Taughannock Falls State Park’s Gorge Trail
Taughannock Falls State Park’s Gorge Trail is an easy hiking trail near Ithaca, New York. It is just under two miles and has very little elevation gain. This is generally considered a pretty easy, well-worn trail. It’s kid-friendly and dog-friendly so long as your furry kids are on a leash.
My wife and I have done this trail a few times. It can be quite crowded in the middle of summer, and the water flowing through Taughannock Falls often slows. The last time we went was in spring, and it was stunning. I recommend trying to get to the parking lot early. The lot is not huge and fills up quickly. This hike is very popular.
- Trail Name: Gorge Trail
- Trailhead Location: Taughannock Falls Gorge Parking Lot
- Distance: 1.9 Miles Roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Type: Out & Back
- Features: Waterfall, Creek
- Dogs: Yes – On Leash
Hiking the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail
We arrived on a cool mid-May morning. The parking lot was already about halfway full. It had rained all day the day before, and the overcast skies looked like it might start again at any time.
We immediately started hiking along the wide flat path. The out-and-back trail runs parallel to Taughannock Creek. It’s wooded in places, and along the way, you pass a small waterfall before getting to the star of the hike.
Once you are nearly there, you can start to hear the falls. Once you get to a small footbridge crossing the creek, you will be greeted by a tremendous view of Taughannock Falls. The view is really incredible. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet, making it the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Its drop is 33 feet higher than the famous Niagara Falls.
We stopped there to take it in for a while before heading a short distance to the closest viewpoint. The waterfall is very loud from the closest viewpoint and one of my very favorite views in any state park. There is a rock wall surrounding the viewing area that makes for a great place to have a seat and take in the view.
Once you are done soaking it in, you hike back out the way you came. It took us a little over an hour to hike this trail, but we most definitely took our time.
Taughannock Falls History
Taughannock Falls became a New York State Park in 1925. It’s grown to more than 700 acres since. How the the falls got its name cannot be said with certainty. But there are at least two theories that have been floated.
The first is “Taughannock” which translates to “great fall in the woods” in a loose combination of Iroquoian and Algonquian languages.
The other and more exciting version is the falls were named after a chief of the Delaware Nation. The Delaware lived in the region and often fell victim to war party raids from neighbors and rivals, the Iroquois. Legend has it that Iroquois warriors fought a young chief named Taughannock. After he was defeated in battle near the falls, Taughannock’s body was tossed over the falls.
Which, if any version of how the falls got its name is true, is lost to history. But the stories certainly are pretty cool.
Heads up, there is camping available in Taughannock Falls State Park for those looking for an extended stay.
Other things to do nearby
If you are looking for other things to do nearby, Watkins Glen State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park are all a short drive away and are very scenic.
