State Parks @ Ithaca

[JOD]

The question posted by bobmak got me thinking. We’re planning a trip a trip next month, early August, to check out Ithaca College. We plan to car camp while we’re there. I see there are 3 State Park either within or very close to campus. Do any of you have first hand knowledge as to some of the pros and cons of the parks in regards to car camping? Have you camped at more than 1 SP? Which one did you like better, why?

We plan to mostly visit Ithaca College and do a drive by at Cornell. We will of course hit the popular waterfalls, a short hike, and try to get a feel for the area as best as one can in a couple of days. In addition to camping 411 are there any must see spots or places for lunch or dinner.

Regard,

JOD

 

[lumberzac]

I've stayed at Robert H. Treman State Park. The campsites where right on top of one another. One nice think about staying at the parks there is your camping pass will get you into any of the other parks with out having to pay a visitors fee.

 

[Grumpy]

Treman State Park is a handy, and, from my own experience relatively comfortable place to camp on the outskirts of Ithaca. I'll second the observation that the sites are tightly spaced, though. But I think that's pretty much what you tend to get in such places.

There is some decent hiking in Treman State Park itself. Don't miss a swim at the "lower" falls, and make sure you visit the "upper" falls area, hiking or otherwise.

G.

 

[teejay]

Ithaca State Parks

Don't miss Taughannock Falls at the State Park. It is about 3/4 mi. of level walking from the road and it is spectacular, over 200' high, especially if there is a lot of water coming over. There are other trails at the park as well

As far as camping at SPs, there is also Buttermilk Falls, in addition to Taughannock. They're very popular and space may be limited, though. Robert Treman SP doesn't have camping. Edit: Oops, yes it does.

teejay

 

[Viewseeker]

showers

plus all ther shower rooms you can use...stayed at both RTSP and BSP...liked em both.

 

[Rick]

Don't forget to take a spin through Watkins Glen (the actual glen) it is a great hike. Also there is the race track. you can take a test spin for around $125.

 

[Little Rickie]

Don't forget to take a spin through Watkins Glen (the actual glen) it is a great hike. Also there is the race track. you can take a test spin for around $125.

The hike up the Glen is real nice, especially on a hot day.

 

[JOD]

we're going!

Thanks for the help. I made reservations today for 3 nights at Taughannock Falls State Park. It looks like we’ll get a night or two free from the crowd.

I’ll take a rain check on the drive around Watkins Glen. I’d love to. I have driven around Loudon in a stock car. I won’t be there for NASCAR that’s coming up soon too. I’d rather hike and see the gorges and waterfalls.

JOD

 

[rrrel]

Ithaca

I did a 4 1/2 year tour in Ithaca and can give you this info....

As for camping, Treman is nice, I have never stayed in any of the state parks as I had a house to go home to.

What you should see.....
You mentioned waterfalls...Waterfall and gorges is one thing that Ithaca has tons of. After all, Ithaca is gorges. You will absolutly want to check out Tremans lower falls and the upper Lucifer falls. Taughannock Falls is also a must, its higher than Niagra, but a bit "less impressive". Its about a 3o minute walk in to the falls. You should also drive to the overlook. Buttermilk Falls are popular, but IMO not that impressive, although it is a popular swimming hole.

Ithaca falls is a definite, its off Gun Hill Rd, the easyest way to get there is from the cornell campus. Take Stewert Ave past west campus and make a left down the hill on Gun Hill Rd. That gorge also has a few other very cool falls..... Go to the CU campus and get a map. Find the Alpha Delta Frat and park in their lot. Next to the dumpser, you will find a trail leading down into the gorge, its a 10 minute walk. It will put you under the "famous" suspention bridge. In the summer, just ask any of the students, they know where it is. Once you get down there, have a swim, you can sit in the small cave underneath the falls on the left hand side of the falls. I used to climb up the fall (its slippery) to the next set of falls. There is the remains of 2 hydo electric plants. And if you get there or go over the bridge on Campus road and see that hydo plant, yes kids jump off all 90 feet of it. Also on the CU campus is bebe lake. Its by North Campus. Take a walk around it. There is a small stone foot bridge that is a popular jumping site (at least untill the CU Police get there a chase everyone away for a half hour. Just up from the bridge, one on either side of the gorge are 2 popular cliff jumping spots. The lower was 22 feet when I measured it, and on the other side of the gorge is "Lovers Leap" That one is 42 feet. Lots of fun.
You may also want to ask some of the Ithaca college kids about the 6 mile creek swimming hole. Its a 15 minute walk in. I forgot the name of the road the path is on but just ask, the kids will know. Its the top of a dam, with a great view and lots of swiming chanes. Be careful tho, its been know to have one or two folks show up in their birthday suit.
Another thing I would highly recommend is Stewart park. It is absolutly beautiful at sunset. Its the southern tip of Cayuga lake. if you are there on the days its open, check out the Ithaca farmers market, just off Rt 13. Small, but charming.
Also check out a few of the wineries on Cuyuga and Senica lakes. Reisling made in the finger lakes of NY is some of the fineset in the world. Weimer is probably the most popular. Its about an hour drive from Ithaca on the western shore of Seneca lake.
As for places to eat, this is a bit more subjective. I think that the John Thomas Inn is one of the best steakhouses ever. It is however, biz casual attaire and pricy. Moosewoods was a great place. The Nines is a dive but they make amazing pizza (and im from downstate NY). Its of the deepdish variety. Just a taste is neat tapas and wine bar downtown. One thing I have to plug, if you happen to be in ithaca during the school year, check out TCAB. Its a student run restaurant at cornells hotel school. The students develop and plan their own restuant for the night. It might be great, it might be awful, but it is unique.
The last thing I have to say is that Ithaca as plenty to offer, but you have to look for it. Ask around, the students are full of info. Also, the CVB by the entrance to Stewart park has a ton of info.
I hope this helps and I would also be amazed if you actually read this entire post.
Let me know if you have any questions and how you trip goes

Rob

 

[JOD]

rob, thanks that's the kind of info I'm looking for. you just planned our Sunday while we're there. we'll cruise CU talk to the coeds about skinny dippin swimmin holes. I'm sure i can get away with that! it looks like fun there.

 

[Grumpy]

Rob, that was a great, informative post. Now I have take another trip (or several) to Ithaca!

G.