State Parks

Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. There is a large swimming area at the foot of the falls. The upper park has a small lake and hiking trails through woodlands. And.....it is only 4 miles from our doorstep!

Cascadilla gorge has a short but steep hiking trail of 3/4 mile. We love to walk it as it takes you past a series of beautiful waterfalls. This trail connects Downtown Ithaca to the Cornell University campus.

The Cornell Botanical Gardens located on the Cornell Campus consist of about 25 acres and is part of the F.R. Newman Arboretum spread over 150 acres. The origin of the botanic gardens dates back to the mid 19th century and is the result of the University's longtime interest in agriculture, forestry and natural sciences. The four gardens on the Cornell Campus are maintained by their team and in addition they offer various courses for academic credit and host a number of informal lectures and tours.

Taughhannock State Park, only 8 miles from our doorstep, features the tallest, single drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains! At 215 feet, this waterfall is three stories taller than Niagra Falls. The 3 1/2 mile long hiking trail takes you around the top of the falls and on the way down you can enjoy some nice scenic views of Cayuga Lake.

Visit the former Senaca Army Depot, explore one of the 519 ammunition storage shelters and admire the worlds largest herd of white, white-tailed deer and other wildlife. The Park is open every saturday and offers the 8 mile long Majesty and Mystery App- Guided driving tour.

Enfield Manor is located only 1 1/2 miles from the upper entrance of Robert Treman Park, home of Lucifer Falls, and numerous hiking trails as well as a natural swimming pool at the foot of the waterfall at the lower entrance of the park.

Watkins Glen State Park, 18 miles from Enfield Manor, is the most visited of the State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. This is the only park that does not allow dogs on the gorge trail.