Swimming Spots and Tips for Robert H. Treman State Park
Swimming Spots and Tips for Robert H. Treman State Park
Overview:
Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, New York, is famous for its breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Encompassing over 1,000 acres, the park features scenic trails and waterfalls, with the Lower Falls area offering a perfect spot for swimmers to cool off. The water here is fed by natural springs and mountain runoff, providing a bracing escape from summer’s heat.
Key Swimming Spot: Lower Falls
- Location: Lower Falls is near the park’s main entrance, making it the easiest swimming hole to access.
- Conditions: The water here is clear and refreshingly cold, with a natural pool formed by cascading falls. The swimming area is lifeguarded during the summer months for safety.
- Features: Stone ledges surround the pool, creating a scenic and adventurous backdrop. The nearby rock formations are smooth but can be slippery, so approach with care. This spot is also a prime location for unforgettable photos.
Other Highlights
- Lucifer Falls: While swimming isn’t allowed at the base of the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, hiking up the Rim or Gorge Trails to see these spectacular falls is a must.
- Trails: The park’s main trails form a 4.5-mile loop, combining the Rim and Gorge Trails. The paths can be steep and wet, especially after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. Hiking to the top of Lucifer Falls offers spectacular gorge views, adding a breathtaking element to the visit.
Getting There:
- Driving Directions: Robert H. Treman State Park is about 10 minutes from downtown Ithaca. From Ithaca, take Route 13 south to Route 327, following signs to the park. The Lower Falls parking area is well-marked and includes nearby facilities.
For a blend of hiking and swimming, Treman State Park offers an unrivaled experience. Its dramatic landscapes and natural pools provide an escape into nature at its most enchanting.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Sam McConnella month ago
This is approximately a 5 mile loop trail from Lower falls parking lot (Gorge & Rim trails). This is a challenging hike, however well worth it! Awesome views and secluded! Very peaceful place, I felt like I was walking through a Harry Potter movie, lol
Courtney Purea month ago
This is definitely in my top favorite parks. I did the Rim Trail to Gorge Trail which is a moderate trail. There were some steep climbs and many stairs but all worth it for the beautiful views!
The train was a little under 4.5 miles and took about two and a half hours to complete so you would want to plan ahead.
Michael Scott4 months ago
The campsites here in the center meadow are quite spacious and easy to get in and out of. The ones in the wooded loop not so much. They are better suited for tents.⛺ I'm not quite sure why they don't have power yet in the center section. The main power ⚡poles run right through the center of the meadow and of course there's power at the bathhouse. They have the stub outs for the power⚡ at each of the sites but nothing installed yet. 🤷🏻♂️
This is the best hiking ⛰️🥾 I've ever done!🚶🏻♂️
The gorge trail and the rim trail are spectacular the entire length! 🤩Hike from the campground up to the mill and back. The mill is a tremendous engineering ⚙️feat. It's a museum. Walk around and read and learn.👨🏻🏫
These trails are so well engineered and constructed🚧👷🏻♂️.
They use asphalt and bricks and stones and wood and cement and really build and maintain their trails! Yes some parts are natural rustic like you would expect, but there are parts that are magnificently engineered, specifically all the steps. And there are a lot of those!
I took more than 50 pictures. 🫢So I can't post everything. It's just spectacular 🤩🤩🤩
Brooklynn Beaver2 months ago
Had a wonderful weekend here at the park! The staff was super friendly and also did some extra digging for us when we had questions about the area! The trail can be very strenuous! There are a lot of steps and hills, but the waterfalls and views are worth it! This is my second time visiting the park, and I will definitely be back again!
Ingrid Hill4 months ago
Return visit while up in the Ithaca Area. This is a beautiful park! There is camping, swimming, and beautiful hiking with gorgeous waterfalls. Trails are well groomed. I recommend parking by the park office and setting off on the gorge trail for return via the rim trail. This keeps the heaviest elevation as downhill climbs versus uphill. The gorge trail trailhead is just to the left of the park office. Leave your swimming stuff in the car and hit swimming after your hike as a great cool down. Fossil hunters will find some pretty nifty fossils along the rock walls just beware that snakes also love these rock walls so caution is always necessary in natural places. The waterfalls run year round and are so pretty. Campground here was very comfortable. Make the time to see it...its worth it. Total out and back is about 5 miles.
