Ithaca and the surrounding area have some incredible waterfalls to see. The Finger Lakes area of New York (where Ithaca is located) is known for it’s water, particularly in lakes, but also flowing from glens into the lakes.
I love visiting waterfalls because they are so powerful and make me feel small. One cool thing about waterfall is that they are beautiful at all times of year and look completely different in the summer versus the winter. In the summer you’re more likely to find flowing water surrounded by green, but in the winter you will likely find icy castles.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is a wide variety of waterfalls around Ithaca that I encourage you to visit. There are so many different waterfalls to see in the area, but here I have included 5 of the best!
1. Robert H. Treeman State Park
Robert H. Treeman State Park has various hikes and waterfalls to see. Our favorite waterfall at Robert H. Treeman State Park was Lower Falls in the Enfield Glen. There is a large parking lot and a short walk on a gravel path from the parking area to the waterfall. In front of the waterfall, there is a large gravel area that is perfect for sitting and having a waterfall picnic. Some people were even swimming in the base of the waterfall when we visited.
Another popular waterfall at Robert H. Treeman State Park is Lucifer Falls which is closer to the Upper Entrance of the park. Whichever waterfall you visit here, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls is located really close to the Robert H. Treeman State Park and it definitely is a unique waterfall. To park at the state park and see the falls, you must pay a small parking fee (or have the New York State Parks Empire Pass).
You can see the waterfall from the parking area, but I recommend walking across the small bridge at the bottom and taking the path that goes up the right side of the waterfall. There is more to the waterfall that you can’t see from the bottom and you can only see from taking the path up the hill.
If you want to take the full loop trail that goes all the way up and around Buttermilk Falls, it is a relatively easy 1.6 mile trail round trip.
3. Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls on the entire east coast. It is a unique single step waterfall located in its own little canyon.
Taughannock Falls is 217 feet tall. There is a flat 1.8 mile trail to the base of the falls. Pictures don’t do the falls justice in my opinion as it feels so massive to be an east coast waterfall. Sit in front of the falls and feel the water thundering down into the canyon.
For more information on visiting Taughannock Falls, check out my blog post dedicated specifically to Taughannock Falls State Park.
4. Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is located in the heart of Ithaca, close to Cornell University. The waterfall has played a significant part in Ithaca’s history. In the past, there were many mills and factories in the area around the falls. Ithaca Falls is 150 feet tall and is free to visit.
Today, you can see the falls from Ithaca Falls Natural Area to the south of the falls, slightly west of Cornell University.
5. Triphammer Falls
Triphammer Falls is the last falls on the list, but certainly not the least. It is located on the Cornell University campus and is upstream from Ithaca Falls. It is actually named after the old forge that used to function beside the falls for many years.
The waterfall is 55 feet tall and free to visit. You can visit the waterfall from the Cornell Campus.
Tips for Visiting Waterfalls Near Ithaca
-Get the New York State Parks Empire Pass
Several of the waterfalls listed in this list are New York State Parks and each require a fee to park or visit. Most NY state parks cost $10 per car. If you plan on visiting multiple sites and plan on visiting any other New York State Parks throughout the year, I recommend getting the Empire Pass. The Empire Pass is the New York State Park Pass. It is $80 a year and allows you unlimited access to New York State Parks for the calendar year. It is worth the money if you plan on visiting 8 or more parks in the entire year.
-If you have time, visit the waterfalls at Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is 24 miles west of Ithaca and has its own set of gorgeous waterfalls. If you’re spending the weekend or longer in the Finger Lakes area, I recommend driving over to Watkins Glen to check out all of the cool waterfalls over there. I have a whole post on Watkins Glen and Watkins Glen waterfalls for you to check out!
-bring a picnic to a waterfall
Most of the waterfalls around Ithaca don’t require much hiking, so I recommend bringing a picnic or snack along with you so that you can hang out and spend some more time with the waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls is this list have places to sit and have a picnic, so it would be a great way to enjoy the waterfall in a unique way!
Overall, this is my list of 5 waterfalls to visit in and around Ithaca! Have you visited any of these waterfalls? Let me know your experience or if you have any questions!
Thanks for reading!
-Liz
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