Taughannock Falls State Park

A beautiful state park with a gorge trail and a 215-foot waterfall (one of the tallest east of the Rocky Mountains) that is only minutes away from the Halsey House. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/taughannockfalls 

Black Diamond Trail

Contrary to what the name might suggest, this is a broad, (mostly) level, picturesque, multi-use trail that connects many of Ithaca’s trails and parks. The trailhead is only a two-minute drive from the Halsey House. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/blackdiamond/details.aspx 

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Upper and lower parks are bookends for the Buttermilk Creek gorge, which has a swimmable area at the bottom of the falls. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/151/details.aspx

Robert H. Treman State Park

This stunning 1,110-acre park features about 12 waterfalls and 9 miles of hiking trails. Be sure to visit the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/roberttreman/  

Cayuga Waterfront Trail

This 8-mile long paved multi-use trail runs along Cayuga Lake’s southern shore and connects many popular lakeside destinations in downtown Ithaca, like Stewart Park, the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, the Ithaca Children’s Garden, Cass Park, and the Hangar Theater. https://www.friendsofstewartpark.org/cwthome 

Finger Lakes National Forest

Over 30 miles of interconnecting trails traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands in New York State’s only national forest. Over 16,000 acres are available year-round for hiking, fishing, biking, and more. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/66666.html 

Watkins Glen State Park

The gorge path is within 200-foot cliffs and shows 19 waterfalls. A must-see gem of the Finger Lakes. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/

Other Trails

No matter the season, explore the beauty of the outdoors in Ithaca and Tompkins County by hiking to waterfalls and gorges. Breathtaking views and easy access to over 150 waterfalls and gorges await you. https://ithacatrails.org