Waterfall Hero Hikes: Fall Creek Gorge Waterfalls (Cornell)

There are three waterfalls on Fall Creek just upstream of Ithaca Falls in Tompkins County, New York. The waterfalls are located on Cornell University property and open to the public.

Hike Length: 0.6 miles

Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Cornell University

Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Features: Waterfalls (3)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 42.45245,-76.48567
Waterfall GPS: 42.45207,-76.48454 (Rocky Falls), 42.45201,-76.48632 (Horseshoe Falls), 42.45216,-76.48831 (Forest Falls)

Directions:

From Ithaca, head north through downtown on Meadow Street/NY-13. After crossing Cascadilla Creek, make the first right on Dey Street and then immediate left on W Lincoln Street. Go 0.4 miles and turn right on Lake Street for 0.3 miles and then left on Willard Way. At the top, turn left on Stewart Avenue and go 0.2 miles. Right after crossing the bridge, turn right on Fall Creek Drive. In 0.2 miles, bear right into a small parking area.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the start of the parking, head across the pedestrian bridge over Fall Creek. Upstream is Rocky Falls, a 55-foot waterfall next to the hydroelectric plant.

Horseshoe Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, is right below the bridge. In the past, there was a trail led to the base, but it has been closed and I believe the closure is permanent, so this is the only view of the falls.

Across the bridge, go right on the Rim Trail and follow to the end at Stewart Avenue. Turn right and head across the bridge to see Forest Falls, a 60-foot waterfall.