Hiking to Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
Hiking to Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
Introduction
Robert H. Treman State Park, located in the scenic Finger Lakes region near Ithaca, New York, offers a remarkable hiking experience leading to the stunning Lucifer Falls. This park is a favorite among locals and tourists for its rugged natural beauty, featuring lush gorges, winding trails, and the breathtaking 115-foot waterfall known as Lucifer Falls.
What to Know Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when the park's foliage is lush and the water flow is optimal.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate. The Gorge Trail, which leads to Lucifer Falls, involves some steep steps and uneven terrain.
- Distance from Ithaca: Approximately 9 miles, a 15-20 minute drive.
- Facilities: Picnic areas, restrooms, and a swimming area near the lower part of the park.
Hiking the Trail
- Starting Point: The lower park entrance is the best place to start your hike to Lucifer Falls.
- Trail Highlights:
- Enfield Glen: A stunning gorge that the trail meanders through.
- Old Mill: A historic milling site with interpretive signs explaining its history.
- Lucifer Falls: The climax of the hike, offering dramatic views of the waterfall.
Local Tips
- Wear sturdy footwear: The trail can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Photography: The best photos of Lucifer Falls are often captured in the morning light.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the designated swimming area near the lower park entrance after your hike.
Getting There
From Ithaca, take NY-13 S towards NY-327 E. Follow NY-327 E to Enfield Falls Rd. The park is well-signposted along the route. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
In summary, a hike to Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park offers not just an opportunity to witness one of the most majestic waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region but also a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and history of the area. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to enjoy a day outdoors, the trail to Lucifer Falls is a rewarding experience.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Brooklynn Beaver2 months ago
Had a wonderful weekend here at the park! The staff was super friendly and also did some extra digging for us when we had questions about the area! The trail can be very strenuous! There are a lot of steps and hills, but the waterfalls and views are worth it! This is my second time visiting the park, and I will definitely be back again!
Ingrid Hill4 months ago
Return visit while up in the Ithaca Area. This is a beautiful park! There is camping, swimming, and beautiful hiking with gorgeous waterfalls. Trails are well groomed. I recommend parking by the park office and setting off on the gorge trail for return via the rim trail. This keeps the heaviest elevation as downhill climbs versus uphill. The gorge trail trailhead is just to the left of the park office. Leave your swimming stuff in the car and hit swimming after your hike as a great cool down. Fossil hunters will find some pretty nifty fossils along the rock walls just beware that snakes also love these rock walls so caution is always necessary in natural places. The waterfalls run year round and are so pretty. Campground here was very comfortable. Make the time to see it...its worth it. Total out and back is about 5 miles.
Sam McConnella month ago
This is approximately a 5 mile loop trail from Lower falls parking lot (Gorge & Rim trails). This is a challenging hike, however well worth it! Awesome views and secluded! Very peaceful place, I felt like I was walking through a Harry Potter movie, lol
Courtney Purea month ago
This is definitely in my top favorite parks. I did the Rim Trail to Gorge Trail which is a moderate trail. There were some steep climbs and many stairs but all worth it for the beautiful views!
The train was a little under 4.5 miles and took about two and a half hours to complete so you would want to plan ahead.
Michael Scott4 months ago
The campsites here in the center meadow are quite spacious and easy to get in and out of. The ones in the wooded loop not so much. They are better suited for tents.⛺ I'm not quite sure why they don't have power yet in the center section. The main power ⚡poles run right through the center of the meadow and of course there's power at the bathhouse. They have the stub outs for the power⚡ at each of the sites but nothing installed yet. 🤷🏻♂️
This is the best hiking ⛰️🥾 I've ever done!🚶🏻♂️
The gorge trail and the rim trail are spectacular the entire length! 🤩Hike from the campground up to the mill and back. The mill is a tremendous engineering ⚙️feat. It's a museum. Walk around and read and learn.👨🏻🏫
These trails are so well engineered and constructed🚧👷🏻♂️.
They use asphalt and bricks and stones and wood and cement and really build and maintain their trails! Yes some parts are natural rustic like you would expect, but there are parts that are magnificently engineered, specifically all the steps. And there are a lot of those!
I took more than 50 pictures. 🫢So I can't post everything. It's just spectacular 🤩🤩🤩
