There’s A City Of Waterfalls Right Here In New York And It’ll Steal Your Breath Away
As an avid chaser of waterfalls, there’s no combination I love writing about more than these natural wonders paired up with a road trip. If you didn’t already know, I’ve previously written about two unforgettable waterfall road trips. The first trip brings you all around the Finger Lakes, hitting your famous locations like Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park and even a waterfall that has a natural, eternal flame burning right within it. The second trip focuses on areas around the Catskill region, bringing you to some of our most beautiful waterfalls that are off of the beaten path.
But what if you don’t have a weekend to spare where you can find anywhere from four to eight hours of driving time to set for these incredible sights? Well, you’re in luck. Right out at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, you’ll discover one of my favorite cities…Ithaca! The perfect paradise for any explorer who loves the sight of waterfalls, right in this city there are more natural wonders to be discovered within a ten mile radius than you could ever expect. To view the entire mapped out waterfall adventure on Google Maps, click here!
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Over the summer I wrote about this enchanting place to go camping, because you're surrounded by nature, gorges and enormous waterfalls! The most eye-catching attraction of the park is Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot waterfall (seen pictured second above) that you'll see while exploring the hiking trails.
While there's plenty of fun to be had during the summer, these waterfalls look extraordinary when they're paired with the backdrop of our fall foliage. With nearly ten miles of hiking trails to explore, you'll be able to see an amazing amount of waterfalls cascading through the gorges.
2. Next, make your way over to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Another state park in the city that's filled with a ton of waterfalls, as soon as you pull into the parking lot you'll be able to see Buttermilk Falls that's over 160 feet tall. Throughout the rest of the park you'll find nearly ten other waterfalls that will instantly relax you. Pictured above you can see that this time of year is wonderful for exploring the park before it closes its trails for the year in November.
3. After, you'll enjoy a slightly more unique setting at Businessman's Lunch Falls.
Cascading down over 65 feet with four major drops, this waterfall is a relatively popular spot for our residents to visit. The easiest way to visit these falls is to park in Mulholland Wildflower Preserve parking lot that you'll reach just before the bridge, then cross the bridge and to take a quick hike down the Six Mile Creek Trail where you'll see the falls. Also known as Wells Falls, this place win over the hearts of many by having a fascinating setting, located right next to the ruins of an old mill that once used the power of the falls.
4. Six waterfalls are waiting to be seen along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail!
Beginning at Linn Street and ending right at the Schwartz Performing Arts Center, over 1.3 miles you'll explore along the gorge trail that showcases six waterfalls. Managed by Cornell Plantations, wear a good pair of shoes and be prepared to tackle staircases on the way! Remaining open until November, you can actually view the entire trail right on Google Street View
5. While it's difficult to choose a favorite, the next stop at Ithaca Falls is certainly one you won't forget.
With an entrance right on Lake Street, a quick hike will lead you to one if not the most powerful waterfall you'll see on this trip. Once you see this waterfall in person, you'll be blown away to see just how large in size it truly is at roughly 150 feet tall.
While you're in the area, you'll find even more waterfalls hiding on Fall Creek.
Another waterfall in this city that has a fascinating setting, Triphammer Falls is located next to an abandoned power station that was built in the late 1800s. The falls can either be taken in from the Triphammer Foot Bridge or you can also see them from the East Avenue Bridge! These are just a few of the natural wonders that make Ithaca so "gorges" and worthy of having the title as being our City of Waterfalls.
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
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