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Ithaca Falls Natural Area

 

 

Ithaca Falls

 

 

 

 

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Location / Directions / Maps

On the south end of Cayuga Lake; In the city of Ithaca; Tompkins County; New York

Address: 301-399 Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Maps: Google Map, Bing Maps, Multi-map (topo)Interactive map

GPS: Ithaca Falls: (N 42.45282 / W 76.49170 )

Directions: From Rt 13 in Ithaca, take Seneca St east to Stewart Ave. Take a left (north) on Stewart and follow it into the Cornell University Campus. Turn left onto University Ave and cross into Lake St.  Lake turns left, then right. The parking area will be on your right, just before the Falls.
Or use Google Directions.

 

Information / Accessibility / Accommodations

Number of falls: 1

Size/Types: Ithaca Falls is a massive jumble of irregular cascades and a few overhanging drops. It is 105 feet high and 175 feet wide. The top has a small dam, a remnant from when the falls was used to generate power. The dam is estimated at 10 ft high.

Best time to visit: Year-round.

Flow: Moderate to High. Fall Creek can get nasty during spring. Swimming, which is prohibited, can be deadly.

Waterway: Fall Creek starts nearly 8 miles northeast near Fillmore Glen State Park and Summer Hill State Forest. It begins cutting into what is called Ithaca Gorge about 3 miles east of here, creating sheer cliff and diamond-shaped fractures along its stretch. It drops over several man-made dams on its way to the Cornell campus where it is dammed to create Beebe Lake. It then tumbles over 6 natural falls on its way to Ithaca Falls. It passes through a residential section of the city, then Stewart Park and into Cayuga Lake.

Time: You can see half of the falls by just driving by, but if you would like to get the full view, set aside at least 15 minutes to walk up to the falls.

Seasons/Hours: The Natural Area is usually open, but during unusually high water flow, you may not be able to get close to the falls.

Parking: There are two small lots up on a hill just south of where Lake St crosses Fall Creek. If those are full, you can probably park in the lot at the high school across the street and to the north (assuming it is not in session).

Admission: Free.

Handicap accessibility: From the sidewalk on the Lake St bridge.

Pets: Allowed if on a leash. For your pet's safety, and the safety of other hikers, keep your pet on the leash! It doesn't matter if your dog is "friendly," it's the law. Please clean up after. Pets are not allowed in the water.

Accommodations: Benches.

Swimming: Prohibited and dangerous.

 

Local Activities and Events

Click here for Ithaca area events  

 

Area Attractions / Places to Stay

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Other Waterfalls
Cascadilla Gorge - Ithaca, NY
Ithaca Falls - Ithaca, NY
Robert H. Treman State Park (Lucifer Falls) - Ithaca, NY
Taughannock Falls - Trumansburg, NY
Ludlowville Falls - Lansing, NY

Niagara Falls Information

Bed & Breakfast
Federal House B&B - Lansing, NY
A Cayuga Lake Country Inn - Lansing, NY
A Touch of Country B & B - Ithaca, NY
Amazing Grace B & B - Ithaca, NY
Besemer Station Inn - Ithaca, NY
Bountiful Blessings B & B - Freeville, NY
Brookton Hollow Farm B&B - Brooktondale, NY
Carriage House Bed & Breakfast - Newfield, NY
The Coddington Guest House - Ithaca, NY
Edgewood Guest House - Ithaca, NY
Inn on Columbia - Ithaca, NY
The William Henry Miller Inn - Ithaca, NY
Noble House Farm Bed & Breakfast - Newfield, NY
Rogue's Harbor B&B - Lansing, NY
Reunion House - Trumansburg, NY
Finger Lakes Cabins at Mill Creek - Lodi, NY

Hotels / Lodging
La Tourelle Resort & August Moon Spa - Ithaca, NY
Grayhaven Motel - Ithaca, NY

Camping
Book a Campsite at this Park
Robert H. Treman State Park - Ithaca, NY
Pine Creek Campground - Newfield, NY

Wineries / Breweries
Long Point Winery  - Aurora, NY
King Ferry Winery - King Ferry, NY
Six Mile Creek Vineyard-Winery - Ithaca, NY
Bellwether Hard Cider - Trumansburg, NY
Ithaca Beer Company - Ithaca, NY
More wineries are listed on the Cayuga Lake page.

Restaurants / Cafes
Mano's Diner - Ithaca, NY
Lucatelli's Ristorante - Ithaca, NY
Thai Cuisine Restaurant - Ithaca, NY
Rogan's Corner - Ithaca, NY
Wings Over Ithaca - Ithaca, NY
Find more restaurants...

Ice Cream
Purity Ice Cream - Ithaca, NY
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Museums
Sciencenter - Ithaca, NY
Museum of the Earth at PRI - Ithaca, NY
Tompkins County History Center - Ithaca, NY
Johnson Museum of Art - Ithaca, NY

Shopping
Center Ithaca - Ithaca, NY
Ithaca Mall - Ithaca, NY
Find more Shops...

Entertainment/Other
Hangar Theatre - Ithaca, NY
Kitchen Theatre Company - Ithaca, NY
The State Theater - Ithaca, NY
Cinemapolis - Ithaca, NY

 
   
 

Interactive Map

 

 

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Video

 

 

You can view this video in 720p High Definition

 

   

 

 

 

 

High Quality Audio

 
 

Sounds of Ithaca Falls...

 
 
 

 Special thanks to  Kelly Lucero, editor.