DanckTravel

The popular song, “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” is not the best advice if you end up in Ithaca, since there are plenty of waterfalls to chase. I’m a big fan of waterfalls and have loved visiting the Finger Lakes for this reason.

Ithaca is “gorges” as the locals say, due to the amount of waterfalls and natural gorges that have formed here. Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• If you want to visit Ithaca to see waterfalls, be sure to consider the season you are visiting. Some of these will be better to visit in spring and early summer.
• Taughannock Falls is a highlight in Ithaca due to it being 215 feet tall.
• If you are looking to go swimming at the waterfalls, Entfield Falls and Buttermilk Falls are good bets.
• If you are looking to do longer hikes, check out Robert H. Treman State Park, Watkins Glenn, and Buttermilk Falls. If you are looking to check out some waterfalls that are require little to no hiking, check out Ithaca Falls and Triphammer Falls.

1. Taughannock Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy (¾ mile). Minimal elevation
• Parking: $10
• Height: 215 feet

At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is taller than Niagra Falls and an impressive site to behold. For this reason, this waterfall is at the top of our list for those visiting Ithaca.

The Gorge Trail itself is also stunning. For those in your group who don’t like to hike, it’s a short trail (¾ of a mile or 1.2 kilometers) with practically no elevation. Additionally, while you can’t swim at the waterfall itself, you can cross the street to enjoy the water at Cayuga Lake after your hike.

2. Ithaca Falls

I was surprised how close such a beautiful waterfall is to the road. Ithaca Falls was one of my favorites from the trip. However, swimming is strongly prohibited here due to the undercurrents from the falls.

Quick Facts about Ithaca Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Extremely Easy. Waterfall is 3-4 minute walk from the parking lot
• Parking: Free
• Height:150 feet

3. Buttermilk Falls

If you are looking for a longer hike, Buttermilk Falls is a great addition to your trip. While the falls themselves can be easily located from the parking lot area, there is a path alongside the waterfall. We walked to the top and were able to see cool caves and other parts of the waterfall that weren’t visible down below.

Additionally, Buttermilk Falls also does have swimming, but be sure to check out the NY park website to see if it’s open.

When we went Buttermilk Falls didn’t have as much water. See tips below to learn why and when to go!

Quick Facts about Buttermilk Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate for full hike. Easy to get to falls
• Parking: $10
• Height: 165 feet

4. Triphammer Falls

Triphammer Falls is located right on Cornell’s campus and is actually the only waterfall on this list to be manmade. It’s an impressive site. Be sure to check out Cornell while here.

Quick Facts about Triphammer Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Extremely Easy. 
• Parking: Free
• Height: 55 feet

5. Lucifer Falls

Lucifer Falls is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which includes moderate hiking trails and tons of waterfalls to explore. The paved trails were built during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). If you are looking for a longer hike, check out the Rim Trail.

Quick Facts about Lucifer Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate 
• Parking: $10
• Height: 115 feet

6. Enfield Falls

Enfield Falls is also part of Robert H. Treman State Park. You can actually swim at this waterfall during parts of the year (so be sure to check that out before you go!)

Quick Facts about Enfield Falls

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy
• Parking:  $10
• Height: 70 feet

7. Watkins Glenn

Watkins Glenn is technically closer to the neighboring lake (Seneca), but it’s so beautiful that it deserves its own shoutout. Watkins Glenn is also a state park that contains a few waterfalls and is only about a 40-minute drive from downtown Ithaca.

Like many of the waterfalls on this list, Watkins Glenn is located downtown and is a relatively short hike (though longer than Ithaca Falls, so bring good shoes).

Tips for Ithaca & The Waterfalls

Consider the Time of Year

During the summer, the waterfalls can dry up, so the best time to visit them is early spring and summer, due to the snow melting. This is especially important if you want to go swimming at the waterfalls.

Don’t Expect Tons of Elevation

Buttermilk Falls did have some elevation if you chose to do the trail, but many of these trails are flat. Additionally, many of the waterfalls on this list are located close to the parking lot. This is ideal for those in your group, who may not be avid hikers. Watkins Glenn required the most amount of walking/ hiking from this list.

Check out the Vineyards

The nature in the Finger Lakes Region is stunning, but this area is also known for its vineyards. Be sure to plan a tour or tasting while out here.

Final Thoughts

Have you been to the Finger Lakes Region before? Have a favorite waterfall or place to explore? Leave it in the comments below.