Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area
Total distance: 1.32 miles
Difficulty level(s): easy, moderate, difficult
The iconic Cornell Botanic Gardens Cascadilla Gorge Trail connects downtown Ithaca with the Cornell Campus among one of the most picturesque gorges in the Finger Lakes Region and was voted Ithaca's favorite gorge. Ascending over 400 feet, this historic set of stone trails and staircases was originally constructed in the late 1920's, and takes visitors through the gorge formed from ancient bedrock and past six waterfalls. At a leisurely pace, this 1/3-mile section of the trail takes less than an hour from the Treman Triangle Park in downtown to the upper entrance by the College Avenue Stone Arch Bridge. In Collegetown, the trail crosses College Avenue and the Goldwin Smith Walk continues to follow Cascadilla Creek for another half mile through a flat, wooded area that leads to two footbridges over scenic waterfalls. The lower gorge from Linn St to College Ave is closed during the winter months, but the gorge above College Ave is open year round.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.44300079
Longitude: -76.48069763
Parking Locations
Multiple parking options may be specific to certain trails within this site.
- Parking Lot : Hoy Rd. Parking Garage
- Street : Linn St. or E Court St.
- Street : 125 Edgemoo Ln.
Bus Stops
Court @ Linn
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Bus stop is at trailhead
Ithaca Commons - Seneca St
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Go east to end of block, turn left on Aurora, continue 800 ft, turn right on Court St, continue 300 ft, turn left on Linn St, then continue 70 ft to trailhead on right.
Schwartz Performing Arts Center
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Cascadilla Upper Gorge Trail: trailhead on east side of street.Cascadilla Lower Gorge Trail: on west side of street, follow path on north side of Schwartz Center to trailhead.
Trail Attributes
- Good for Hiking
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: No
Trail Surface: Gravel/Stone Dust, Pavement
Trail Markers: none
This trail contains a loop.
Use of firearms for deer hunting is not allowed. Bow hunting may be allowed. BE SAFE: See the specific trail owner/steward’s website for the most up to date details
This trail is open year round.
Visit the Trail Owners/Stewards
http://www.cornellbotanicgardens.org/our-gardens/natural-areas/cascadilla-gorge