ROBERT H. TREMAN STATE PARK

By: Nicholas Geisler

 

Robert H. Treman State Park, tucked off of Route 13 just south of Cayuga Lake, is home to one of Ithaca’s famous gorges and some of the area’s most beloved swimming holes and waterfalls. Follow winding trails and stone staircases along the rugged gorge of Enfield Glen that was carved by erosion after the last glaciers receded from Central New York to see some of the park’s spectacular waterfalls.

 

HIKING

Starting at the Upper Entrance of the park off of NYS Route 327, you can take a peek at the Enfield Falls Grist Mill, built in 1839 and now on the National Register of Historic Places.  Inside the mill you will find rest rooms and exhibits describing the workings of the mill, as well as picnic tables and grills available near the site.  

From there, hike along the paved trails and stone bridges of the Gorge Trail (or the Rim Trail, for those more adventurous) and catch site of almost a dozen waterfalls cascading through Enfield Glen.

 

LUCIFER FALLS

There are over 7 miles of beautiful trails winding through the park to enjoy, but the highlight is easily the awe-inspiring Lucifer Falls that cascades beside a stone staircase and down 115 feets of rock face.  Leaf-peepers, this magnificent waterfall is particularly striking surrounded by fall foliage.  

SWIMMING

As you descend into the Lower Park, take a dip in the designated swimming hole (seasonally when a lifeguard is present) at Treman Falls, where local kids try their luck navigating the rock shelf underneath the gushing water or jump from the supervised diving board. Bathrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills are available near the designated swimming area as well

 

CAMPING

For longer stays, the park offers beautiful campgrounds, picnic areas, and BBQ grills at both ends of the park, as well as playing fields, playgrounds, and RV areas.

 

FEES

There is an entrance fee for cars, though the pass is also good for nearby Buttermilk Falls. 

 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

After a long day on the trails, stop by the new brewery, beer garden, and tap room to sample local ales and creative pub fare at Ithaca Beer Company, just off of Route 13 toward downtown Ithaca (turn left onto 13A). The brewery offers plenty of outdoor seating, a bocce court, fire pit, bar, brewery tour, and family-friendly tap room for lunch and dinner most days of the week.

 

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