Ithaca

The Cascadilla Creek Gorge is the perfect retreat from Cornell campus or downtown Ithaca into serene natural surroundings. This short trail will take you down 400 feet past multiple waterfalls, through lush, green forest and 400 million year old bedrock. It will be tough to believe you didn't have to drive or take the train to reach this destination. You should also feel lucky to even be on thi...

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 climbs....

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...

Park in the designated lot directly off Troy Rd and begin the loop at the only trail entering the parking area (the lot only holds about 4-5 vehicles). Because this is a loop trial, when it splits after 200 yards take either route and still end at the parking area. The loop is 2.3 miles long and a great hike or escape for families with children and/or dogs. 

The East Ithaca Recreational Walkway, which traverses the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, can be accessed at the parking areas on Burns Rd. or Coddington Rd. The walkway, which used to be a railroad, runs flat and straight from East to West. From the walkway, other smaller trails can be accessed that lead further into different parts of the preserve, and are marked with different colored blazes.

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.