Cayuga Heights New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cayuga Heights, New York.
1. Buttermilk Falls
CASCADING NATURAL WONDER
Buttermilk Falls State Park offers visitors an impressive 811-acre natural paradise with stunning cascading waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing sight of water tumbling down the gorge, creating a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation. The park provides multiple recreational opportunities including swimming at the natural-fed pool during summer months.
2. Cornell University
PRESTIGIOUS IVY LEAGUE CAMPUS
Cornell University's beautiful campus sits just adjacent to Cayuga Heights, offering visitors stunning architecture and landscaped grounds. The prestigious Ivy League institution features numerous museums, galleries, and public spaces that welcome tourists throughout the year. Visitors can explore the campus through self-guided or organized tours to appreciate its academic heritage and scenic beauty.
3. Ithaca Falls Natural Area
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Ithaca Falls Natural Area provides an accessible natural wonder right at the edge of downtown Ithaca. The 150-foot waterfall creates a spectacular sight as Fall Creek plunges over the rocky ledge, offering excellent photo opportunities year-round. Visitors can enjoy the viewing area and short trails that make this natural attraction a perfect quick stop during exploration of the region.
4. Robert H. Treman State Park
GORGES AND SWIMMING HOLES
Robert H. Treman State Park features the magnificent Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot cascade adjacent to a picturesque stone staircase. Visitors can enjoy the Enfield Falls swimming hole, which serves as a natural public pool during summer months where people can swim to the deepest end and relax under the waterfall. The park offers numerous hiking trails through rugged gorges, providing spectacular views of the dozen waterfalls throughout the grounds.
5. Cornell Botanic Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE EXPERIENCE
Cornell Botanic Gardens offers visitors a magnificent display of diverse plant collections spread across lush gardens and natural areas. The gardens feature specialized collections including herbs, flowers, and international plants arranged in themed sections that change with the seasons. Visitors can explore miles of walking paths through arboretum areas, meadows, and gorges while enjoying educational exhibits about plant conservation and biodiversity.
6. Cascadilla Gorge
URBAN GORGE PATHWAY
Cascadilla Gorge creates a scenic natural corridor connecting downtown Ithaca to Cornell University through a series of beautiful waterfalls and stone staircases. Visitors can hike along Cascadilla Creek, experiencing the unique sensation of being surrounded by wilderness while still in the heart of the city. The gorge trail offers multiple viewing platforms to appreciate the cascading water features that give the Finger Lakes region its distinctive character.
7. Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
WATERFRONT DRIVING ADVENTURE
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway offers travelers a picturesque route around the longest of the Finger Lakes, showcasing waterfront vistas and charming lakeside communities. The drive features numerous stops at local wineries, restaurants, and natural attractions that highlight the region's agricultural bounty and natural beauty. Visitors can take a day or weekend to explore the complete circuit, discovering hidden gems like the village of Aurora with its historic buildings and magnificent lakefront properties.
8. Watkins Glen
SPECTACULAR ROCK FORMATIONS
Watkins Glen offers visitors one of the most captivating gorge experiences in the Finger Lakes region with 19 waterfalls along its mile-and-a-half path. The Glen's unique rock formations and stone pathways were carved by glacial and stream erosion, creating a magical landscape of spiraling water and sculpted stone. Visitors can navigate the famous Gorge Trail that winds through tunnels and over bridges while ascending 832 steps from entrance to end, experiencing dramatic scenery at every turn.
9. Lake Treman
SERENE WOODLAND RESERVOIR
Lake Treman sits within Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park as the primary source for the picturesque Buttermilk Creek. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting surrounded by wooded areas that showcase stunning fall colors during autumn months. The lake area offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, photography, and peaceful contemplation away from the more visited waterfall sections of the park.
10. Rim Trail
PANORAMIC GORGE VIEWS
Rim Trail provides hikers with spectacular panoramic views of the gorges and waterfalls throughout the Finger Lakes region. The pathway follows the upper edge of the dramatic geological formations, offering a different perspective than the gorge floor trails and requiring less strenuous climbing. Visitors can connect with various other trail systems in the area, creating customized hiking experiences ranging from casual strolls to more challenging day hikes.
11. Shopping
BOUTIQUE RETAIL THERAPY
Cayuga Heights and the surrounding area offer ample shopping opportunities, from the Shops at Ithaca Mall to charming boutiques along the Ithaca Commons. Visitors can browse unique local stores like 15 Steps Artisans' Gallery and Handwork Cooperative for handcrafted souvenirs and gifts made by regional artisans. The shopping district connects seamlessly with nearby Cornell University and downtown Ithaca, creating a diverse retail experience that ranges from practical necessities to luxury items.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS GALORE
The Cayuga Heights area boasts superb restaurants including the historic Aurora Inn where diners can enjoy gourmet meals in a building dating back to 1833. Visitors can also sample local fare at Fargo Bar and Grill, a popular spot for casual meals and drinks with a friendly atmosphere. The region's farm-to-table dining scene showcases the agricultural bounty of the Finger Lakes, with many establishments featuring locally-sourced ingredients and regional wines.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
The hiking opportunities around Cayuga Heights showcase the region's spectacular natural beauty through interconnected trail systems like those found in Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park. Visitors can explore the Cascadilla Gorge trail that connects downtown Ithaca with Cornell University, experiencing waterfalls and unique geological formations along the way. The Rim Trail provides an excellent option for those seeking panoramic views of the gorges while enjoying a less strenuous hiking experience than the gorge floor paths.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE DESTINATION
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Cayuga Heights can enjoy exceptional angling opportunities on Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes known for its diverse fish population including lake trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Cayuga Creek and other tributaries offer additional fishing spots where visitors can try their luck in more secluded settings away from the main lake. Seasonal fishing events and guided excursions provide options for both novice and experienced anglers looking to make the most of the region's abundant aquatic resources.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT RETREATS
The Cayuga Heights region offers excellent camping options at nearby state parks including Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman, where visitors can stay overnight amid stunning natural scenery. Campers can select from various accommodation styles ranging from traditional tent sites to cabin rentals, with amenities that often include shower facilities, picnic areas, and easy access to hiking trails. The camping experience in the Finger Lakes allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty while enjoying stargazing opportunities away from city lights.