Whether you love the outdoors, waterfalls, or just relaxing by the water, Trumansburg has the perfect place for you to visit. Just 1.5 miles east of Trumansburg and The Inn at Gothic Eves lies Taughannock Falls Park in the town of Ulysses, a perfect diversion during your Upstate New York bed and breakfast getaway!
There is some disagreement whether the name comes from the Chief of the Delaware Indians (Taughannock), or the Delaware word for “great fall in the woods” (taghkanic). We suppose that either or both might be correct. But no matter the origin, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to 783 acres of natural beauty, and of course its namesake waterfall.
Whatever the season, there is plenty to do at this nearby nature area. Warm weather brings hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, picnics, boating, and occasional concerts. Winter brings ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. Of course, spring features the beauty of the fresh greenery and blooms, and fall sees the park bursting with brightly-colored foliage!
And then there are the Falls. This vertical plume of water drops 215 feet. Some call it one of the best natural attractions of the Northeast. Surrounded by 400-foot bedrock walls carved by the Ice Age glaciers, the Taughannock Creek has carved down into this hanging valley and leaps down to the creek’s lower level.
Also worth seeing are the both the Upper and Lower Falls. Falls are more dramatic, falling 80 feet over a smaller cliff than that of the main falls. Lower Falls are more picturesque, cascading over a number of rocks and rock ledges for 20 feet.
You can reach any of the falls and travel about the Park via the network of four trails that run along the length of the Creek and throughout the
park.
- Gorge Trail is .75 miles one-way (1.5 miles round-trip), ending at a vantage point that overlooks the main falls.
- South Rim Trail is 1.13 miles one-way, and North Rim Trail is 1.5 miles one-way: The North and South Rim trails follow along the top of the canyon, circling the creek itself, connecting at the western-most end of the park to form a 2.63-mile loop.
- The Multi-use Trail is 2 miles, meandering the land to the north of the Park Road. This trail system is used for wilderness hiking and cross-country skiing.
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Swimming is offered between mid-June and Labor Day. Boat Launch access is open all year.
Please be aware that bow hunting is allowed on the land from the start of October through mid-December – wear bright colors if you visit during these dates!!! Bikes are not welcome on the trails in the park.
