Sun 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), Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
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, Bus Stop Nearby
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), Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
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), 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).