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Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park’s namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch and beach nearby. A multi-use trail–hiking, cross-country skiing–winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds.

Paddlers can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail. The Black Diamond Trail connects this State Park to the City of Ithaca’s Cass Park 8.5 miles to the south.

 

Small waterfall over rocky ledges surrounded by autumn trees with orange, yellow, and green leaves.
1.5
Miles

Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
A river curves through a rocky gorge lined with dense autumn trees in red, orange, and yellow under a clear blue sky.
2.1
Miles

Taughannock Falls Multi-use Trail

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Scenic vistas, Unique wildlife viewing, Dog-friendly (on leash), Open Year-Round
Small waterfall flowing over layered rocks, surrounded by trees with bright yellow, orange, and green autumn leaves. The water looks smooth and silky in a peaceful forest setting.
1.5
Miles

Taughannock Falls North Rim Trail

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Lakes visible, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash), Open Year-Round
Small waterfall flowing over rocks, surrounded by autumn trees with orange, yellow, and green leaves in sunlight.
1.6
Miles

Taughannock Falls South Rim Trail

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash), Open Year-Round
Wooden boardwalk through green bushes to water under cloudy sky; signs show blueway access, no swimming, diving, or fishing.
18.2
Miles

Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Bus Stop Nearby
Curved rural road with green trees, grassy fields, a yellow gate, and traffic signs under a cloudy sky.
8.4
Miles

Black Diamond Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash), Accessible, 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

  • A section of the trail between Stewart Ave and 118 McGraw will be closed from September 17th through October 2nd for work on the Stewart Avenue Bridge project. 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.

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).