Best attractions and places to see around Northeast Ithaca blend natural features with academic and cultural sites. This area, closely associated with Cornell University, offers a variety of landscapes including gorges, waterfalls, and natural areas. Visitors can explore scenic trails and discover points of interest connected to the university's campus. The region provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
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Cascadia Gorge is an absolute gem and the trail is spectacular from end to end. There is no official parking for the trailhead, but you can street park and walk in. The area is very well maintained and highly accessible with nonstop views. It's not the type of trail you would expect to find in a residential area.
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A well-maintained hiking trail runs along the base of the gorge and crosses above the waterfall at a scenic old stone bridge.. A staircase follows Cascadilla Creek up the waterfall. The green bridge of Stewart Ave towers high above.
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The falls form a multi-tiered cascade of water over 55 feet high that runs under your feet as you stand on Beebe Dam Bridge. The dam is just before the river and plugs Fall Creek to create a lake at the center of Cornell University.
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The Rim Trail, just about a mile long, leads visitors to breathtaking views of Buttermilk Creek as it drops 600 feet through a gorge on the eastern slope of the Cayuga Valley, at the southern edge of Ithaca. This trail is one of six featured in Buttermilk Falls State Park. The interconnected trail system has an earth surface marked with blue blazes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful anytime.
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Small beautiful waterfall, nice for hiking
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Buttermilk Falls State Park is a state park in Ithaca Township, New York, United States. The park covers 811 acres. The foundation for the park, like that of nearby Robert H. Treman State Park, was laid by Robert and Laura Treman in 1924. Address: 112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day Telephone number: +1 607-273-5761 Source wiki
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Northeast Ithaca is rich in natural beauty, featuring several stunning waterfalls and gorges. You can visit Buttermilk Falls, a prominent 811-acre state park with a beautiful waterfall. Other notable natural attractions include Triphammer Falls on the Cornell University campus, and the scenic Cascadilla Gorge Trail which connects downtown Ithaca to the university.
Yes, there are many excellent hiking opportunities. For example, the Rim Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park offers breathtaking views of Buttermilk Creek as it drops through a gorge. You can also find various trails within the Cornell Botanic Gardens and the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. For more options, explore the komoot guide for Hiking around Northeast Ithaca.
Northeast Ithaca is closely associated with Cornell University, offering several academic and cultural sites. You can explore the diverse architecture of the Cornell University campus itself. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, designed by I.M. Pei, houses a vast collection and offers panoramic views of Cayuga Lake. Additionally, the Museum of the Earth and the Sciencenter provide engaging exhibits for all ages.
Absolutely. Many trails around Northeast Ithaca are suitable for easy walks. The Cascadilla Gorge Trailhead leads to a well-maintained path with nonstop views, and Buttermilk Falls State Park is considered family-friendly. For specific easy routes, check out the komoot guide for Easy hikes around Northeast Ithaca, which includes routes like the Monkey Run Loop and Beebe Lake.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, located on the northeastern edge of town, features the 230-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. This sanctuary offers four miles of trails through forests, ponds, and swamps, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and peaceful nature walks. The Cornell Botanic Gardens also provide numerous walking trails through themed gardens, an arboretum, and natural areas.
Families will enjoy Buttermilk Falls State Park, which is tagged as family-friendly and offers scenic views and opportunities for exploration. The Sciencenter, with over 250 interactive exhibits and an outdoor Science Park, is another great option for all ages. The Museum of the Earth also provides interactive exhibits exploring Earth's history.
Yes, Cornell University's campus is a significant landmark and open to visitors. It features diverse architectural styles, historic buildings, and several attractions like the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell Botanic Gardens. You can find more information about visiting Cornell University at visitithaca.com.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the waterfalls and gorges. The well-maintained trails, like the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, are often highlighted for their scenic views and accessibility. The blend of academic institutions with natural landscapes also provides a unique and engaging experience.
Yes, Northeast Ithaca offers several routes for running and jogging. The komoot guide for Running Trails around Northeast Ithaca lists options such as the East Ithaca Recreation Way loop, the Cornell Arboretum loop, and the Beebe Lake loop, catering to various difficulty levels.
The Cornell Botanic Gardens are adjacent to the Cornell University campus and encompass 25 acres of botanical gardens, a 150-acre arboretum (F.R. Newman Arboretum), and over 3,500 acres of natural areas. These areas include gorges, woodlands, and wildflower preserves, offering numerous walking trails and themed gardens for visitors to explore.
Yes, Triphammer Falls is a multi-tiered cascade over 55 feet high, located directly on the Cornell campus within Fall Creek Gorge. It runs under Beebe Dam Bridge, where the dam creates Beebe Lake at the center of the university.


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