Right in the middle of a neighborhood and across from the local school was this “little” gem. Ithaca Falls Natural Area clearly has very little funding for such niceties like fancy trail markers and such. The parking area is easy to find via GPS and the hike is, get this, approximately 100 yards to the base of the Ithaca Falls. Yes, ONE HUNDRED YARDS.
It’s a perfect quick hike on the way into Ithaca for a yummy supper or something. The hike was easy, though not stroller friendly. It was so easy that you could hold your littlest person on your hip while you walk back to the base of the Falls. Seriously.
Although our 5, 8 and 10 yr olds could hike this before the whining might even commence, I don’t actually recommend it for children (YET). Sadly, an industrial site once occupied the cliffs and bluffs above the falls, probably harvesting the water power to run their machinery. The place has several warnings about lead being on site. That said, it may not be the best place to take your kids. (Our Blossoms like to touch and experience nature whole-heartedly.)
I am hopeful that in the next few years, the site will be mitigated and the lead warnings removed, making this an amazing destination for Blossoms and other Little People to see God’s beauty.
The Rugged Mountain Man and I found a bench and listened to the water run and gazed at the rippling waters gurgling by. Oh, the peace of it! (Since we weren't scrambling and climbing on the bluffs, the lead did not deter us.)
With bellies full of burgers, onion rings and ice cream, we kicked up our feet back at the cabin and relaxed in entire peace and quiet. Wow, is that ever a change of pace for us!!
For GPS or Google Mapping purposes:Ithaca Falls Natural Area
399 Lake St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
