Ithaca Falls on Fall Creek

Discover one of Ithaca’s hidden gems, a stunning waterfall just a stone’s throw from downtown and near Stewart Park – perfect for a picnic lunch or some relaxing time with a good book!

While swimming is off-limits, you can bring your furry friends on a leash. Plus, there's no entry fee!

Trail Info: The trail is an easy walk, with the best views from the bridge over Lake Street or the footpath alongside the creek. It’s open year-round, so you can enjoy the falls in any season.

Getting There: From downtown Ithaca, head north on Aurora Street for 0.7 miles to Lincoln Street. Turn right, then quickly left onto Lake Street. The falls will be on your right. You can park on nearby streets or in the small lot next to the falls.

Accessibility Note: You can view the falls from the sidewalk, with the best visibility in late fall through early spring when the trees are bare. In summer and early fall, you’ll see about a third of the falls. There’s parking available slightly uphill from the trailhead or across the street at the Fall Creek House lot. The trail is a mix of hard-packed dirt and gravel with a gentle slope at the start.

Cascadilla Creek Gorge Trail

The Cascadilla Creek Gorge Trail has multiple cascading falls, the first on a popular gorge trail that connects Cornell University to downtown Ithaca from College Ave. to Court St. Along the way, the creek drops 400ft past nine waterfalls.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: When accessed from the small park on Linn Street, you can view just the lower fall; the trail is steep with rock stairs.

SAFETY NOTE: Swimming is prohibited. The Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Linn Street and College Avenue closes for the winter season, typically mid-December through mid-April.

Taughannock Falls

Technically in Trumansburg, I know I’ll get some heat for saying it’s in Ithaca but if you're driving from Rochester it's in the town adjacent to Ithaca!

Pronounced Tuh-GA-nick, Taughannock Falls’ name might come from the Algonquian word Taconic (“in the trees”) or Taghkanic (named after a Lenape chieftain killed nearby). This magnificent waterfall carves a 400-foot gorge through ancient layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. With an awe-inspiring 215-foot drop, it stands three stories taller than Niagara Falls!

Swimming is prohibited in the gorge, but lifeguarded swimming is available seasonally in Cayuga Lake. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Several hiking trails offer stunning views of the falls and the gorge.

Accessibility Note: The Overlook is just a short walk from a paved parking lot. The Gorge Trail is an easy 9/10 mile trek, mostly flat with a surface of packed dirt and gravel. OR you can view the falls from afar at the Taughannock Falls State Park Overlook Visitor Center:

2381 Taughannock Park Rd, which is where this picture was taken. There are additional stairs to the viewing platform but you can see the falls without taking the stairs.

Cayuga Nature Center

A 6 Story High Treehouse

On your way into Ithaca is the Cayuga Nature Center, which features a six story tree house! There are multiple ways to get to the top, such as ladders and stairs, making it great for multiple ages.

Admission is donation-based. The treehouse is open from dawn to dusk daily. The Nature Center Lodge will remain closed for the remainder of the year.*

Cornell Botanic Gardens

Cornell Botanic Gardens offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and educational opportunities. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, this stunning destination invites you to explore its diverse landscapes, from serene garden strolls to invigorating gorge hikes. With over 500 acres of gardens and natural areas on the Cornell University campus, there's plenty to see and do, whether on foot, by bike, or by car. The Nevin Welcome Center, open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., provides maps, restrooms, and a selection of snacks and drinks to fuel your adventure. Parking is metered on weekdays but free on weekends and evenings, making it convenient for any visit.

Don't miss the weekly "Garden Highlights" tours during the growing season or the opportunity to explore the 22 off-campus nature preserves managed by the gardens. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and kept out of garden beds. Remember to check the seasonal hours and parking details to maximize your visit. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a casual stroller, or looking for a peaceful retreat, Cornell Botanic Gardens promises a memorable experience.

Museum of the Earth

If you love natural history and dinosaurs, you’ve got to check out the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca. Both the Cayuga Nature Center (where the 6 story treehouse is) and the museum of the Earth are run by the Paleontological Research Institution.

The Museum of the Earth has interactive exhibits taking you through 4.5 Billion (billion with a B) years of history.

The Museum of the Earth welcomes visitors Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing its doors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For the holidays, the museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, the two days following, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Admission prices are set at $12.50 for adults, $9.50 for seniors (ages 65 and over) and college students (with valid school ID), and $7.50 for youth aged 4 to 17. Children aged 3 and under can explore for free, as can PRI members. Additionally, EBT cardholders can reserve a ticket in person for just $1.