Ithaca Falls
New York • 150 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is a dramatic 150-foot waterfall on Fall Creek located within the city of Ithaca, New York. The falls are the last in a series along the hanging valley formed where Fall Creek meets the glacial trough of Cayuga Lake, and they plunge into an amphitheater sculpted by the repeated freezing and thawing of the weak shale that makes up the gorge walls. The site is managed by the City as the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, giving visitors a striking example of Finger Lakes geology right in the city limits.
The Setting
Ithaca Falls sits at 436 feet within Ithaca Falls Natural Area, fed by the Fall Creek, in the coastal lowlands of New York. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 150 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Taughannock Falls (215 ft) lies 8.3 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Lucifer Falls (115 ft, 5.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The approach to Ithaca Falls is a very short, easy out-and-back: 0.2 miles with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain. Expect a gentle grade rather than steep climbing; the route brings you quickly to close viewpoints at the base of the 150-foot cascade where the splash pool and the creek below are popular with fly fishers. The compact trail is accessible to most visitors and delivers an up-close view of the falls in just a few minutes of walking.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 150 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ithaca Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ithaca Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Ithaca Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on the rocks. Be cautious of strong currents in the water.
Current Water Conditions
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 101 years of record
0.66 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FALL CREEK NEAR ITHACA NY (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
31 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
33 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
30 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
26 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
28 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
30 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
29 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cayuga Heights hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 267 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 150 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 518 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 93 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 148 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 518 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 267 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ithaca Falls is located near downtown Ithaca, New York, at the intersection of Lake Street and Fall Creek Drive. It is easily accessible by car and is a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available near the falls on Lake Street. Parking is free but can be limited during peak times.
Elevation
436 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.452851° N, -76.491607° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Be cautious on the rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.2 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
The Springwater Inn
Best Western University Inn
Hotel Ithaca
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
POTOMAC GROUP CAMPGROUND
15.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Potomac Group Campground and Day Use Area provides a primitive camping experience for groups of 8-40 people. It is an excellent site for family events and youth group activities. The facility is situated in a scenic area of New York, which makes for an exciting place to explore. A variety of recreational activities are available. Parking for the campground is located approximately 500 feet from the campground itself and all gear must be carried in and out. Recycling cans are available on
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby waterfalls include Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls, and Cascadilla Gorge. The city of Ithaca also offers restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Wildlife
The area around Ithaca Falls is home to various bird species and small mammals. Keep an eye out for ducks and herons near the water.
Cities near Ithaca Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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