While Myers Park (where you can camp, rent kayaks, etc) is across the creek, Salt Point Natural…read moreArea is a free option that provides the same delightful lakeside views. Described as "34 scenic acres of historic Cayuga Lake shoreline", Salt Point is a well maintained park for anything from bird watching (over 230 different bird species have been recorded here since 2012), enjoying native plants, fishing, having a picnic, or taking a leisurely walk along intersecting trails... or along the water. Plenty of folks enjoy the space to walk their dogs, of course. Mind you, there are signs requesting dogs be kept on leash, and, as always, to please clean up after your dog. There's also a good amount of parking and helpful signage. There's plenty of history to this area (which you can find in the History section of the park website), but they've done a nice job with this land in the last 12+ years. As they say, "Salt Point is intended to be a more natural area for quieter pursuits than the more activity-friendly Myers Park", and they've succeeded in that. It's especially nice to have this quieter space available during this era of coronavirus, because you can enjoy plenty of distancing between yourself and others.

Great place to park your car and begin your hike around the lake and connect to trails through…read moreCornell land and the Finger Lakes Trail (longest trail system in NYS). Nice views of lake, surrounding hills and streams. Lots of wildlife along the way (waterfowl, turtles, snakes, beavers). Trails are level and very well maintained. Great for when more difficult trails in the area are too wet and muddy.

This park is beautiful! It's tiny, with a small playground and a little pavilion with a grill…read more There is a little swing seat by the falls as well. There is a path down, but it was rushing enough that we didn't try to go down. But still, it was beautiful!

Small public park with a steep off beat path down to a waterfall overhang, small veranda and a lot…read moreof teens swimming in the watering hole here. The area is a little slippery with the rocks and you have to be careful to not turn an ankle. Not handicapped accessible to the falls aside from the view at the rim. Deep overhang helps keep it cool but also have to watch falling rock eventually.

Nice paved trail around the end of the lake and into the farmers market. Plenty of seats for chats…read moreand views. There are informational spots to learn some history and trivial pursuit facts.

Smaller preserve with a white (easier but longer) and blue trails (lots of stairs and steep angles…read morethat can be ankle breaking), but shorter paths. The entrance is a small almost unmarked entry with a small sign and parking only along the road. The path itself is somewhat traversed and narrow at spots, the blue path is about 35 min down but 45 to 60min back up. If you don't do stairs, skip this because it will hurt. Lots of bugs towards the bottom the the rest of the path is pretty covered and calm. Wet season the waterfall is nice. The midsummer is dry and the waterfall barely is a trickle over the rocks.

This park is kind of hidden, and at first I thought the term "gorge" might be overselling it…read more Walking from the bottom up, I entered off of a quiet residential street and found an oasis that does indeed feel separate from the surrounding community. And as I ascended, the views just kept getting better and better. There are a lot of stone steps, and these are likely to be wet most of the time, so some caution and consideration of fitness and mobility issues is wise. Unlike the larger Ithaca Falls, I don't think it presents a big drowning hazard. The site offers numerous terraced waterfalls and splendid foliage and rock formations throughout. It is free to enter and adjoins the university but is open to the public. It is an impressive example of urban development done right.

I loved this trail! I'm so glad we squeezed it in!…read more It sneaks up on you when leaving Cornell and entering the bustling Commons/residential area. It's like a hidden haven right off to the side. The rustic stone steps and handrails were charming and a few stone bridges added to the ambiance. Not a lot of work for a huge payoff at 0.5 miles or so long one way with several waterfalls.

This is a nice little park off rt. 281 in Preble / Little York - right behind the Cortland…read moreRepertory Theater. The park includes a 1.6 mile-ish loop trail, plenty of picnic tables, barbecuing areas, a playground, and so on. The trail itself is nicely worn, and allows for various views of Little York Lake, and the place seems generally well maintained... including signage, plenty of garbage bins, clean pavilions, a basketball court, and all the basics. Yes, rt. 81 is right on the other side of the park. In most areas of the park, this isn't really an issue and the sound is more buffered by the trees. Of course, the closer you get to the side of the park near the highway, the more disruptive... but this is a minimal part of the park. Interestingly, this is one of the reasons I wanted to bring my puppy here... basically because it's important that he be introduced to all different kinds of noise/sounds so as to not be so skittish when they do arise unexpectedly. The highway is fairly separated from the park (by water), so it feels nice and protected to be in the park in case there is a reaction (it's not like there was a risk of him running into the road or anything). He actually had a great time wandering through the woods and was unbothered by the traffic noises. Pets are generally welcome, of course, as well as they're on-leash and their owner cleans up after them. All-in-all, an easy walk through a well maintained park. Very dog friendly as well. :)

Wonderful waterfalls hike and easy. Park in dirt parking area and the falls is in view right away…read more If you follow the water upstream you will come to a bigger falls you can walk behind. There is also an upper trail. Beautiful area. Be careful of poison ivy. Water shoes are recommended. Uneven surface and slippery conditions.

A wonderful place to enjoy. We always take a trash bag to…read moreclean up after those that are inconsiderate.