The Finger Lakes area in New York has amazing hiking trails with views of waterfalls, gorges, and forests. If you go near Cortland and Ithaca, you’ll find all sorts of hikes, from easy walks to tough climbs over rocks. So, if you want to chill in nature or go on a real hike, you’ll see great views.
Okay, so Ithaca is famous for its gorges, and if you’re into hiking, you’re in luck. There are some seriously beautiful spots to explore. One place you absolutely have to check out is Buttermilk Falls State Park. The main attraction there is the Gorge Trail. It’s not super long, only about a mile and a half, but it’s packed with sights. It follows a stream that just goes wild, dropping over rocks and making all these little waterfalls. It’s a photographer’s dream. Even if you’re not into taking pictures, it’s just a great place to chill and soak up nature. Now, if you’re not a fan of getting your feet wet or you would rather hang out in the woods, Buttermilk Falls also has the Rim Trail. It winds around above the gorge, so you get these great views looking down. It is usually drier than going down into the gorge. Overall, there are many places to look at the land.
You should also check out Robert H. Treman State Park. It has this 4.5-mile Rim and Gorge Trail that’s cool. You get to see Lucifer Falls, which is a huge 115-foot waterfall – it’s the park’s main attraction. The trail is a bit rough with stone steps, so it feels like a bit of an when you hike it. People who want a hike that’s not too easy or too hard seem to love this one.
Ithaca has another sweet trail called the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. It’s like a little getaway right in the city, connecting downtown to Cornell’s campus. The trail is only about a mile and a bit long, but it has a bunch of waterfalls and cool stone bridges you walk over. It’s the perfect spot to ditch the city noise without actually leaving town. Plus, if you go during autumn, that’s when it really shines. All the trees turn these crazy shades of red, orange, and yellow, and it turns the place into something out of a painting. You’ve got these waterfalls cascading down with colorful leaves all around – it’s a total sight for the eyes.
The trail itself isn’t too tough, so it’s great for anyone who wants a decent walk without over-exerting themselves. You’ll see students, families, and even some people just looking for a peaceful spot to clear their heads. It’s also got a bit of history to it. The stone bridges have been there for ages. They add this old-school charm to the whole experience. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera. Trust me; you’re going to want to snap a ton of pictures. It’s one of those places that looks even better in person than in photos. So, if you ever find yourself in Ithaca, doing the Cascadilla Gorge Trail is a must. You won’t regret it.
Another option is the Greek Peak Mountain Resort Trails, which offer scenic hiking opportunities in the summer. The trails provide panoramic views of the surrounding hills and are perfect for those looking for a moderate hike with rewarding vistas.
If you like hiking, Cortland and Ithaca are great spots. There are trails for everyone, no matter how good you are or what you want to see. You can check out the cool waterfalls in Ithaca’s parks or the quiet woods in Cortland’s nature areas. These trails let you get close to nature and see some awesome scenery in upstate New York. So, whether you just want to take a walk or you’re a serious hiker, there’s a trail here with your name on it.