Home › New York › Ithaca › Ithaca Falls Trail
Ithaca Falls Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,117 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ithaca Falls 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.
Hiking area featuring a short trail that leads to a waterfall.
What runners say about Ithaca Falls Trail
“Visiting friends I'm Auburn NY and they treated us with a hike up the river below the University to witness the falls and the beautiful canyon.”
“The short walk to the falls is a serene journey, surrounded by the tranquility of winter landscapes.”
“While it is an easy trail, I would still recommend hiking shoes or sneakers that have good grip.”
The falls are awesome! You must stop out to see them if your in the area. The views are great. The air is the best your going to breath while your on these trails. All the nature around you is breath taking moment at times just walking through the nature trail with creek side beds and à great waterfall is breathtaking.
The falls is so awesome! This is a very easy and short trail. While it is an easy trail, I would still recommend hiking shoes or sneakers that have good grip. The stones that you would walk on could be wet so just for protection and stability, wear good shoes. Came early in the morning so it was still not crowded.
Ithaca Falls Trail, located near Ithaca University, offers a picturesque winter escape with minimal effort. The short walk to the falls is a serene journey, surrounded by the tranquility of winter landscapes. The frozen beauty of Ithaca Falls is captivating, making it a rewarding destination for a quick nature retreat.
This trail offers the best view of the waterfall and access to it. If you're in Downtown Ithaca, it's a pleasant 25-minute walk if you like to walk. The path is beautiful and flat, which is pretty unique to Ithaca.
Trail conditions & character
“Visiting friends I'm Auburn NY and they treated us with a hike up the river below the University to witness the falls and the beautiful canyon.”
“Parking can be tricky, but there is a lot a cross the street as well as by the school.”
“The short walk to the falls is a serene journey, surrounded by the tranquility of winter landscapes.”
“Dogs seem to be accepted as long as they are on leases.”
Plan your run at Ithaca Falls 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 607-272-1313
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 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
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,972 reviews
This park with a 150-foot waterfall also features ruins of 19th-century mills & areas for fishing.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,279 reviews
Part of the Cornell Plantations Path, this walkway offers views of the the gorge & its waterfall.
Stewart Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,217 reviews
Lakefront park with golf, tennis, playground, carousel, athletic fields, duck pond & spray pool.
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 276 reviews
Designated in 1970, this nature park offers trails, waterfalls, rock formations & wildlife viewing.