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Ithaca Falls

4.7 (68 reviews)

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A person dressed in dark clothing walks on a rocky riverbank holding a dog on a leash. The area is shaded by overhanging trees, with a river flowing nearby and lush green foliage on the opposite bank. Two other people are seen further ahead, also walking along the riverbank. The scene is set in a natural, wooded environment with rocks and pebbles covering the ground.
Jada C.

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.

Joe C.

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.

Ithaca Falls
Shelby A.

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.

Ithaca Falls
Melody N.

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.

The image shows several people standing and sitting on rocks and the shoreline near Ithaca Falls, a prominent waterfall over 100 feet tall and wide, with water cascading down multiple tiers. The area is surrounded by dense green trees, and the sky is overcast. Some visitors are taking photos or relaxing by the water, with a woman sitting on a rock in the foreground. The scene captures a natural outdoor setting in Ithaca, NY.
Andrea B.

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

Jessica P.

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.

Ithaca waterfalls
Samantha R.

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

Ithaca falls
Erin T.

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.

Amanda K.

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!

A stone staircase with metal handrails on both sides ascends through a densely wooded area with green trees and shrubs. The stairs are made of large, flat stones, and the scene is outdoors with natural vegetation on either side. The sky is partly visible through the tree canopy.
Hunter S.

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!

Win C.

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.

Bill T.

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!

The image shows a large waterfall cascading over a multi-tiered rocky ledge, with water flowing into a pool at the base. Surrounding the waterfall are dense green trees and a rocky hillside, with a partly cloudy sky overhead. The scene captures a natural outdoor setting, likely a popular scenic spot for visitors.
Taylor O.

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!

An outdoor informational sign about Ithaca Falls is mounted on a metal frame with a glass top, displaying text, images, and a map related to the falls' history and water power. The sign is situated in a park area with trees and grass, and there are people walking in the background. The sign provides details about the industrial past of Ithaca Falls, including its role in local manufacturing and water power harnessing.

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9 years ago

Beautiful natural area. well kept and not too crowded. worth the trip and not expensive either. Good eating nearby

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The first waterfall I saw here. Amazed as usual by the view.

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8 years ago

If you're looking for somewhere to see a big beautiful waterfall in the middle of the city then this is the place for you.

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11 years ago

Another great waterfall hike. I love going to school in Ithaca. So much to do out doors.

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11 years ago

A lovely fall near campus. It is not our favorite one but it is well worth the visit.

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Review Highlights - Ithaca Falls

You can find this waterfall at a small recreational area at the intersection of Lake and Falls Streets.

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Taughannock Falls State Park - North Rim Trail

Taughannock Falls State Park

(164 reviews)

[Tuh-Gan-Ick] Falls state park is one the of most beautiful state park in NY. It has spectacular…read morenatural attractions of waterfalls, and a lake front on the other side of the road The Gorge Trail to the waterfall is very easy to access. I visited in the winter to see the falls frozen over, and the park rangers had done an excellent job keeping the trail well maintained. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall, and there's very little elevation change along the way. North Rim trail entrance was close during winter due to ice and snow. But you can skip the dangerous part of the trail by parking at the Taughannock Falls overlook point and start hiking from there. Then you will reach the upper falls. Parking is only $10. lot is small so warmer weather probably will fill up pretty quickly.

I visited here in the winter to see the falls frozen over, and it was such a cool experience! I…read morehadn't seen a frozen waterfall before, so it was really special to experience. I thought it was a fairly easy 1 mile hike out to the falls (though my coworker vehemently disagrees that 1 mile and easy belong in the same sentence - sorry Miss Sheila!), and there were some falcons swooping around. There is a fee to park, but were still spots remaining when we arrived. We should have received discounted parking with a Military ID, but the booth was unmanned that day, so we paid anyway. There is a restroom facility at the parking lot, and it wasn't bad. I actually think it was heated, so that was nice. I'd be interested in seeing the falls and hiking the upper trail when the weather is better!

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park

(128 reviews)

Beautiful park right off the road with easy access. Parking is $10 and worth it whether you want a…read morerelaxed stroll or a longer hike. Buttermilk Falls is right at the entrance and super easy to get to, with trails branching off from there. There's also swimming available in season when lifeguards are on duty. Overall, a very relaxing spot I loved visiting.

Located just on the southern edge of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls named as early as 1866, as it was…read morelikened to "a mass of thick, frothy foam" is a wildly popular spot for tourists and local residents, especially during the height of summer where some of us visited this park. Formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake ranging in height from 5 to 35 feet and descending more than 500 feet in a series of cascades and rapids, a natural pool at the base of fall provides swimming with the feel of an old swimming hole that was closed today due to lack of life guards. Like many NY state parks, there are two entrances. We walked from the parking lot at the lower park and hiked up the picturesaque dog friendly Gorge Trail until the cross-over bridge. Then we returned back down the other side of the gorge on the less travelled Rim Trail. Bathrooms were clean with 4 showers. If one carries in food or drinks into the park, one must carry out as there are no trash cans. Parking was $10 and our picnic lunch made for an inexpensive, fabulous day, which we can recommend.

Ithaca Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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