Trail Alerts // Check for the latest trail alerts before you go. See All Trail Alerts
Lake Brown

Waterfall Weekend

Over the course of one weekend, wander into the heart of Ithaca’s most iconic waterfall trails. Each path winds through ancient rock, mossy edges, and rushing water that has shaped this land for generations.

Feel the spray rise at Taughannock, where the falls plunge in a single breathtaking drop. Hear the echo of history as you hike the rugged gorge at Robert H. Treman. Follow Buttermilk Falls as it spills over terraced cascades, and stroll Cascadilla Gorge where city meets wild.

Whether you come for challenge or calm, to chase the thrill or soak in stillness, Waterfall Weekend is your invitation to slow down, look up, and reconnect—with nature, and yourself.

Just you, your boots, and the waterfalls.

Wide waterfall flows over rocks into a shallow pool, surrounded by green trees and banks. Several people stand at the water's edge.
0.1
Miles

Ithaca Falls

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Dog-friendly (on leash)
Hiker on a rocky trail above stone cliffs and a stream with waterfalls, surrounded by green forest.
0.65
Miles

Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail

Difficulty
Difficult
Features
Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available
Person in red jacket sits on fallen tree, facing a waterfall with autumn trees; swirling water flows over rocks in the foreground.
2.2
Miles

Lick Brook – Finger Lakes Land Trust

Difficulty
Difficult
Features
Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Dog-friendly (on leash)
Waterfall flowing over layered rocks into a shallow pool, surrounded by moss-covered stones and trees.
0.2
Miles

Lick Brook Natural Area – Cornell Botanic Gardens

Difficulty
Moderate
Features
Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Dog-friendly (on leash)
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)

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 will be closed until mid- to late-October 2025. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

Beebe Lake Natural Area

  • Hemlock Gorge trail upstream of Sackett Bridge is closed.

Black Diamond Trail

  • Starting September 2, 2025 park staff will be performing trail maintenance on the Black Diamond Trail between Perry City Road and Garrett Road. Sections of the trail will be intermittently closed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Please use alternate routes during that time. The work is expected to last several weeks.