Robert H. Treman State Park
4.8(4.3K)google
4.8(117)yelp
Hiking TrailCanyoneeringCampingSwimmingFamilyOutdoorPhotography SpotMust-SeeWaterfallCanyonForest
Overview
Robert H. Treman State Park is a 1,110-acre (4.5 km2) state park located in Tompkins County, in the Finger Lakes region of New York in the United States. The park is situated in the towns of Ithaca, Enfield and Newfield.
Practical Info
Mon7:00 AM 9:00 PM
Tue7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeOpen year-round, with its legendary natural stream-fed freshwater swimming pool under Enfield Falls active in July and August. Plan your arrival for 8:30 AM to hike the majestic Gorge Trail; you will reach the monumental 115-foot Lucifer Falls by 10:30 AM when bright overhead sunlight hits the deep sedimentary rock layers, accentuating the dramatic vertical geological features of the craggy canyon walls.
Getting ThereSituated southwest of the city limits at 105 Enfield Falls Road in Ithaca, NY. Driving is straightforward: follow highway NY-13 South for about 5 miles out of downtown, turn right onto Enfield Falls Road following the brown state park stencils, and park in their sprawling asphalt fields. During summer weekends, the TCAT bus system operates a seasonal Route 22 shuttle route connecting downtown directly to the trail.
Travel Tips
- The signature Enfield Glen natural stream-fed pool operates strictly under seasonal lifeguard supervision; entering the water when lifeguards are off-duty triggers immediate park expulsion.
- High-cliff rim trails require dogs to be restrained on a non-retractable leash max 6 feet long; allowing pets to swim in non-designated fast-flowing creek zones is a finable offense.
Photo Tips
Best LightTo capture Lucifer Falls with optimal frontal lighting, photograph between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM; morning excursions encounter deep, harsh mountain silhouettes and intense backlighting.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the most rugged and magnificent parks in NY! The famous Lucifer Falls cascades 115 feet down layered cliffs, delivering an intense visual impact that lives up to its fame.
- The most unique feature is the natural stream swimming pool fed directly by Enfield Falls! Supervised by professional lifeguards in summer, it offers safe and joyful wild swimming.
- Excellent infrastructure with plenty of clean restrooms and hot showers. Packed with shaded picnic areas, charcoal grills, and well-maintained rustic campsites under great management.
- Fantastic value at just $10 per vehicle entry fee. Hiking the Rim Trail offers very clear signs, and multilingual maps are free at the visitor center, providing pure pristine forest vibes.
Heads up
- Some core viewing sections on the Gorge Trail are lined with incredibly steep stone steps, featuring massive vertical climbs that leave you exhausted; unsuitable for the physically frail.
- During peak summer heat, high humidity inside the heavy forest and a lack of wind deep in the canyons make hiking very muggy and damp; there are zero vending machines along trails.
- The natural waterfall pool gets terrifyingly overcrowded on summer weekends; lawns are packed wall-to-wall, and long frustrating lines form outside restrooms and changing cabins.
- The park is massive and split between Upper and Lower areas with entrances far apart. Without driving, walking back and forth between them is an nearly impossible task.