extremely beautiful place!! There are stone staircases and waterfalls. It's unbelievably gorgeous!!

    Cabin
    Brad M.

    A short walk from the parking lot leads you to the soothing sounds of Lucifer Falls, located in Robert Treman Park. We also noticed cabins nearby that might be available for rent. When the water level is high, a diving board is attached to the deeper pool, adding to the fun. The fish inside are quite large, making it a unique and fascinating spot to visit.

    Signage
    Marissa C.

    Beautiful! We were enjoying a day of chasing waterfalls and ended up here. The walk to Lower Falls was easy to do from the parking lot. They were still setting up for the swimming area, and it was neat to see how it was underway. We would have loved to actually go swimming, so we're going to have keep that in mind for next time! It's neat that they have this option - it seems like so many waterfalls have hidden dangers in the pools that it's nice that they can take advantage of the formation of this one. It offers a nice picnic area with tables in a wooded area too.

    Waterfall
    Melissa M.

    Beautiful park and great swimming. I have been multiple times over 20 years. Went to take my kids to Buttermilk, but drove an hour to find swimming closed (I swear the website said open). Truman park was PACKED in the parking lot for swimming. Life guards were attentive and respectful. The bathrooms were closed right by swimming- I'm hoping for cleaning, but made for some unhappy kids to walk way over to the 2 stall bathrooms. They survived and the bathrooms closer were open when we left.

    Jackie M.

    I entered by the old mill and really enjoyed this park. We did the rim to gorge trail loop that's around a mile. It took us about an hour but we stopped a lot to take pictures. I thought the hike was enjoyable with some challenging steps. Lucifer Falls is absolutely beautiful. Compared to Watkins Glen this is much smaller but I enjoyed it more because it far less crowded and I could really enjoy it. There are even some slot waterfalls similar to Watkins Glen. If you go to Watkins Glen this is about 30 minutes away and a good add on to that trip. I visited in July and thought that even though it was hot there was enough shade that it was still enjoyable. Highly recommend!

    Salma C.

    Picturesque hike with amazing waterfalls. We took the Gorge Trail. Make sure to bring bug spray as you will pass by tons of insects. Although a heavily uphill hike, seeing Lucifer Falls was worth it. Another great New York State park in the Finger Lakes region.

    Hank C.

    A lovely park that has a gorge trail along the water and the rim trail on top of the cliffside. The lower areas are where most people go first. The upper area has another parking area that includes a parking fee machine. Carry in, carry out park at the moment. You can see the rainbow trout in the river and the waterfalls and the large pool close to the lower falls is a popular swimming area when open. There are three pavilions you can rent, too. There are 9 miles of trails and some areas still under repair, so if it is rainy or wet, it could be very slippery. We also saw a snake on the trail so be careful. I love the area to the upper falls where you have stone walkways and a bridge that remind me of walking through valleys and traveling like the Fellowship of the Ring. The shale and stone here is fragile, so be careful of falling rock and don't throw stones down as people may be in the lower area below you. $8 parking if you don't have the empire pass. About 0.5mi from the upper lot is a crossover to the stairways and overlooks if you don't want to hike all the way down 2+ miles back and forth. Best water is around the spring when the winter melt occurs.

    Camp site# E004 with 30amp electric hookup
    Joe H.

    This is such a great park! Clean, not crowded, and plenty to do and see. We parked our airstream at Camp site# E004 with 30amp electric hookup which was great on the hot summer night being able to run the AC. Walking distance to the play grounds, hiking trails and swimming area this place had a verity of things to keep us busy. Add to that the close proximity to Ithaca's downtown area to eat and check out this was the perfect spot to get away.

    Colette H.

    This is hands down my favorite place to hike. I've been coming here for 20+ years to hit up the trails and check out the amazing waterfall views. I love it here! You can use the first entrance (main entrance) and go for a 3 mile hike to the falls. Or, you can go in the back entrance (second entrance off of the main road), and take a shorter walk to Lucifer Falls. I love coming back here year round to see the iced over falls and the sights at all times of the year. I'll definitely be back here again soon!

    Jessica F.

    An absolutely magical place to visit. There is nothing like jumping off the diving board into the chilling water streaming down from a waterfall. The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps building this site adds to the uniqueness of the park. The pool was low this year due to the lack of rain which made it easier for my 3 year old nephew to wage in. The trails are so beautiful and varied. An annual spot we visit on summer trips back home to Ithaca.

    Hunter S.

    In my opinion, this is so much more beautiful than Ithaca Falls proper. The falls (lower falls and Lucifer falls) are much more impressive. The lower falls are easy to get to, and right off the lower parking lot. Lucifer Falls is off the upper parking lot, and if you want to reach them from the lower parking lot, it's a two mile hike. The hikes here are moderate at best. Lots of hills and steps, but I'd you're able, so worth it. Tons of wildlife, chipmunks, squirrels, deer, lizards, arachnids, snakes etc. Gorgeous scenery, and lots of smaller waterfalls along the way. Lot of stone steps, so one must be careful to not slip. I took the gorge trail from the bottom parking lot. I also took part of the rim trail, which was chock full of steep steps. If you have the stamina, I recommend this spot, particularly the gorge trail.

    Erica I.

    I didn't really understand the whole "Ithaca is GORGES" schtick until I went to Treman State Park. Simply breathtaking. You don't even need to walk very far to see beautiful views, babbling brooks and little falls along the way. It's so picturesque and the air is so fresh; I'll never forget visiting it back when I lived in nyc and remarking on how fresh the air was. Don't be intimidated by the 4.5 hour hikes, I mean, that's also available if you're into that, but if you're more of a 10 minute walk kind of person you'll get views too!

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe C.
    356
    1043
    14254

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aly W.
    136
    788
    1436

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Beautiful falls and swimming areas. Love going there every year. Wish the bathrooms were cleaner...

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad M.
    108
    486
    1552

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hank C.
    2033
    4658
    15011

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Colette H.
    383
    1427
    13983

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Win C.
    371
    881
    4055

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    wow lower falls are a bucket list experience on a peak color October day well worth $9 entry fee

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott B.
    23
    168
    64

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ZhuZhu L.
    9
    129
    614

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maureen D.
    53
    159
    151

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Beautiful falls, trails and swimming locations. Super happy with this park every time we visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Robert H Treman State Park

    How far is the hike going to the lower falls if you're coming from the back entrance?

    It is very scenic. Beautiful waterfalls. There are a mix of uphill and downhills. I'd say it's easier than the reverse but still somewhat challenging depending on your level of fitness.

    I am visiting for the first time mid-September. I noticed on the website that their swimming season ends Labor Day weekend. Is swimming prohibited after Labor Day? Or is it an "at your own risk" kind of thing?

    There is no swimming allowed in the park after Labor Day, the Holiday weekend is the last time! There is No at your own risk swimming. There are other places in the area to swim that will be open.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Robert H Treman State Park

    The Rim Trail is ok, there is a good view of Lucifer Falls, but the Gorge trail has the best views of it.

    Mentioned in 29 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 475 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Taughannock Falls State Park

    Taughannock Falls State Park

    4.6
    (165 reviews)
    10.4 mi

    [Tuh-Gan-Ick] Falls state park is one the of most beautiful state park in NY. It has spectacular…read morenatural attractions of waterfalls, and a lake front on the other side of the road The Gorge Trail to the waterfall is very easy to access. I visited in the winter to see the falls frozen over, and the park rangers had done an excellent job keeping the trail well maintained. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall, and there's very little elevation change along the way. North Rim trail entrance was close during winter due to ice and snow. But you can skip the dangerous part of the trail by parking at the Taughannock Falls overlook point and start hiking from there. Then you will reach the upper falls. Parking is only $10. lot is small so warmer weather probably will fill up pretty quickly.

    I visited here in the winter to see the falls frozen over, and it was such a cool experience! I…read morehadn't seen a frozen waterfall before, so it was really special to experience. I thought it was a fairly easy 1 mile hike out to the falls (though my coworker vehemently disagrees that 1 mile and easy belong in the same sentence - sorry Miss Sheila!), and there were some falcons swooping around. There is a fee to park, but were still spots remaining when we arrived. We should have received discounted parking with a Military ID, but the booth was unmanned that day, so we paid anyway. There is a restroom facility at the parking lot, and it wasn't bad. I actually think it was heated, so that was nice. I'd be interested in seeing the falls and hiking the upper trail when the weather is better!

    Photos
    Cayuga lake
    Cayuga lake
    Taughannock Falls State Park
    Taughannock Falls State Park

    See all

    Buttermilk Falls State Park

    Buttermilk Falls State Park

    4.5
    (132 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Great short walk along the buttermilk falls. There are quite a number of stairs involved as well as…read morerelatively steep paths. Overall the hike should be like an hour from lower falls to upper falls (taking photos and enjoying the view along the way), and half hour on the way back if walking straight no side tracking. You'll know you're at the end of you see the massive stone bridge. Restrooms available at lower falls and upper falls entrances. Ten dollar admission for the day, same ticket can be used for other state parks in the area

    My husband and I visited Buttermilk Falls State Park last week, when we were in the Finger Lakes…read morefor the Fourth of July. We arrived in the afternoon, paid the vehicle entry fee, and parked in the parking lot. After taking a look at the falls, which has a swimming area (open for swimming on summer weekends - check their website), and using the bathrooms by the falls, we started up the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail. The trail ascends about 600 feet from Buttermilk Falls, following Buttermilk Creek past pools, rocks, and smaller waterfalls. Around Pinnacle Rock (a 42-foot rock along the creek), you can turn back and head back down the same trail or cross the bridge over the creek and take the Rim Trail back to the falls/parking area. It was almost 100 degrees when we visited, so we opted to take the Gorge Trail back down as it appeared more shaded than the Rim Trail, which was getting a lot of afternoon sun. The trail was really beautiful and a great start for our holiday weekend in the Finger Lakes. I'd certainly love to return, hopefully next time wearing a swim suit so I can take dip in the pool at the base of the falls after a hike!

    Photos
    Buttermilk Falls State Park
    First test spot on the walls
    First test spot on the walls
    The bridge to cross the falls on the top

    See all

    The bridge to cross the falls on the top
    Cornell University Ornithology Lab

    Cornell University Ornithology Lab

    4.7
    (11 reviews)
    7.8 mi

    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!

    Nice viewing area inside the building, with provided spotting scopes. The girl behind the welcome…read morecenter desk was nice and friendly. We did NOT see much in the way of wildlife or birds, like we had hoped we would. That could be from the time of year I suppose. I'm sure the place is teaming with wildlife in the fall months. The biggest complaint/suggestion I would give to the people that run it is to have a BETTER system for marking the trails. There are maps at trail intersections, but they are VERY confusing. EVERY time we thought we knew where we were going, we NEVER ended up in the right spot (and I'm a seasoned veteran of woodsmanship for over 50 years!). PLEASE COLOR CODE the trails to help people ensure they are on the CORRECT trail. Some areas we saw twice, other areas we missed. Not sure about when we might return.

    Photos
    The trails need to be color coded or something to help people find the correct trail they want to take.
    The trails need to be color coded or something to help people find the correct trail they want to take.
    Cornell University Ornithology Lab
    Cornell University Ornithology Lab

    See all

    Robert H Treman State Park - parks - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...