It’s impossible to visit every waterfall Ithaca has in a day, but be sure to include Cascadilla Gorge on your top priority list. With incredible sights to see at Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and numerous other waterfall parks, you could spend every weekend exploring Ithaca’s stunning gorges.
Depending on whether you prefer walking up the steps or down, you can begin your hike through Cascadilla Gorge at the top next to Cornell University’s Schwartz Center or at the bottom at Treman Triangle Park.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
During our visit, we took a shuttle from our hotel (we spent the night as part of a larger trip across New York State) to the top and walked down. However, I can understand why many people start at the bottom, where the smallest falls and cascades are. As you walk up, you are constantly facing the next amazing view, and it keeps getting better with every step!
As you walk down, the falls are behind you, so you need to stop and turn around to fully appreciate them. With every step, they appear less impressive, but they are amazing no matter how you look at them—it’s purely psychological.
Cascadilla Creek descends 400 feet through Cascadilla Gorge, producing eight waterfalls. Some are beautiful cascades, while others are over 80 feet in height.
The trail is paved with large stone steps, paths, and bridges like many of our New York State parks.
Crumbling ancient shale walls
The Cornell Botanic Gardens takes safety in the gorge very seriously and has created a video and brochure to inform visitors about the dangers within the gorge. Swimming in Cascadilla Creek is strictly prohibited for safety reasons, and their video, “Gorge Safety,” explains why.
View the Gorge Safety Brochure for trail maps and safety information.
The Nathaniel Rand ’12 Memorial Gorge Safety Education Program, Cornell University’s gorge safety educational effort, is named in memory of a student who died in a gorge drowning accident in 2011. The program’s goal is to prevent future tragedies by informing visitors about safe and responsible use of the gorges.
Hike the gorge trail on Google Maps!
More information about Cascadilla Gorge
Cost: Free
Located in Ithaca, 120 minutes / 90 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: cornellbotanicgardens.org
Explore More
Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.
Cornell Botanic Gardens’ 4,000 acres offer free admission and provide a chance to discover new plants and learn about conservation efforts.
The Museum of the Earth focuses on life beginning in the Cambrian Period, but it covers Earth’s history spanning 4.5 billion years.
In Buttermilk Falls State Park, like most of the Finger Lakes gorge parks, stairs are the primary walkway along Buttermilk Creek; challenging but worth it!
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Have you been to Cascadilla Gorge?
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People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
