Triphammer Falls
New York • 55 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Triphammer Falls
Triphammer Falls is a 55-foot waterfall on Fall Creek tucked into the heart of the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. The falls tumble through a narrow gorge in a multi-tiered cascade that feels surprisingly wild despite its central campus location, and several pedestrian bridges and viewpoints make it easy to enjoy dramatic close-up vistas. The site is on university land and is a popular, year-round stop for students, visitors, and photographers exploring the Cascadilla and Fall Creek gorges. The most commonly used approach is an out-and-back campus hike of about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation change; the route is rated moderate and is friendly to most hikers who are comfortable with an urban-gorge walk. For a quick comparison to other Finger Lakes-area streams, Conesus Creek (the outflow of Conesus Lake) drops more than 200 feet over its short course, while Triphammer’s dramatic 55-foot drop is concentrated within the Fall Creek gorge on campus.
The Setting
Triphammer Falls sits at 702 feet along the Conesus Creek, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 55 feet.
Height: 55 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles round trip; elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate; trail type: out-and-back. The route is primarily paved walkways and pedestrian bridges across Fall Creek on Cornell University property, offering easy footing for most conditions. Expect moderate overall grades as the path descends into and climbs out of the gorge; the trail is non-technical and suitable for hikers looking for a short but scenic campus-based waterfall hike.
What to Expect
The falls drop 55 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 Triphammer Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Triphammer Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and bridges, as the gorge can be dangerous. Avoid visiting during icy or slippery conditions.
Current Water Conditions
12 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 45 years of record
0.63 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 CONESUS CREEK NEAR LAKEVILLE NY (4 km away).
Today
Roaring
13 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
13 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
14 cfs
9/10Best window: Thu — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 Lakeville 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 35 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The full 55 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 68 feet. The ground at the falls is roughly 710 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 26 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 710 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 35 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Triphammer Falls is located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. The falls can be accessed via the pedestrian bridges near the Thurston Avenue Bridge or from the surrounding campus walkways.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available on the Cornell University campus, but it may be limited and subject to university parking regulations. Visitors should check for designated visitor parking areas or use nearby public parking options in Ithaca.
Elevation
702 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.860063° N, -77.763614° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rain for the most impressive water flow. Be mindful of university parking regulations and avoid peak campus hours for a quieter experience.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Geneseo
Spark By Hilton Rochester University Area
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford-Brighton, NY
Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in Ithaca, such as Ithaca Falls and Buttermilk Falls State Park, as well as the Cornell Botanic Gardens and downtown Ithaca.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife typical of the region.
Cities near Triphammer Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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