Home › New York › Ithaca › Gorge Trail
Gorge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 414 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from 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.
Steep 0.65-mi. hiking trail along a gorge with dramatic rock formations, waterfalls & pools.
What runners say about Gorge Trail
“Gorges Ithaca is an absolutely beautiful boutique hotel located right in the heart of Ithaca.”
“The modern décor adds a luxurious touch, making it perfect for a peaceful weekend getaway.”
Buttermilk SP has a Gorge Trail that is short and gorgeous. We began our hike at the Upper Park Entrance on West King Rd where Larch Meadows is found, rather than the Lower entrance where the falls are located. The TH is across W King Rd and to the left of the bridge.
Great dog-friendly park with good hiking trails that run adjacent to beautiful waterfalls. The base parking lot has a $9 fee to park up until 6pm; it’s free to park after that but the park also closes at 7:30pm.
I love this trail! There are so many little waterfalls around every corner! I recommend getting a map at the office because it connects to other trails and it's nice to track where you are while you are walking. There is no swimming on this trail, which is a bummer.
It's a beautiful trail that runs along the falls and has places to access the waters. The trail is uneven and slippery at places because of mud and water. Not stroller friendly. Can take your dog. Tougher than Watkins Glen gorge trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorges Ithaca is an absolutely beautiful boutique hotel located right in the heart of Ithaca.”
“The hike up from the base lot is steep with a lot of stairs but the trail isn’t very long if you go up and loop back around on the Rim Trail on the other side of the gorge.”
“The base parking lot has a $9 fee to park up until 6pm; it’s free to park after that but the park also closes at 7:30pm.”
“The modern décor adds a luxurious touch, making it perfect for a peaceful weekend getaway.”
“The hike up from the base lot is steep with a lot of stairs but the trail isn’t very long if you go up and loop back around on the Rim Trail on the other side of the gorge.”
Plan your run at Gorge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 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.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,036 reviews
811-acres of wooded parkland featuring hiking paths, a lake, waterfall & campgrounds.
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 276 reviews
Designated in 1970, this nature park offers trails, waterfalls, rock formations & wildlife viewing.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,279 reviews
Part of the Cornell Plantations Path, this walkway offers views of the the gorge & its waterfall.