21 Best Hikes in Ithaca: Gorges, Waterfalls, & Forests

One of he best things about the town of Ithaca is its proximity to some of the best hikes in the Finger Lakes region. Here’s a rundown of some must-do hikes in Ithaca, categorized by difficulty so you can choose the adventure that best suits your skills and timeframe. 

There are miles of trails in Ithaca. Whether you’re looking for a great spot for gorge exploring, a rim trail overlooking an iconic New York waterfall, or a simple forest loop trail, we have you covered!

Hikes in Ithaca for the Casual Explorer

Looking for a short trail with a huge payoff? There are plenty of hikes in Ithaca that provide scenic views of New York without having to put too much work in. 

1. Cayuga Waterfront Trail

The are parking areas for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail located Taughannock Boulevard near Cayuga Lake’s Inlet. 

This paved path is great for year-round hiking. Connect to Treman Park Lake Loop for better views of Cayuga Lake and more mileage. 

Not much more thank a nice walking trail but perfect for anyone looking to get out next to the water for some movement! 

2. Cayuga Nature Trail

Park up at Cayuga Nature Center for access to these beautiful trails and educational pieces. The building is located just off of Taughannock Boulevard making this a great pitstop on your way up to the falls. 

These trails pass through woods and fields full of wildflowers. It’s here you’ll find Ithaca’s favorite treehouse! TreeTops is a six story treehouse that provides a birds eye view of the forest canopy. It is open from 10AM to 5PM all year-round.

If the lodge is open, you can also explore some of the indoor exhibits. They share the story of the Cayuga Water Basin and discuss climate change effects in Central New York. 

3. Cornell Botanic Gardens

Parking for Cornell Botanic Gardens can be found in the lot on Arboretum Road. Open free of charge from dawn to dusk, Cornell Botanic Gardens also offers tours, workshops, and lectures in this space. 

Cornell University is home to a variety of beautiful natural spaces. You can explore a variety of short trails through beautiful gardens full of beautiful plant life.

Explore the Cornell’s Winter Garden, the Native Lawn Area, or the herb garden. If you’re looking for a colorful thrill, hike up to Comstock Knoll in May and early June to experience the vibrant white, yellow, pink and red blossoms of the Rhododendron and Azalea collection. 

4. Ithaca Falls Trail

There is space to park on Lake Street. A small lot next to the trailhead as well as the lot across the street provide parking for those visiting Ithaca Falls. 

The Ithaca Falls Trail is a very short trail. A short jaunt from the road brings you to an incredible waterfall. This waterfall is beautiful all year round. 

Because of its popularity, it’s the perfect place for visitors to leave trash. Please do your part and leave no trace! This means packing out any and all trash that you may arrive with and picking up the trash of others if and when possible.  

5. Ludlowville Falls

Ludlowville Park, located on Mill Street, provides the parking area for Ludlowville Falls. The parking area is small so please be courteous and know that this area can be busy. It’s a residential area so be mindful of those who live in this area. 

Walk across the manicured lawn of the park to a beautiful overlook of the falls. The 35-foot multi-plume falls rushes over an overhang to a pool below. You can venture down to the falls, but be aware that the rocks are quite slippery. 

Its location along Salmon Creek makes for a great swimming hole and place for fishing in the summer months. We do not advise swimming near waterfalls and recommend keeping both feet on land.  

6. Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

Park at the main entrance to Taughannock Falls State Park along NY 89. The trail is wide, flat, and easy to maneuver. 

Taughannock Falls has a higher drop than Niagara Falls at 215 feet. The viewing area is incredible and really makes you feel small! Although you may see some people swimming here, please refrain. It is prohibited to enter the water.

This easy hiking trail is very popular. You can expect crowds through most of the year, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the day is your best bet at beating the crowds.  

7. Wells Falls

Park at the wildflower preserve across the street on Giles Street. 

A short hike, that’s steep and slick in places, will lead you to a beautiful waterfall. An abandoned mill sits alongside the four cascading falls, providing a unique perspective. There are some really unique trees at the base of the waterfall worth checking out as well. Their root systems are incredible! 
This isn’t an overly popular area by day. We spent a good amount of time here and never saw another soul. There is, however, a lot of graffiti and trash left from nighttime visitors. 

Hikes in Ithaca for the Weekend Warrior

Some of the best hiking near the city of Ithaca falls into this category. These hikes in Ithaca are only a few miles long and provide incredible views of New York’s gorges and rolling hills.

8. Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim

Utilize the lower parking area for Buttermilk Falls State Park. This is a parking lot located next to the swimming area at the base of the falls.

This is a loop trail that provides endless waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek. We recommend doing the trail counter clockwise, beginning with the Gorge Trail. There are two bridges along the way that cross Buttermilk Creek or you can hike up to W King Road before returning via the Rim Trail. 

Buttermilk Falls is a beautiful and popular spot. You can expect crowds here in the summer and fall months. This area of Buttermilk Fall State Park does close seasonally. Always check ahead of your visit for trail conditions. 

9. Cascadilla Gorge Trail

A 10-minute walk from Ithaca commons, this is a great trail to check out after breakfast or lunch in downtown Ithaca. There is very limited parking, three spots, at the Treman Triangle Park where the trail begins. 

This easy stroll through Cascadilla Gorge will carry outdoor enthusiasts up stone steps to a view of nine different waterfalls. The final waterfall runs just under College Street on Cornell Campus. The trail does continue on past there, providing pretty forested views that will loop you back for the return hike. 

The Cascadilla Gorge Trail is only open seasonally. When it is open you’ll see some people utilizing it for their commute and others just taking in the beauty. Enjoy every minutes of this beautiful gorge trail.  

10. Glen Creek Gorge Trail

You can find parking for Glen Creek Gorge Trail at the parking area near the Watkins Glen State Park Gift Shop. You will be charged a NY State Park entrance fee to hike this trail. 

A trail full of waterfalls, the Glen Creek Gorge Trail features 19 waterfalls in within two miles. Stone steps lead you up and through one of the most beautiful gorges New York State has to offer. Due to the nature of this trail, it is only open seasonally. Check their website for more information. 

This is a very popular trail. The best time to hike the Glen Creek Gorge Trail is when the park opens or an hour or so before it closes.

11. Lake Treman Loop

Park in the upper level areas of Buttermilk Falls State Park to access the Lake Treman Loop. There are two parking areas on Upper Buttermilk Falls Road that connect to the loop from Bear Trail. 

This boggy lake provides a calming sense of peace to hikers. It’s a great loop for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some time in nature. 

New York State Parks may close this area seasonally. I would also advise checking trail conditions before planning your hike as the bridge seems to be a continuous problem. 

12. Lucifer Falls via Gorge Trail

The parking area for Lucifer Falls via the Gorge Trail is in the upper area of the park. This parking lot it located on upper park road off of route 327. 

This hike provides incredible views of Lucifer Falls and Enfield Creek. Walk through the forest, over incredible bridges, and up stone steps. The trail system here does cover some additional mileage and provides views of other waterfalls. We’ll talk about it in the next section. 

Water entry is illegal and prohibited on this trail in Robert H. Treman State Park. There is a swimming area at the base of the park if that is what you’re interested in. The Gorge trail is closed in the winter months. Check for opening prior to arrival! 

13. Owl Creek Trail

Parking for the Owl Creek Trail can be found at the lot next to Buttermilk Falls Park Office. There is a fee to enter Buttermilk Falls State Park. 

Crowned the hidden gem of Buttermilk Falls State Park, this trail is usually not very crowded. It’s a simple enough trail through the forest with a scenic overlook. Owl Creek Trail is a great place to escape the crowds among the many popular hikes in Ithaca. 

Don’t underestimate this trail! It’s nearly 500 feet of elevation gain in less than one mile. The Owl Creek Trail  is also a seasonal hike that it subject to closure. 

14. Taughannock Falls Full Rim Trail

There are several places where parking for this hike is possible. A small parking area off Jacksonville Road, the parking lot near the Visitor Center, and the main parking area all provide access to the full rim trail. 

Add the gorge trail into the full rim loop if you want to get close to Taughannock Falls. This will add 1.8 miles to your total hike. The rim trail provides a stunning birds eye view of the falls from the overlook near the visitors center. One of the past things about this trail, is the view of the ‘hidden’ waterfall under the bridge at the western edge of the gorge. 

Part of the North and South Rim are subject to seasonal closure. It’s hard to know what parts of the trail will be open before arriving there – it’s best to save this hike for late April through early November. 

Tough Ithaca Hikes for Trailblazing Trekker

Here are some of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts to get a workout in. Miles of trails lead to scenic views throughout NY State Parks and Forest Lands. 

15. Black Diamond Trail

8.4 Miles 82 Feet

The Black Diamond Trail parking areas can be found at either end of the one-way or out and back trail. Park at the West end of Taughannock Falls State Park near the picnic area or park at Cass Park. 

Black Diamond Trail is a wide gravel path through the woods. Scenery includes small waterfalls, forests, and rolling farmland views. It can be used for hiking, biking, or cross country skiing. 

You can access this trail all year-round but it best to visit April through November. The Black Diamond Trail is rarely crowded; you’ll experience solitude any time of day. 

16. Cayuga Trail

Begin at the parking area on Monkey Run Road or start at the trailhead on Judd Falls Road across from Cornell Botanical Gardens.

This trail includes some wildflowers and views of Fall Creek. At times, the Cayuga Trail can be difficult to follow – overgrown and muddy. If you are going to download an offline map or have the skills to use a map and compass (lol, orienteering is lost) this trail should be a piece of cake. The Monkey Run Trail, which is part of the 550-acre Monkey Run Natural Area that protects a long corridor of Fall Creek on its route to Cayuga Lake is part of this loop.

The Cayuga Trail is available to hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski year-round. Hunting is allowed on this land so take extra precaution in autumn by wearing bright colors while one trail and refraining from hiking at dawn and dusk. 

17. Finger Lakes Trail

There are many parking areas located along the Finger Lakes Trail. This incredible trail stretches nearly the width of New York State with a section running through the Town of Danby and Town of Dryden.

The Finger Lakes Trail is often completed from point to point as a thru hike. Many outdoor enthusiasts will also complete sections as a backpacking trip. Others will day hike sections to experience the beauty of the trail. 

Utilize this interactive map to check out access points, shelters, and camping areas along the trail. 

18. Gorge, Rim, & Finger Lakes Trail

Complete this trail by parking at one of several parking areas along its route. Utilize the parking lot on Punchbowl Rd, on State Route 409, or at Watkins Glen State Park Main Entrance. 

Explore from Townsend Creek to the Sentry Falls and bridge along Glen Creek. This long loop makes for a spectacular long day hike that shared the beauty of the gorges while also helping you to escape the crowds of NY state parks. 

Sections of this trail are closed seasonally so we recommend checking trail conditions before you go. The full trail is a combination of an out and back and a loop. There are sections of road walking. 

19. South Hill Recreation Way

Access South Hill Recreation Way from by parking at the end of Juniper Drive or along the North side of Burns Road. This trail is located just off of Ithaca Colleges Campus. 

This trail provides a beautiful opportunity for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing in the woods. A wide tree-line out and back provides a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some nature! There is a spur trail that leads to Ithaca Reservoir. It would add 1.4 total miles to your trip!

There are a number of trails located on campus. Check out the Ithaca college natural lands website for additional South Hill area trails. 

20. Rim Trail and Gorge Trail

We recommend parking for this hike at the base near lower falls and the swimming area. You can also park at the top of 327 on Park Road. and start your hike with the gorge trail.

Complete the trail clockwise to save the best views and the best part of the trail (in my opinion) for the return! Enjoy a forest walk along the rim trail before climbing stone steps and enjoying incredible views on the Finger Lakes region. 

Views of the waterfalls and Enfield Creek are incredible from the Rim and Gorge Trail at Robert H. Treman State Park. Although it may be tempting, water access is illegal through the gorge. Please remain on established hiking paths. 

21. Six Mile Creek Trail

Parking for the Six Mile Creek Trail is available just off Giles St in a large lot. This is the lot for Mulholland Wildflower Preserve.

This hike follows Six Mile Creek past Potters Falls to Ithaca Reservoir. Usually considered a moderately challenging hike, there are areas of this hike that are heavily eroded and sandy. Proper footwear and even the use of trekking poles is advised as the trail runs right along the edge at times. Explore this area in late summer and early fall for beautiful wildflowers. 

The Six Mile Creek Trail can be done as an out and back or a one way hike. You can generally catch an Uber at the end to return to your car. 

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Hikes in Ithaca

1. What is the Finger Lakes Land Trust?

The Finger Lakes Land Trust provides an interactive map to help outdoor enthusiasts find preserves they can explore. There are dozens of nature preserves protected by the Finger Lakes Land Trust and they encourage people to utilize these lands for hiking and paddling so long as they follow their public use policies. 

2. What can I expect on the trails in Ithaca?

Ithaca’s trails wind through gorges, past waterfalls, and offer stunning views of the Finger Lakes region. Be prepared for uneven terrain, potential water crossings, and roots depending on the chosen trail.

3. What time of year is best for hiking in Ithaca?

Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures with beautiful foliage and rushing water. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters can be snowy and icy. Some trails may have limited access during winter.

4. Do I need a permit to hike in Ithaca?

Most trails within Ithaca and surrounding state parks don’t require permits for day hikes. However, some areas might have specific regulations, so checking the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website for up to date information before your visit is recommended.

5. What facilities are available on the trails?

Park facilities vary depending on location. Some popular trails like those in Robert H. Treman State Park have restrooms and pavilions. It’s best to pack essentials like water, snacks, and proper gear, as facilities might not be readily available on all trails.

6. Are dogs allowed on Ithaca hiking trails?

Leashed dogs are welcome on most Ithaca trails, but always double-check the park’s specific regulations. Be sure to clean up after your furry friend to maintain a clean and enjoyable experience for everyone.

7. What safety precautions should I take on hikes in Ithaca?

Learn about and practice the Center for Outdoor Ethics 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Additionally, always let someone know your planned route and estimated return time. Be aware of your surroundings, watch for uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Educate yourself on the 10 hiking essentials and make sure you’re carrying them. 

8. Where can I park for the trails?

Most state parks have designated parking areas near trailheads.  Look for information on the park’s website or visitor center. I’ve also shared parking information for all 21 of the best hikes in Ithaca provided on this list! 

9. Can I find guided hikes in Ithaca?

Yes, several local organizations offer guided hikes in Ithaca. The Cornell Outdoor Education Program and the Finger Lakes Land Trust are good places to start your search. These organizations also offer educational programs for those simply looking to learn more about Ithaca’s natural areas. 

10. What other outdoor activities can I enjoy in Ithaca?

Beyond hiking, Ithaca offers options for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding on its lakes. There are also opportunities to mountain bike nearby. 

During winters, some areas offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. You can also find incredible downhill skiing and snowboarding a short 25 minute drive from Ithaca at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. 

Conclusion

Ithaca may not have the tallest mountains but there are a full collection of trails featuring incredible waterfalls and gorge views in the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes. There are so many hikes in Ithaca to consider! We hope this post helped you narrow down your next adventure and provided you with trail locations to help make your planning easier. 

One of the best ways to experience a place is through its natural areas and Ithaca is no exception!