Ithaca Falls

The waterfall plunges approximately 150 feet down with a width of about 175 feet, flowing in multiple uneven steps over a rocky ledge along Fall Creek. The natural structure shows terraces carved by water erosion over thousands of years.

From 1880 onward, the power of the waterfall was harnessed to operate the Ithaca Gun Company, which manufactured firearms that gained national importance during both World Wars. This industrial use shaped the area for decades.

The area was home to the Cayuga people long before European settlement arrived after the American Revolution. Local monuments and stories today keep their presence in this region alive.

A short gravel trail of about a quarter-mile leads from the parking area to the best viewing spots at the base of the waterfall. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the path and rock areas can become wet and slippery.

At the top of the waterfall, visitors can spot remnants of an old dam structure that reveals when water was channeled to generate electricity for local factories. These ruins show how the site was once adapted to serve industrial purposes.

Location: Ithaca

Part of: Fall Creek

GPS coordinates: 42.45282,-76.49164

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01