Ithaca/Cayuga Lake

On a cool dry Monday morning we went to the ‘top’ entrance by the old mill and Lucifer Falls. Self-Pay off season at the end of October and one $9 ticket is good for all area state parks on the same day. We walked to Lucifer Falls then walked back to the mill (don’t miss it) then drove to the main entrance to see the swimming hole. We were the only people there.

A very low flow due to a rainless October. Be sure to walk up the trail to see more than the main falls.

We visited on a Monday just before sunset, so we only had time to do the gorge trail. Very few people and at the falls we had the place to ourselves. Don’t miss this iconic NY waterfall.

We skipped the trails and went straight to the treehouse. I thought there was a view of the lake, but no. I hope they get the needed funding to reopen the lodge.

One of the few places open on Monday. Great pub food in a relaxed atmosphere. Lots of locals.

Great breakfast spot about halfway up the East side of Cayuga lake. Friendly service and colorful locals.

If this is your favorite movie like my wife, you have to visit. They have two actual props from the film and lots of signed memorabilia. Be sure to visit both the temporary museum and the gift shop two doors down.

Very possibly the origin of the plot for the movie.

Part gift shop, part visitor’s center and an excellent museum detailing the NY canal system. Great wall sized murals and maps, lots of artifacts and information. They also have public restrooms on the ground floor.

Located in downtown Ithaca and largely on/through the Cornell campus. Limited parking in tbe immediate residential area. We parked in a garage downtown and walked. Be careful on the stairs and walkways that are often wet and leaf covered in the fall. Each waterfall is better than the last. Odd to see students just walking to and from classes in such a beautiful setting.

Novel idea, an old school converted to shops and offices. Sadly lost shops were closed when we visited.

Was expecting more from this place based on reviews. Slow if friendly service and mediocre food.

Another area waterfall tucked into a residential area. Low flow on the day we were there, but worth a quick stop.

So good we went twice! Great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They gave us the wrong order once and just told us to keep the extra sandwich, bonus lunch!

So good we went twice! Great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They gave us the wrong order once and just told us to keep the extra sandwich, bonus lunch!