Chasing Waterfalls at Robert H. Treman State Park in Upstate New York
- Brooke
- Oct 14
- 7 min read
Newsflash - read all about it!
New York State is not all concrete sidewalks and skyscrapers. In fact, New York State is filled more with rolling hills and beautiful forests than its more famous eponymous city lends people to initially think.
I'm very fortunate to have three groups of friends who live in the Finger Lakes area of Upstate New York, and each summer I get to pay them a visit. And sometimes during those visits, I play tourist and take in some of the really very lovely scenery of that region. And let me tell you, they are more than happy to remind anyone willing to listen that Upstate New York is NOT New York City.
And they are right to be proud of their beautiful and interesting environs, even if it often exists in the shadow of that concrete jungle where dreams are made of. Let me show you one such place I got to explore over a couple of seasons, a place that really demonstrates Upstate's natural beauty, making it a destination in its own right.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Located only minutes outside of downtown Ithaca (recently named CNN's 2025 Best Towns in America to Visit), Robert H. Treman State Park eluded me for many years. I can't count the amount of times I had passed the sign that beckons visitors as they drive from downtown Ithaca into the nearby outskirts of town where my friends live. And yet, I had been more determined to visit other state parks in the area until one day, my friend persuaded me to take a visit with her.
And boy, was I glad I did. Unfortunately for that trip, we had to cut the adventure short due to my work-from-home schedule, but a few years later, I had a chance to return for a solo visit. Towards the bottom of this posting, I'll share some of that initial adventure, which took place during the fall, but prior to that, I'll include the solo trip first, as I was able to capture some of more of the dramatic scenes more completely the second time around.
During this second trip, I parked near the old mill, as seen above. There, you are greeted by a small waterfall and the Enfield Creek, which would be responsible for the dramatic scenery right around the corner, the Enfield Glen.
The park is broken up into two separate sections, though you can visit both in one longer hike. As I did not come prepared for such an adventure, I opted to do some of the Upper Park on this trip, as I had visited the Lower Park on the previous visit.
Prior to beginning my short walk, I took the time to admire the mill, which also includes clean and comfortable restrooms. Be sure to take advantage of them before heading out on any hike.
After my quick pit stop, it was off to enter the glen by following the path along the creek. These paths were built in the 1930s and 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps after the land was donated by Robert H. Treman and his wife Laura in 1920. Thanks to all of these industrious and generous folks, we now have this lovely park to admire Upstate's natural beauty.
Note that there are a number of trails, but if you want to check out the waterfalls up close, then opt for the Gorge Trail.
From the Upper Park to Lower Park, expect a two mile one way hike with a 400' elevation loss, as seen in the image picture below. If you only have time to go visit Lucifer Falls like I did, you'll lose and gain 100' of elevation.
It was now time to head off on my short afternoon adventure, following the shale walkway towards the glen.
Once you round this first corner, you're hit with an incredible sight. The short walk up to this point does not give you any sense of what's coming around this corner, but it's really jaw-dropping and spectacular.
As you walk the path, you'll see incredible rock carveouts, while listening to the creek rush by beside you.
And though these initial pictures don't show it, you will spend your time in the park sharing the trail with others. Because I visited midday during a weekday and prior to school being out, the trail was not overcrowded. I can't speak for a mid-summer weekend day in the park, though I suspect the park would be much more crowded. Be sure to plan accordingly.
As you continue to walk, the gorge becomes more dramatic, as does the rush of water sharing the trail with you.
Suddenly, a large aperture opens up, allowing for a rush of water to tumble down below.
Below, looking back from where I had just come from.
After passing this first fall, the gorge opens up a bit.
Be sure to double check to see if fishing is allowed in this park, and what requirements are needed in order to do so.
Again, the park does a nice job of settling expectations before turning a new corner to be pleasantly surprised.
Suddenly, you find yourself beside a step-like waterfall besides tall rock walls.
It's once you pass this charming little waterfall that you arrive at the one you've been waiting for. It's a little jarring to come upon a pretty tall waterfall by just walking up to the lip of the fall so casually...
Once you reach the lip of the fall, the scenery opens up to an incredibly dramatic vista.
Following the trail down a bit, this allows you to catch better views of Lucifer Falls, one of the park's most dramatic sights.
The further you walk down the trail, the more dramatic the fall becomes, as you become more able to capture the scale of the 115 foot fall.
Below, a number of pictures of Lucifer Falls.
A really awe-inspiring fall - even when you know it's coming, it's still a delight to see it in real life.
Once I had had my fill of seeing Lucifer Falls, it was time to head back to the car and head back to my friend's house, catching a few last glimpses of the gorge before doing so.
That was all the time I had for this outing, but I'll be sure to return sometime soon.
Lower Park and Bonus Upper Falls in Autumn
As mentioned above, I first visited Robert H. Treman State Park in the fall of 2021. I had been visiting Ithaca since I had moved to New York City in 2011, and had taken 10 years to visit this park so close to my friends' house. It didn't take me 10 years, thankfully, to return to the park, and was only delayed due to having some extra free time on my 2025 trip.
During the first visit, my friend and I started at the Lower Park, visiting the aptly named Lower Falls. Though it was late September, the leaves were already changing, adding a delightful fall feeling to our wander.
Upon reaching the Lower Falls, seen below, you pass by some lifeguard stands that are closed this time of year. During the summer, they close up some barriers, flooding this area, and making it an ideal place for a cool dip. Though I have yet to visit the park during this time, I've definitely added it to future Ithaca agendas.
Though the Lower Falls are not as dramatic as Lucifer Falls, they still put on a nice show. This area of the Finger Lakes is chock full of beautiful waterfalls, and these are a nice addition to the regions collection.
Below, a rare selfie!
The two of us broke off to snap pictures separately, with me mostly capturing pictures of my friend taking pictures (I always love a meta picture if I can snag them).
Below, you can see the area where they close the gates to allow the area to flood. Once the warm season ends, the gates open up, and the water can flow through freely.
A few last snaps of the Lower Falls...
After admiring Lower Falls, it was time to head back to my friend's car through the pleasant forest like surroundings.
Upon reaching her car, we drove up to the Upper Park, but our time was constrained by my having a work call shortly thereafter. It turns out that my camera's battery was on the verge of dying, which resulted in a turn around once we reached the first small fall. However, it provided just enough inspiration to encourage me to return four years later, where this post began above. And if I'm able to swing it sometime in the future, I hope to be able to visit it both in the summer as well as the height of leaf peeping time.
Not terrible leaf peeping conditions, though...
And here again, we find the gorge relatively empty. If you can time your visit for the low season, I definitely recommend it as both excursions were enjoyable without massive crowds.
And.....right about here I lost battery power on my camera, and we realized I had to return to her house for a work call. And to think, it took me almost 4 years to return! I'm pretty sure it won't take me as long to back for another visit to this stunning locale during my return trips to this corner of Upstate New York, a world totally different from the other New York you might have initially conjured up.
Robert H. Treman State Park Details
Because there are two sections of the park, an Upper and Lower part, be sure to check the map below to learn which section might be more appropriate for your visit, or be prepared for an up and down hike to reach your car if you park at one end of the other and plan to do the loop trails.
Or, you could be like me and park at the Upper Park, walk to Lucifer falls, and then return to your car.
Or, like Eileen and I did on our first visit, park at the Lower Park, explore the falls there, and then drive to the upper portion.
To learn more about their entrance fees, park hours or trail conditions, visit the park's website.
Day of travel: June 2, 2025 (Upper Park) and September 30, 2021 (Lower Park)
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