A nice hike to some lovely falls (Jul 2026). Please read the warning signs! Some of the pools were contaminated by Civil War lead-shot factories and so are not safe for swimming. We had to alert some international travelers who were swimming here with their children, and direct them to a safe spot. While I"m giving tips, the floor of the gorge is a light gray limestone. The crumbling walls of the gorge are shale, too flakey for climbing. At the very top of the cliff walls are sturdier layers of sandstone and siltstone. read more

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Lovely water falls in Ithaca ny. I'm posting again just because it's such a great place ... and I noticed I had a really great photo that I didn't pass on the first go around. This duck with the baby on here back is a merganser. read more

Ithaca Falls - Merganser - Hiking Near Me

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Very easy to access this waterfalls most time of the year. very beautiful in the middle of town. Winter might be a little slippery with ice buildup, but you can still get up close to the waterfall by following the trail on the side. Parking is free on Fall street. There is no marking, just a small lot. read more

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These falls are breathtaking and definitely worth a stop if in the area. There's a free public parking lot across the street and a very short walk over either a dirt hill path or across the rocky base takes you directly below the power and might of this huge rush of water. You can get close enough to feel the mist from the water, which is quite refreshing on a hot day. You can also see the falls from the overlook on the street, but the view is unobstructed and very much worth it if you venture a little further in. read more

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What a beautiful place. Ithaca Falls embraces serenity and calmness. I visited this place about 10 years ago. The beauty never faded. The waterfall melts all the tension away. Something about the water clears the anxiety and makes me feel present. It helps to clear my mind. People can bring their dogs to this waterfall. My dog enjoyed walking around the water. As she gets her little paws wet, she drinks a little bit of the water. Maisie likes walking on the gray rocks. I think she views it as a hike. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Gorgeous falls probably the easiest stop off in the area to check out the falls. Ample parking but be warned its lumpy gravel be careful not to bottom out. It's a short hike to the falls. The water was relatively low today which is nice cause we can get substantially closer. There several warnings about swimming and diving dangers. Not the best location for that but buttermilk has swimming. read more

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Beautiful falls in the heart of the city. Falls are 150 high. Falls are visible from the bridge but use the parking lot and walk a couple of minutes to the base of the falls. The walk is relatively flat but a little rocky. We were able to see same bass in the water below the falls. If you are in Ithaca make sure you spend a few minutes exploring the falls. read more

Ithaca falls was the start to a long day of state parks and adventure. It is a much smaller park with a small gravel lot which we drove right past at first. Once we parked it's a short bit steep downhill to the flat sidewalk that goes to the park. It's small with seating and a trail that runs down the river to the beautiful waterfall all the way at the end. Maybe a 10-15 minute walk tops. Easy ground there are a few rocky parts that are uneven but most of the ground is flat. read more

Ithaca Falls - Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

We came here right before the school dorms were opened. There were quite a few people touring and taking pictures, but it wasn't too long until we would be able to get a shot in. The falls were a short walk from the parking lot across the street(which was free)! The kids loved wading through the water nearby but we were careful not to go too close to the middle. There were several signs warning not to swim. The fall was quite stunning to see so close and the pictures really do not do it justice. Would highly recommend to visit and walk around. read more

Ithaca Falls - Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

Short little walk to beautiful wide falls! There is free parking. Gorgeous, just like all the waterfalls in this area. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

Stunning view with a short walk to access. The falls are located inside of a city park that offers a small parking area. Lovely waterfall!

Located in Downtown Ithaca with convenient parking nearby, Ithaca Falls was our favorite waterfall. You can sit along the ledges to fully take in the stunning sights and sounds. The walk to the falls is short, though there seem to be nearby trails for further exploration. The stream, or river, connects a series of waterfalls, making it easy to visit several in a row. read more

Amazing waterfall and rich in history. Loved the sign about how Cornell founded it and the gun factory that used to be there. Great warning signs as well. You could walk right up to the falls. Great scenic spot. read more

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Great and accessible falls behind my apartment. It was so nice to come here for a walk in the evenings. There's some flat area next to the waterfall to just sit and relax. The walk towards the waterfall was rocky but super easy and only took like 5 minutes. read more

Beautiful place to explore and feel the breeze of the waterfalls. A lot of tourists there. read more

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We came on the way to the Finger Lakes and stopped by the take a look at the Ithaca and grab lunch in the area. Loved that this was a great place to stop and do a 15 minute hangout with a short few minute hike for a great view of a waterfall! Parking lot was definitely small but we were able to get one of the last spots and walked just a few minutes down (don't just view it from the bridge!) over some rocks and get to the spectacular view!. Here are the coordinates to the parking lot https://goo.gl/maps/1VttSDmcXcSPvRqy7 read more

Such a chill place in the middle of Ithaca. It's an easy walk to the waterfall from the parking lot. (Free parking.) Cute little neighborhood across the street to walk around in. read more

Ithaca Falls - Ithaca falls - Hiking Near Me

Ithaca Falls (I'm referring to the town and large waterfall proper) is very quirky and pretty, but I enjoyed Robert H. Treman Park (also further out in Ithaca) better. This place, full of nature, Cornell University, little shops and restaurants, is definitely worth a visit, but I think the main falls is overrated. The main trail going to the base of the falls wasn't even open when I went. There is supposed to be a mural project, which I plan to visit later. Definitely a college town as well! read more

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Ithaca falls is a beautiful and fairly easily accessible waterfall to get to. There are a good bit of rocks to navigate your way through but it wasn't too challenging. There is a small parking area a short walk away that holds about 20 cars. We walked down and then over to the falls. We spent about 10-15 minutes here. It's a nice place for a quick photo but not a place for hiking. Dogs welcome and no swimming allowed! read more

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Soooo pretty. I had no idea Ithaca had so many falls and this was one of my favorites because it's sooo discrete. We parked our car nearby and it took us 5-10 minute walk to get to the falls. We literally walked up to the heart of the waterfall and barely anyone was there at 11am. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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These falls are beautiful. Although you can see them from the street (bridge) it's worth a five minute walk to the rocks below the waterfall. So amazing that this beautiful scenery is in the heart of a city. It's a little rocky towards the falls but a fairly easy walk over all. Great spot for a picture with your sweetheart! read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

On our last day of our BabyMoon, we had some time to kill. One of Yelp's top suggestions was Ithaca Falls. It is stuck right in the center of the city, which we did not expect. There are a couple parking options then you walk to the falls off a small trail. Not bad at all. There was a lot of space to sit with your friends or family. It could even be a great spot to do a picnic lunch. The falls were in full action and was a peaceful view. It was definitely a great time killer! read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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This is a very cool place to visit in Ithaca. There are many fall here but this is one has very easy access and wonderful view. How I don't like is people continue to swim here when the sign says "no swimming". read more

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A very beautiful waterfall with a short easy trail to go see it up close. Be careful some rocks near the water are slippery. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Great falls. I was a bit confused on where the falls are since I typed it into Google Maps and it led me to this general area with no signs. I ended up parking upon a small hill and asked the locals where it was. It's a short 3-5 minute walk to the falls. It's a great sight to see! It hasn't been raining around the area so the other falls we've seen have been disappointing, but this looked great. No need to pay for parking and it's free! read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Easy parking lot. Easy walk through the woods. Plenty of afternoon shade. A small number of sunbathers and waders. Oh, and some pretty-to-look-at falls (reportedly much less impressive during the midsummer, when I was in town). The falls were way more pleasant to watch/listen to than the other visitors. Even for someone who adores people-watching as much as I do. Escape the hubbub and hectic crowd at Buttermilk Falls with a trip over this way to chill out (literally and figuratively - it's five or ten degrees cooler by the water), have a chat, do a crossword, or just plain sit. Just bring your own company and don't expect much in the way of eye-candy; you're guaranteed to have a grand time. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

Easy parking, don't look at it from above, walk down and get close to it. Otherwise you won't feel the power of the falls. Also pictures don't do this justice, the falls are very big and beautiful. Great spot for a 10 -15 minute hangout and photo opportunity. read more

These falls were right inside town and quick to check out. They are quite impressive and the view was spectacular. The lead warning signs were a bit concerning. Parking was easy and less than a 5 minute walk and you were staring at the incredible falls on the waters edge. read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

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There were quite a few people there when we went and it wasn't a busy time. Not a lot to do once you get there but it was a nice break on our walk. read more

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Beautiful falls! ... Try the famous trick of staring fixedly at the water for a few minutes & then suddenly shifting your focus to the rock wall ! -- You'll have to pinch yourself to remember that you're sober! ... It's a super-lead site, due to the legacy of the gunworks -- which I guess they're working on as of now apparently ... So just remember to hose down the kiddies when you get back afterwards ... Unless you want them to grow up to be like "T-t-tell me again about the r-r-abbits, George!"! read more

A great swimming spot to check out some falls if you don't want to hike. Parking can be tricky - there's a steep hill with many potholes - but it's a very short walk to the water! read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

So beautiful!!! A must see if you are in the area. Not really a hike trail. Just a short walk down a small hill to the base of the falls. There is even a parking lot across street for easy parking. read more

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Ithaca Falls are beautiful and absolutely worth seeing. It's so easy too; we saw these while driving on the main road and simply decided to park and walk over to see them. Ten minutes and some beautiful photos later, we were on our way. I love Ithaca for its variety of waterfalls. I like Taughannock Falls moreso than Niagara Falls and it's the tallest waterfall on the east coast. While this is a review for Ithaca Falls, be sure to check out some of the other waterfalls while you're in Ithaca. Ithaca Falls is indeed the easiest one to see. Just pull in, watch and you can be on your way. read more

Amazing! 1) This waterfalls is HUGE! 2) The power and might of this waterfalls is breathtaking. 3) It is a short hike to the falls. 4) It is free. read more

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I knew Ithaca Falls would be beautiful, but I certainty wasn't expecting it to be as beautiful as this! I came in the late October and the leaves were all different colors... literally could not take my eyes away. A really great stop to make a quick stop to get a view of nature. You can pull over into a parking area and just walk down the small hill (~3 minutes) to get to the waterfall. It's really mesmerizing, and unlike many parks, you don't have to walk very far to see the main site. read more

Ithaca Falls - Oct 25 - Hiking Near Me

I wish I could rate these falls higher, but the EPA signs posted about lead levels really made me paranoid. I'm not sure if this was caused by some incident, or by random chance they started doing lead testing here; either way it really kills your enjoyment of something when you wonder if you have to throw out all the clothes you're wearing due to contamination. Anyway, after some rainfall these falls are spectacular. I figured this would be my last stop in Ithaca and didn't expect much, but they really are a beautiful sight. If you're brave enough it's possible to walk directly up to the falls, and if I'm not mistaken, get behind them. I would definitely tell any adult to go check it out, but leave the small children and dogs home so they don't get a toxic reaction to the lead. read more

Easy access and a very very short walk to see the beauty of the falls. Perfect if you need a low energy but high reward walk.

I cannot believe I lived in Ithaca for 2 years and never made it to Ithaca Falls. We were in the area and my husband wanted to see some of the gorges and waterfalls. Not really having time to hike, we were looking for the ones that were fairly easy to access. Ithaca Falls hit that mark! Easy, free parking in the small lot across the bridge led us straight to the short path to the magestic falls. Being from California now, it is so nice to see a full waterfall due to the rain the East Coast gets. The stone/rock path was short and led to some great photo opportunities of the falls. Definitely a fun and easy waterfall to visit. read more

One of my favorite of all the easily accessible (walkable that is) waterfalls. Parking lot right beside it and a very short, easy walk to the base of the falls. Not sure what the previous reviewer is referring to by the "secret entryway" because it's so easy to get to, but if you want to share this special entryway, help me enhance my "Ithaca is gorges" experience. I went in the fall, so there was no swimming for me, but there were a handful of people fishing. I heard a lot of the waterfalls tend to dry out in the summer, in particular the Taughannock, but no issues for me at any of the falls. This was one of the easiest to see, from town, from a bridge, no hiking involved. Ithaca is gorges! read more

Ithaca Falls - Hiking Near Me

Ithica Falls is the perfect waterfall to visit if your not into hiking a long distance to see an amazing waterfall and take some beautiful photos . The sound and site is breathless. read more