Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop

Trailheads and parking are on both Sandbank and Townline Roads, with elevations ranging from 280-330m. Follow the white blazes of the Finger Lakes trail downhill with views of the gorge, and wind through massive oak and maple trees. At the bottom of the hill (about 100m of elevation), you can enjoy wildflowers in the spring, and marvel at the enormous sycamores.Helpful Preserve Website

On Townline road, park at the pulloff where you'll see arrows pointing to the "Thayer Loop Trail" and a kiosk describing the trail. This trail is a short trail that travels along the side of Lick Brook overlooking several small cascades and waterfalls. For a section it also passes by a small farm where wildlife can sometimes be seen. 

Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop is a 0.9 loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Newfield, New York.

Starting in the parking area, choose which direction of the loop to take (all of which will take you to Lucifer Falls). You can choose to do a shorter, 1 - mile loop around the falls, or go further to the lower section of the park (approximately 4 miles) on the Rim & Gorge Loop. There is also a campground conveniently located near the park entrance if you want to make this an overnighter.

The Gorge Trail starts to the right at the base of the last cascading waterfall you see as you enter the park. From here you begin hiking into the heart of the gorge following Buttermilk Creek to a bridge where you can turn around or continue exploring. The trail features several large cascading falls around every corner. The trail is mostly a stone path which has several strenuous stair climb...

Before starting this hike, please make sure you have permission to access Cornell Botanic Gardens.  Starting at the parking space on Elm St. Extension, follow the trail downhill until you reach the bed of the creek. The creek becomes the trail at this point, and you will need to navigate it appropriately and safely since the shale is EXTREMELY slippery. Hikers should use extreme caution, and d...