(607NewsNow) — Want to get outside and enjoy the fall season this year? Here’s a list of top places to catch peak autumn color around Ithaca and Cortland, with scenic hikes, overlooks, and relaxing drives.
Ithaca Area Highlights
Taughannock Falls State Park
Near Trumansburg, this park features a 215-foot waterfall framed by steep cliffs and colorful hardwoods. Multiple rim trails offer views across Cayuga Lake and down into the gorge.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Home to Lucifer Falls and rugged gorge trails. The upper rim trails provide elevated views across fall-colored ridges.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
A cascading waterfall greets you near the entrance, with hiking trails leading through wooded hillsides vibrant in October.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
A short walk-through downtown Ithaca with waterfalls and stone staircases. Ideal for a quick dose of foliage and urban nature.
Monkey Run Natural Area
Managed by the Cornell Botanic Gardens, this area features high bluffs and forested trails with Cayuga Lake views.
South Hill Recreation Way
A flat, wooded rail trail on Ithaca’s south side. Easy walking and great for a relaxed leaf-peeping stroll.
Cortland Area Highlights
Lime Hollow Nature Center
Over 12 miles of trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Overlook Trail offers scenic views over the countryside.
Tinker Falls & Labrador Hollow Unique Area
A moderate hike leads to a 50-foot waterfall surrounded by dense woods. The gorge setting amplifies the fall color impact.
Highland Forest County Park
Located in Fabius (just northeast of Cortland), this park offers hilly terrain and ridgeline views, ideal for expansive foliage vistas.
Dwyer Memorial Park / Little York Lake
Gentle trails around the lake and through parkland. Lakeside reflections of the changing trees are especially photogenic.
Driving & Scenic Routes
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway (Route 89)
Travel the western shore of Cayuga Lake from Ithaca to Taughannock and beyond. Offers water views and hillside foliage.
NY Route 13 & Route 41
Between Ithaca and Cortland, these roads wind through valleys and farmland, with good color on both ridges and backroads.
Bostwick Road / Connecticut Hill Area
South of Ithaca, this area offers more remote drives with high elevation views.
Tips
Peak foliage typically occurs mid to late October. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light. Waterproof hiking shoes are helpful on gorge trails. Many areas (like Tinker Falls or Lime Hollow) are less crowded and quieter alternatives to larger parks.
This combined list provides a strong mix of popular and low-key fall destinations, all within reach of Ithaca and Cortland.
