Edward M. SmathersIthaca Falls Natural Area
This beautiful 150′ waterfall is located near the end of Fall Creek on the outskirts of Cornell University. The last of over half a dozen waterfalls on this creek, it is the biggest by far.
Ithaca Falls can be viewed from the bridge downstream and can also be seen up close, since wading is allowed, with caution. The waters of the creek can get quite high during wet weather, so viewing areas can change dramatically depending on what time of year you visit.
Keep a keen eye out while visiting the gorge and you will see remnants of old mills that used to line the banks of the gorge. These become more prominent the further upstream you travel.
There are parking areas located on either side of the bridge, but most people park right at the nature area’s parking lot. The lot is small and can fill up during peak activity during the summer.
NOTE: Get Directions uses Geolocator for closest known address. Double check directions prior to the start of your jouney.
Waterfall Name: Ithaca Falls (Natural Area)
Alternative Name(s): Olympic Falls
Phone: …..
Website: …..
Classification: Analysis in Progress
Height: 150′ Total
Crest: TBD
Access/Location Classification: Accessible/May not be verified
Waterway: Fall Creek
Cave/Forest/Preserve Name: Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Clove/Gulch/Valley/Glen: n/a
Gorge/Hollow/Gulf/Gully/Ravine/Chasm: Fall Creek Gorge
Lat/Long: 42.45284, -76.49173
Altitude (Appx Meters): 129.6
Town: Ithaca
County: Tompkins
NYS Tourism Region: Finger Lakes-Wine Country
NYS Tourism: https://esd.ny.gov/industries/tourism
NYDEC Region: Central New York
NYDEC Contact: https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
Parking: 42.4528, -76.49488
Parking Notes: …..
Trail head: 42.45307, -76.49434
Trail Notes: .4 mi rt
We are in the process of collecting trails via www.WikiLoc.com, which we will make available in the near future. “Analysis In Progress”, “TBD”, and empty fields denote information currently being collected.
SOURCES –
Originator: www.yellowecho.com
Source 2: www.bobbieswaterfalls.net
Source 3: Steve Young
Source 4: 200 Waterfalls (paperback)
