Ithaca is known for its waterfalls. Whenever a guest or family member comes to town, I always debate which waterfall to take them to. However, recently, I’ve realized that my favorite waterfall to take people to is Ithaca Falls because it is both one of the most accessible and also the most stunning waterfalls in Ithaca.
Ithaca Falls is very accessible and easy to visit. Right outside downtown Ithaca, it is very close and easy to get to whether you are using a car, bike, or walking. The walk from the parking lot to the waterfall is a very short one with a wide path, and it is mostly flat. For the small bit of downhill walking that one must do on the walk to the waterfall, there is a railing to help. This makes the waterfall easy to get to and is a plus for many when they compare it to the long hikes needed to get to some of the other Ithaca waterfalls. Also, the waterfall is just a single drop, so you just need to walk to one place to see the waterfall, in contrast to waterfalls like Buttermilk falls which are spread out and multi-tiered. What’s more, there is a beautiful view of the waterfall from the bridge so you don’t even have to leave your car or go on a hike to experience the Falls, meaning that Ithaca Falls is accessible even to handicapped or elderly visitors.
Another feature that makes Ithaca Falls a trip worth making is how close you can get to the waterfall. The only fences by the waterfall are to keep visitors away from the side of the gorge, and not on the side of the waterfall, meaning that visitors can walk right up to the waterfall and get as close as they want. Because the waterfall is a dramatic drop and not spread out, there is a lot of mist and a cool breeze that comes from the waterfall. Another pleasing aesthetic detail is that the waterfall makes a loud calming noise as the water crashes down the waterfall. Between the cool temperature and calming noise, Ithaca Falls is an ideal place to hang out in warm weather.
Although the waterfall is often the focus of many people’s trips to Ithaca Falls, the creek is amazing on its own. Since the creek has a low bank near the waterfall, you can see dramatic changes in the width of the river with the weather. Sometimes, if you are lucky and come a few days after a big storm, you can see the wet rocks and natural debris on the bank that tell you that that area was underwater recently. Although Ithaca Falls are often crowded, there is enough brush and trees along the creek to offer more calm solitary places away from the crowds. If you sit along the creek with shrubbery and trees blocking you from the rest of the visitors, you will feel an overwhelming sense of calm and connection to nature. Another perk of the creek is that it is lined with large rocks which are great for sitting on in these areas. These little spots are also great to read or do homework. Since IHS is only a minute walk away, Ithaca Falls is a great place for students to go after school and do some homework while waiting for a ride or for an event to start.
The creek is also a fun place to hang out even if you don’t have any work to do or books to read. There are lots of flat rocks around the creek which are great for skipping. If you want to explore some of the local flora then the American Sycamore is your best bet. American Sycamore trees line the bank of the creek. These trees help hold the bank and can withstand flooding. Many of these trees have exposed roots that you can see. Without dirt around the exposed roots you can see some things that would normally be underground such as the roots wrapping around rocks.
Although there are many waterfalls in Ithaca, Ithaca Falls is definitely a must see for anyone visiting Ithaca and is a spot for Ithacans to visit again and again and find something new every time.