Savor Natural Wonders on a Tour of Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is known for its striking waterfalls, carved by millions of years of glacial activity in the area. Embark on a scenic journey thorough some of Ithaca’s most beautiful landscapes for unparalleled views of these distinctive gorges. Head to Taughannock Falls State Park to hike to its namesake Taughannock Falls, a spectacular single drop waterfall one meter taller than Niagara Falls. For a more easygoing excursion, take the park’s Gorge Trail; Intrepid hikers will love the views from the top of the falls along the North and South Rim Trails. In warmer months, see six waterfalls wind through ancient bedrock when you take the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Stretching from Cornell University to downtown Ithaca, this urban pathway allows you to witness nature’s wonders without ever leaving town. Many other state parks and green spaces, like Robert H. Treman State Park and Cornell Botanic Gardens, offer even more waterfall trails to explore.

One of Ithaca’s premier natural features is Cayuga Lake, whose placid waters are a dream for boaters and swimmers looking for a peaceful day adrift. Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to enjoy an exciting afternoon on the water. Anglers can’t miss a chance to reel in trout and Atlantic salmon on fishing charters. Sign up for a private boat charter or narrated public tour with Discover Cayuga Lake to learn more about the area’s ecology and take in the stunning scenery. While summer is peak season on the lake, fall excursions offer spectacular views of the rolling hillsides. Back on land, spend some time enjoying waterfront views in Stewart Park; with features like paved ADA-compliant walkways and an accessible playground and splash pad, this welcoming public space has been specially designed to provide maximum fun and recreation for people of all ability levels.

When you’ve worked up an appetite from your outdoor activities, savor the area’s natural features in a different way. Ithaca’s wide-open spaces grow plentiful produce, fostering a booming scene of craft wineries, cideries and farm-to-table eateries across town. Visit local farms and taste your way through seasonal farmers markets. See how Ithaca's restaurants and chefs harness local flavors to create diverse, fresh-focused menus. Options range from legendary spots like Moosewood, the USA's oldest vegetarian eatery, to cozy bistros like Northstar Public House, which serves creative dishes with locally grown ingredients and offers both indoor and al fresco dining.

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the oldest wine trail in the USA, boasting several stops in and around Ithaca. Six Mile Creek Vineyard outside downtown offers local wines and spirits in a restored 19th-century barn with stunning garden views. If cider is your beverage of choice, you’re in luck: Local craft brewers turn the billions of apples grown in New York State into delicious, expertly-crafted ciders, ranging from dry to sweet and bubbly to still. Sample varieties paired with food at South Hill Cider and Finger Lakes Cider House.

Fly into Ithaca/Tompkins International Airport (ITH), which is easy to access via daily connecting flights from New York City-area airports Newark Liberty International (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK). Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is also a convenient option; rent a car to make the hour-and-a-half drive south to Ithaca.