Leaf Brown

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

First Time? Start Here!

If you’re new to Ithaca, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail is the perfect way to experience the city’s natural beauty and get a taste of Cornell.

Start with a sandwich or smoothie from Collegetown Bagels, then head into the gorge just a few steps away. The trail winds up through a dramatic series of waterfalls and stone steps, leading you right into Cornell University’s stunning campus.

On your way back down, walk along Cornell Avenue for a quieter route, and don’t miss Llenroc, the historic Gothic mansion built by Cornell’s founder.

It’s a short, unforgettable walk that packs in waterfalls, architecture, and one very tasty bagel.

Tiered waterfall flows over dark rocks, surrounded by dense green trees and sunlight, with fallen logs by the water’s edge.
1.3
Miles

Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Dog-friendly (on leash), Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round

Current Trail Alerts

Roy H. Park Preserve

  • The north entrance to the Roy H. Park Preserve and the boardwalk will be closed to the public from Monday, July 7, through September 2025 as work is underway to install an ADA-accessible path. The south entrance will remain open during this time. Thank you for your patience.

Fall Creek Gorge Natural Area

  • The section of trail in Fall Creek Gorge west of the suspension bridge to Chi Psi is unstable and closed until further notice.

Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area

  • A portion of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Stewart Avenue and College Avenue is closed for construction and will reopen in spring, 2026. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

Beebe Lake Natural Area

  • Beebe Lake Foot Bridge, boat-storage area, and area behind the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center will be closed August 24, 2026 through September 4, 2026.

Black Diamond Trail

  • NYS Parks will be working on the section of the Black Diamond Trail between Perry City Rd. and Garrett Rd. from Monday, September 21st, through Friday, October 2nd. During this time, this section of the trail will be closed to all patrons Monday through Friday, with NO ACCESS. The trail will reopen for normal use on the weekend between these dates (September 26-27th).