Buttermilk Falls: Gorge and Rim Trail Loop

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....

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. 

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

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...

Potter's Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Ithaca, New York.

Cascadilla Falls (9 falls) is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Ithaca, New York.