So many waterfalls, so little time! We hear that a lot from people who come into our Visit Ithaca Visitor Centers. That’s why we’ve come up with a plan to help visitors hit the high points in just a few hours. The jumping-off point is Stewart Park at the southern end of Cayuga Lake.

Ithaca Falls

The first waterfall to visit after leaving Stewart Park is Ithaca Falls, just one mile down the road and such a short walk for an amazing view.

Take a right off East Shore Drive, go under the overpass, and continue straight. Once you drive over a small green bridge (note the Ithaca Falls sign midway across), there are two driveways on the left. These are parking areas for Ithaca Falls. Once parked, make a right into the little park area and walk down the dirt path directly to the base of the falls.

Alternatively, you can get a great view of the falls from the bridge, particularly during the Fall and Winter when there are no leaves on the trees.

 

Buttermilk Falls

Next stop: Buttermilk Falls State Park, located on the southern edge of town. From Ithaca Falls, take Lincoln Street to Dey Street and turn right. At the light, make a left onto Route 13 South (Elmira Road) and continue for 5 miles. The park will be your first left after you drive under the blue bridge.

The lower falls at Buttermilk are readily accessible for everyone as it is a short level path to the base of the falls from the parking lot. The view is good all year round; however, water levels differ depending on the season. There is swimming at the lower falls on the weekends during the summer season.

If you would like to explore more of the park, take the Gorge Trail up the stone steps along the side of the falls. The stairs make the climb more strenuous, but it’s only a mile-and-a-half round trip and you get to see some other smaller falls along the way.

If you’re interested in a shorter hike, drive up Route 327 to the upper entrance to the park. Here you can explore the old 19th century refurbished Grist Mill and then walk the mile-and-a-half upper end of the Gorge Trail loop. This trail takes you through the prettiest part of the gorge and down the side of Lucifer Falls, the tallest falls in the park. During the fall, this hike will give you some amazing fall foliage to enjoy. The trail is closed November through April.

There are so many waterfalls to see in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Start your exciting waterfall adventure today!

Lucifer Falls

Once you’re done at Buttermilk, head south again on Route 13 for 2.5 miles, turn right onto Route 327 and you’ll see the entrance to Robert H. Treman State Park on the left. This entrance is for the lower falls and is open all year round. The Gorge Trail is accessible from here, offering stunning views and running 4.5 miles (allow about two hours to complete).

If you’re interested in a shorter hike, drive up Route 327 to the upper entrance to the park. Here you can explore the old 19th century refurbished Grist Mill and then walk the mile-and-a-half upper end of the Gorge Trail loop. This trail takes you through the prettiest part of the gorge and down the side of Lucifer Falls, the tallest falls in the park. During the fall, this hike will give you some amazing fall foliage to enjoy. The trail is closed November through April.

There are so many waterfalls to see in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Start your exciting waterfall adventure today!

Food & Drink near Buttermilk Falls

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The Bistro at La Tourelle

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  • 335 Elmira Rd.
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Serving healthy Chinese food, Sushi, and Boba milk teas. Dine-in, take-out and catering available.