Winter at Taughannock Falls State Park
The Gorge Trail remains open year-round for viewing from the base. Read More
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The Gorge Trail remains open year-round for viewing from the base. Read More
As the saying goes, "Ithaca is GORGES!" Ithaca, NY and the surrounding area have more than 150 waterfalls — carved out by glaciers that formed gorges millions of years ago — within 10 miles. A hike to see the falls is one of the best things to do in Ithaca, while nearby restaurants offer farm-to-table dining for that truly local experience. Traveling from NYC to Niagara Falls? Ithaca is the perfect place to stop along the way to see other awesome waterfalls and get a good night's rest at one of our lodging establishments.
Go up to Cornell University or down to the Ithaca Commons, and you'll undoubtedly stumble upon one of Ithaca's mighty waterfalls. Venture outside of Ithaca, and the surrounding towns of Tompkins County also hold hidden gems that will provide the perfect opportunity for that oh-so-desired snapshot you've been looking for. Take a look at some of the beautiful waterfall locations below and see why Ithaca is Gorges.
For the latest status of New York State Parks including any closures, consider downloading the free Parks Explorer App and check to see full details on individual parks here: parks.ny.gov
Most Notable Waterfalls | Tallest Height (feet, meters) |
Type of 'Falls' | Best Ways to View |
Taughannock Falls | 215', 66m | Plunge | Hike In or Overlook |
Buttermilk Falls | 165', 50m | Cascade | Walk-up at base |
Ithaca Falls | 150', 46m | Cascade | From bridge or Hike In |
Lucifer Falls | 115', 30m | Plunge | Hike In |
Lick Brook Falls | 93', 29m | Cascade | Hike In |
Enfield Falls/Lower Falls | 70', 21m | Cascade | Hike In |
Wells Falls/Businessman's Lunch | 65', 20m | Cascade | Hike In |
Triphammer Falls | 55', 17m | Cascade | From bridge |
Potter's Falls | 35', 11m | Cascade | Hike In |
Forest Falls | 25', 8m | Cascade | From bridge, Hike In |
Rocky Falls | 25', 8m | Cascade | From bridge |
Denison Falls | 21', 6m | Cascade | Hike In |
Cascadilla Falls | 20', 6m | Cascade | Hike along trail |