Lucifer Falls
New York • 115 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Lucifer Falls
Lucifer Falls is a stunning 115-foot waterfall located in Robert H. Treman State Park, New York. It is one of the park's most iconic features, surrounded by dramatic gorges and lush greenery. The waterfall is part of the Enfield Glen gorge and offers breathtaking views along the park's well-maintained trails.
The Setting
Lucifer Falls sits at 764 feet within Robert H. Treman State Park, in the foothills of New York. At 115 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 115 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Taughannock Falls (215 ft) lies 9.4 miles to the north. Also nearby: Buttermilk Falls (165 ft, 3.4 mi) and Ithaca Falls (150 ft, 5.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.5-mile loop trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Gorge and Rim Trails provide access to Lucifer Falls, offering a loop hike with stunning views of the gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding forest. The trails feature stone staircases, bridges, and well-maintained paths, but some sections can be steep and uneven.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 115 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lucifer Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lucifer Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Summer is popular for swimming in designated areas of the park.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on wet or slippery trails, especially near the gorge edges. Stay on marked trails and supervise children closely. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Cayuga Inlet, 3.7 miles away, not on Lucifer Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
18 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 14 years of record
4.33 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CAYUGA INLET AT ITHACA NY (6 km away).
Today
Roaring
19 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
21 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
18 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
16 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Tue
Strong
17 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
20 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in March.
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 South Hill hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lucifer Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lucifer Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 14 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.
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.
The ground through the falls loses about 300 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 115 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 831 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 85 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 182 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 831 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 300 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lucifer Falls is located within Robert H. Treman State Park, near Ithaca, New York. The park is accessible by car, and the main entrance is off NY-327. Follow park signage to the Lower or Upper Gorge Trailheads.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at both the upper and lower entrances of Robert H. Treman State Park. A day-use fee is typically required for parking.
Elevation
764 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.400629° N, -76.584111° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trails can be uneven and slippery. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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With 4.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Hotel Ithaca
Best Western University Inn
Hampton Inn Ithaca
3BR/2BA Lakehouse 10 min to town
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
POTOMAC GROUP CAMPGROUND
12.2 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 waterfalls in Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park.
Wildlife
The park is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the streams.
Cities near Lucifer Falls
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