Location: Ithaca
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Ithaca, New York (NY)
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
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1. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
As we were headed north to the Thirsty owl winery, I suddenly realized my brakes were not working! So I slowed down and pulled into the Allan H Treman State Marine Park! There were clean bathrooms and wonderful amount of picnic tables overlooking the Cayuga Lake! The tow truck driver arrived and we were able to get our car fixed and back on the road!
2. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
3. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Cornell Botanic Gardens inspires people - through the cultivation of 150 acres of specialty gardens, conservation of plants and 3400 acres of natural areas, and the education of lifelong learners - to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The botanic gardens are located at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. The Nevin Welcome Center and Gift Shop is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fri - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
This is one of the reasons it's worth spending a day on the Cornell campus. There's no conservatory associated with the gardens, but there is one on campus in the agriculture program. The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it. The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun. There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there. Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
4. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
5. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By cshav10
Incredible natural beauty - breathtaking. If climbing stairs or a steep climb are an issue there is you can start up at the top and walk down. Not sure of the name of the road. We took the rim walk which was a stiff climb and came down that way.
6. Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By J4234MSscottw - Ferndale, United States
The falls were a great spot for a quick resting stop. Park right there and an easy walk the 100yds to the fall we’re there were lots of shade and rocks to sit and have a quick lunch.
7. Ithaca Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By PghMiss - Pittsburgh, United States
Driving through Ithaca to another falls area and we crossed a bridge only to see these beautiful falls on one side! Nearby parking allows for a view from the street and a short walk down a gravel like path takes you right to the falls! The water falls were flowing but the water level was low so you could easily explore the rocky banks of the river! Semi crowded but most people were wearing masks and keeping distance so I would recommend stopping by!
8. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
We decided to hike the Cacadilla Trail in Ithaca, NY it starts out pretty easy but there are some spots where the stairs are steep and challenging for older folks and small children. Plus going up is one type of challenge while coming down presents another if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to attempt this hike. Other wise we all met the challenges from my 4 year old Grandson to myself at 66. Enjoy the outdoors and try this hike or just do part of it and enjoy the wonders of nature!
9. Ithaca Children's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Ithaca Children’s Garden is an award-winning 3-acre public children’s garden designed for kids, enjoyed by all, and driven by a mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. First time to Ithaca? Make sure ICG is on your itinerary. ICG welcomes ALL visitors EVERY day. From exploring the Kitchen Garden and walking the Bulb Labyrinth to climbing on the back of Gaia (the turtle giantess) and playing in the Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone, this is truly a place for kids to be kids. Pack some snacks and bring a water bottle - you may or may not encounter staff while you're there as offices are off site (at least for now). Enjoy your visit and try to leave it a smidge better than you found it... it takes a village!
Reviewed By Explore280092
Very creative, kid-oriented, interactive. Fun, fun, fun (even for grown-ups)! The anarchy zone is brilliant. Bring lunch and have a picnic.
10. Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
