Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca, New York
Walk The Cascadilla Gorge With Me
Professional Excavation Services in the Cascadilla Gorge Area
One of things we love about working half a day on Saturday in Ithaca is that it gives a chance to hit The Cascadilla Gorge Trail. It’s less than a mile hike between downtown and Cornell, but if you appreciate the creative construction mother nature can do when given enough time, it’s a walk that will easily take you from lunch to dinner. They say there are 8 waterfalls within that 3/4 mile section of Ithaca, but I’ve never counted. After clearing my mind staring at one of the waterfalls, ranging from 8 to 80 feet, and getting inspired to create something beautiful, I’m always in the mood for a brownie sundae at Purity Ice Cream Co. Hard to find a more perfect afternoon!
If you’ve been, you already know. If you’ve never been, take a little time out of your day. You won’t regret it. Even if you have little ones or you aren’t fleet of foot, this is not a wilderness hike. There are footbridges and stone steps to make it a safe adventure.
The first time you go, I recommend just enjoying yourself. Take it easy, look at everything. Chance are you’ll be back. The second time on the trail is a good time to grab one of those self-guided tours like they have on the Pocketsights Tour Guide app. Combining the best walk you’ve ever taken with easy to follow educational material about the history an geology of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail brings your experience to a whole other level.
Why Local Property Owners Choose American Earthworks
The unique geological features that make Cascadilla Gorge Trail so stunning also present specific challenges for construction projects in the area. Our experienced team possesses the specialized knowledge needed to navigate these conditions successfully, whether you’re planning residential improvements, commercial development, or infrastructure upgrades.
We take pride in being active community members who appreciate the natural treasures around us. This perspective guides our approach to every excavation project, ensuring that future generations can continue enjoying the same pristine landscapes we cherish today.
Ready to Start Your Project Near Cascadilla Gorge Trail?
If you’re planning construction work in the areas near Cascadilla Gorge area, call the professionals who understand both the technical requirements and environmental sensitivities of this unique location, and you’ll notice the difference. American Earthworks combines technical excellence with environmental responsibility to deliver outstanding results for every client.
Contact us today to discuss your excavation needs and discover how our expertise can bring your construction vision to life while preserving the natural beauty of our community.
Just a short drive to our office, but no worries...we come to you!
What you Should Know About Cascadilla Gorge
What's the #1 thing I should know about walking the Cascadilla Gorge Trail?
Wear comfortable shoes! It’s a 400 foot incline to from the bottom to the top, and most of it is natural trails.
How long of a walk is it up the trail?
At a leisurely pace, the main 1/3-mile section takes less than an hour to complete, but take your time. The point of the walk is to enjoy the beauty…plus the 400 foot incline encourages a slower pace.
Is it best to start at the bottom or top of the trail?
- Park at the bottom, that way gravity is on your side on the return trip.
Where do I park?
- Find parking where legal. This is a state treasure but not a state park. There is no official parking for the trail. Best bet is around Ithaca Commons
- If you want to start at the top, go behind Cornell’s Schwartz Center for Theatre Arts on College Avenue, near Collegetown Bagels.
- At the upper entrance, you can park at the Dryden Road Garage, but I can only wish you luck during the fall and spring semesters.
Any other safety tips?
YES! Crucial safety tips!
- AVOID THE URGE TO SWIM! Swimming is strictly prohibited. If you can’t see why, you probably shouldn’t be anywhere near Cornell University. 😜 Seriously, it’s dangerous, illegal, and police do monitor the trail.
- Cornell insists you stay on the designated areas and respect closures. Like most of the more beautiful places in nature, people have lost their lives trying to get a little too close. Don’t believe me? Watch this safety video from Cornell.
Anything else I should know?
Don’t get mad that the lower trail is closed in the winter: It’s icy and dangerous. It’ll close from Linn Street to College Avenue, but enjoy the rest of the trail year round!
