You can start your hike through Cascadilla Gorge at the top next to Cornell University’s Schwartz Center, or at the bottom at Treman Triangle Park. It really just depends on your preference for walking up the steps or down.
We took a shuttle from our hotel to the top and walked down, though I can certainly see why most folks that day had started at the bottom. The smallest falls and cascades are toward the bottom. As you are walking up, you are continually facing the next amazing view, and they keep getting better with every step! Walking down, the falls are visually behind you requiring that you stop and turn around to appreciate them, and they become less impressive with every step. It’s really a psychological thing, as they are amazing anyway you look at them.
Cascadilla Creek produces 8 waterfalls as it descends 400 feet through Cascadilla Gorge. Some are beautiful cascades, while others are upwards of 80 ft. in height. The trail is paved with large stone steps, paths, and bridges like many of our New York State parks.
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Cornell Botanic Gardens maintains the trail, and they take safety in the gorge very seriously. They have produced a video and brochure to keep you informed of the dangers within the gorge. There is absolutely no swimming in Cascadilla Creek, and you will understand why watching their video:
- Gorge Safety video
- 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.
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Information about Cascadilla Gorge
- Cost: Free
- Located in Ithaca, 120 minutes / 90 miles from Rochester (get directions)
- More information: cornellbotanicgardens.org