Ithaca

Waterfalls

many of the local waterfalls are located in state parks with hiking trails that were built or rebuilt by public works projects in the 1930s, often featuring stone staircases and bridges. The waterfalls are found along creeks that flow into Cayuga Lake. At parks with trails, you will typically find a "gorge trail" that follows the course of the creek, and a "rim trail" along the edge of the gorge, with overlooks to the falls underneath. Taughannock Falls State Park - See Trumansburg. Buttermilk Falls State Park - Route 13 S., King Road, and off Rt.96B in Danby. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Even if you can stay for only a minute, you should still come and drive in to see the lovely falls at the lower entrance on Route 13. From the lower entrance you can take a hike up along the falls and gorge; from the upper entrance there is a less strenuous hike around the lake. Robert H. Treman State Park - Route 327 off Rt.13 S.. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Hike along the gorge, a relatively vigorous walk if you do the whole loop. Or, you can dip in from the upper entrance and in a short walk see the main falls, called Lucifer Falls. The lower entrance area includes one of the more popular swimming spots in the area. It includes a diving board and the ability to swim underneath a waterfall. Cascadilla Creek Gorge - easy to get to, free & beautiful. A stone staircase climbs spectacularly along the edge of the falls. The walk up from the entrance at Cascadilla Park up to the exit at College Ave. is an essential part of the Ithaca experience after all, Ithaca is Gorges! Closed from early winter until mid-spring due to icy, dangerous conditions. Ithaca Falls - Located near the mouth of Fall Creek, Ithaca Falls is 150 feet high and 175 feet wide. Though there is no trail, the base of the falls is accessible from the small park on Lake Street at the base of Gun Hill.