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Cascadilla Gorge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,279 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Cascadilla Gorge Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Part of the Cornell Plantations Path, this walkway offers views of the the gorge & its waterfall.
What runners say about Cascadilla Gorge Trail
“The Cascadilla Gorge Trail at Cornell University is a short but stunning hike that plunges you into a world of waterfalls and dramatic rock formations.”
“The trail does have a lot of stairs and some steep spots, so it’s a bit of a workout, but it’s totally worth it for the views and the peaceful feeling.”
Cascadilla Gorge Trail is absolutely stunning! The trail winds right through the heart of Ithaca, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and easy access. The stone stairways and walkways make the hike manageable for most people, and the series of cascading waterfalls are simply breathtaking.
Love this trail. Be prepared to walk up stairs the whole way. Calf work out for sure! Beautiful falls, definitely best to visit in spring before Memorial Day when water is rushing and wild! Only takes about 30 minutes to get to the top if you take your time and pause for pics along the way.
The Cascadilla Gorge Trail at Cornell University is a short but stunning hike that plunges you into a world of waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. The trail climbs alongside Cascadilla Creek as it carves its way through the gorge, offering beautiful views.
Absolutely stunning from start to finish. We started at the bottom of the gorge on Courtland street and made our way all the way to the top where the trail ends at Cornell. Beautiful, serene, calming, this is such a gem and so close to downtown Ithaca.
Trail conditions & character
“The Cascadilla Gorge Trail at Cornell University is a short but stunning hike that plunges you into a world of waterfalls and dramatic rock formations.”
“The trail itself is well-maintained, with stone steps and pathways that make it accessible for most people, though there are some steep sections to be aware of.”
“There is no parking lot from what I saw so we parked on a residential street and walked the gorge.”
“The trail does have a lot of stairs and some steep spots, so it’s a bit of a workout, but it’s totally worth it for the views and the peaceful feeling.”
Plan your run at Cascadilla Gorge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitecornellbotanicgardens.org
- Phone+1 607-255-2400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Ithaca
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
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This park with a 150-foot waterfall also features ruins of 19th-century mills & areas for fishing.
Ithaca Falls Trail
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Hiking area featuring a short trail that leads to a waterfall.
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
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Designated in 1970, this nature park offers trails, waterfalls, rock formations & wildlife viewing.
