Cascadilla Gorge Trail or Ithaca Commons, Ithaca, New York
A short, stunning hike through a dramatic gorge with cascading waterfalls and unique stone pathways.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Cascadilla Gorge Trail or Ithaca Commons, Ithaca, New York
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, stunning hike through a dramatic gorge with cascading waterfalls and unique stone pathways.
"Cascadilla Gorge Trail is absolutely stunning! The trail winds right through the heart of Ithaca, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and easy access."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stone steps and slate can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check Trail Status
Sections can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Waterfalls
Cascadilla Creek
Witness numerous stunning waterfalls tumbling down the gorge walls, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
Dramatic Gorge Scenery
Cascadilla Gorge
Explore a deep, narrow gorge with impressive rock formations and lush greenery surrounding the trail.
Stone Stairways & Paths
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Navigate the unique trail system featuring well-maintained stone steps and walkways carved into the gorge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Access
Best Time for Water Flow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stone steps and slate can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check Trail Status
Sections can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Views
The gorge offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with the waterfalls.
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
The gorge is well-shaded, making it a pleasant escape on warmer days.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stone steps and slate can be slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check Trail Status
Sections can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Views
The gorge offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with the waterfalls.
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
The gorge is well-shaded, making it a pleasant escape on warmer days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cascadilla Gorge Trail's stunning waterfalls and dramatic gorge scenery, calling it a must-visit for its natural beauty and accessible yet invigorating hike. While some sections may be closed for repairs, the well-maintained stone steps and lush environment offer a refreshing escape. Be prepared for slippery surfaces and many stairs.
"The Cascadilla Gorge Trail at Cornell University is a short but stunning hike that plunges you into a world of waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. The trail climbs alongside Cascadilla Creek as it carves its way through the gorge, offering beautiful views.
The trail itself is well-maintained, with stone steps and pathways that make it accessible for most people, though there are some steep sections to be aware of. The sound of the rushing water is constant and invigorating, and the cool mist in the air is especially welcome on a hot day.
While the hike is relatively short, it's packed with natural beauty and provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Cornell or the Ithaca area!"
Tanzina Hiya
"This is a fantastic trail with so much packed into such a small area. There are multiple waterfalls, several areas to just wet your feet, no swimming allowed. The area is rather well shaded at mid day so it is a good place for short afternoon walk. It's not too difficult, but there are steps, lots of them and many are not even. There is a lot of slate so be careful on the slippery areas."
charles lawhun
"One of the best shorter hiking places in Ithaca! So many nice little waterfalls! Be prepared for summer of 2025 though because only one third of the trail at the bottom. Some kind of repair work going on."
B K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cascadilla Gorge Trail is conveniently located in Ithaca, with trailheads accessible from near Cornell University and downtown. Many visitors start from the 'down' end, a few blocks from the Commons. Parking can be found in nearby garages or on campus, but walking is often the easiest way to access the trailheads.
Parking is available in Ithaca's downtown garages and on the Cornell University campus. Be prepared for potential fees and limited availability, especially during peak times.
Yes, the trail is part of the Cornell Plantations Path and can be accessed from the university campus, offering a scenic route through the gorge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cascadilla Gorge Trail is generally free to access, making it an accessible natural attraction for all visitors.
The trail is typically open during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific seasonal closures or maintenance schedules.
No advance booking is required for Cascadilla Gorge Trail as it is a public access trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Cascadilla Gorge Trail is a relatively short hike, often described as a quick but rewarding experience, packed with natural beauty.
The trail involves numerous stone steps and can have slippery sections due to slate, making it moderately challenging for some. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
Absolutely! The trail is famous for its series of beautiful cascading waterfalls and dramatic gorge scenery.
Swimming is not permitted in Cascadilla Gorge. The focus is on enjoying the natural beauty and the hiking experience.
Spring and fall are often ideal for experiencing the full flow of the waterfalls and enjoying the foliage. Summer can sometimes have reduced water flow due to drought.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn in the gorge offers a new perspective for stunning photos of waterfalls, rock formations, and lush greenery. +1
While the trail offers many photo opportunities, be mindful of the uneven terrain and slippery steps. It's best to pause at designated spots to capture your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Gorge Trail
It's important to note that sections of the trail can be subject to closures due to maintenance or weather conditions. Always check the latest status before your visit to ensure you can experience the full gorge.
For the best experience, consider visiting after a significant rainfall to witness the waterfalls at their most impressive.
The Waterfalls of Cascadilla
While the trail itself is the main attraction, the waterfalls are the undeniable stars. Their power and beauty are a reminder of the dynamic geological forces at play in the region.
These natural wonders offer fantastic photography opportunities, with the mist from the falls often creating ethereal light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit