Overflowing with wild beauty, rugged gorges and dramatic waterfalls, Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY is the perfect day out for hiking in the Finger Lakes region. Lucifer Falls is just one of 12 amazing waterfalls you’ll pass as you descend stunning stone staircases into the depths of Enfield Glen Gorge.
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to make the most of your time inside Robert H. Treman including where to find the beautiful stream-fed swimming pool at the base of Lower Falls.
Our Robert Treman Experience
Kristen grew up in the New York Finger Lakes region not too far from the state park. We also temporarily lived in the region when Mark first moved to the US in 2018. Visiting Robert Treman was how we spent a lot of our time throughout the pandemic. During this time, the Gorge and Rim Trails were a one way system, but this is no longer the case.
All of the photos in this guide were taken by us on a Labor Day trip in September 2020 when water levels in the park were very low. The park was extremely crowded, but the temperatures were perfect for hiking. Read more about us.
What Is Robert. H Treman State Park?
- State Park: Robert H. Treman
- City: Ithaca
- State: New York
- Website: parks.ny.gov
- Telephone: (607) 273-3440
- Campgrounds: 72
- Activities: Hiking, swimming, waterfalls, photography
- Open: All year (only Lower Falls accessible in winter)
- Annual Visitors: ~200,000 – 250,000
Robert H. Treman State Park is home to the spectacular 115 ft high Lucifer Falls and natural swimming spot in Tompkins County of upstate New York. There are 12 waterfalls in the park which have been created by Enfield Creek which is a tributary to the Cayuga Lake inlet.
Lucifer Falls is the star attraction and it’s the largest waterfall in the park. Cold water plummets down an enormous slab of rock with wide open shelf-like ledges, which means when the falls are running heavy in spring and early summer, there is a mighty cascade. We visited in late summer after a drought and unfortunately Lucifer Falls were running fairly dry but there was just enough flow to create a wispy waterfall as you can see in our photo above.
The two best viewpoints to see Lucifer Falls are at the top of the Gorge Trail and at the top of the steep steps section of Rim Trail. Both are close to the upper entrance parking lot but on different trails. Views of the waterfall from Gorge trail are close up and from a side perspective, while the view from Rim trail is much farther out and offers a front on perspective. Try to experience both viewpoints if possible so you can fully appreciate the grandeur of Lucifer Falls.
Lower Falls is a 50 ft tall cascade with a large natural swimming pool at the base of the waterfall making this a popular spot with families. There is a designated swimming area complete with diving board and lifeguard on duty near the lower entrance to the park.
Swimming is one of the most popular activities at Robert H. Treman, especially on holiday weekends in summer. However, you are not allowed to swim without a lifeguard or in any other part of the creek so please follow these rules when visiting.
READ: Beautiful upstate New York waterfalls
Directions To The Park
Robert H Treman State Park is conveniently located just 5 miles from downtown Ithaca, NY. We think Ithaca is the perfect base for exploring Robert H Treman as well as Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls and even Watkins Glen State Park over the course of a few days.
- Address: 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Location: Google Maps
From downtown Ithaca, simply follow NY-13A South for around 15 minutes until you see signs for the state park. Once you turn onto Enfield Falls Road take the first left to lower entrance or continue a further 3.5 miles to reach upper entrance.
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Entrance Fees And Parking
You don’t have to pay an entrance fee and you don’t need a reservation to visit Robert H. Treman Falls State Park. However, you will have to pay $9.00 for parking your vehicle.
Most New York state parks charge a day-use vehicle fee to enter each facility. So while Robert Treman is free to enter, a vehicle fee is collected April 1st to November 30th from 6:00am to 6:30pm daily. Payment is not taken at the gate but by ticket machine where you can pay by cash or card.
There are two parking lots, one at the end of each park so before you arrive, it’s important to know which lot you should use. Upper entrance is located off Enfield Falls Rd to the west, while the lower entrance is located off Elmira Rd to the east. Let’s take a quick look into each parking lot:
Upper Entrance (West)
Parking at the upper entrance allows you to begin the Gorge or Rim Trail hike from the highest elevation at Robert H. Treman State Park. You’ll have to ascend the return leg of your hike to reach the parking lot, so if you prefer to get the hard work out of the way first, consider parking at lower entrance instead.
There are far fewer parking spaces at upper entrance compared to lower entrance, which means the parking lot will fill quickly in summer or on holiday weekends. We visited on Labor Day weekend and it was packed but we were able to grab the only available space when we arrived at lunchtime after exploring Buttermilk Falls.
The upper entrance is home to Enfield Falls Mill, a turbine powered mill used for grinding cereal grain into flour now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are restrooms located on the ground floor of the Old Mill and a pleasant waterfall right behind the building so keep an eye out for it.
Travel Tip: Upper entrance is much closer to the most scenic parts of the Robert H Treman State Park Gorge Trail. Photographers should park here to beat the crowds and light of day.
Lower Entrance (East)
Parking at the lower entrance means you’ll begin your hike up Gorge and Rim Trail from the lowest elevation. The lower entrance is more popular for families because the picnic area and swimming hole are less than a 5 minutes walk from the parking lot.
This parking area is much larger and can accommodate far more vehicles. Campgrounds, cabins and pavilions are all accessible via the lower entrance to the park. Once you reach the parking lot, continue over a bridge and you will find the lodging area. There are restrooms and a changing room for swimmers to use, plus plenty of green space to set up for picnics.
Travel Tip: If you’re camping or visiting to enjoy the swimming pool, park at the lower entrance to be closer to these amenities.
Gorge And Rim Trail Walkthrough
Hiking is one of main attractions at Robert H. Treman State Park and there are a total of five trails. Here are the five official hikes with distances listed one way:
- CCC Memorial Trail (CCC) – 0.49 miles
- Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) – 5.15 miles
- Gorge Trail (GT) – 2.12 miles
- Red Pine Trail (RP) – 0.79 miles
- Rim Trail (RT) – 2.09 miles
The most popular hike is the Gorge Trail which is 2.12 miles one way. You can combine the Gorge Trail with the Rim Trail (2.09 miles) to make a 4.21 mile loop beginning at either the lower or upper parking lot.
We’re going to show you exactly how to hike this popular loop trail begining at the upper entrance, taking Gorge trail down in elevation to the lower entrance before looping round and gaining elevation on Rim trail. According to AllTrails, this hike should take about 2 hours to complete.
- Trail distance: 4.21 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
The difficulty is listed as moderate because portions of the Rim Trail are steep with numerous stairs. Use this trail map to help you find specific points of interest in the park.
Without further ado, let’s climb through the gorge at Robert H. Treman…
1. The Gorge Trail Begins
Begin at the Old Mill near the upper entrance, and use the bathroom here because you won’t be able to use another until you reach the lower entrance. After you’ve finished your business, walk to the far end of the parking lot and cross the small stone bridge.
Here you will see the Rim Trail forks to the right and gains elevation. We visited when the Gorge Trail was sectioned off as a one way hike during covid so instead of taking this right, we had to turn left. This led us to follow a dirt path and cross another beautiful stone bridge. The Gorge Trail is no longer sectioned off as a one way trail so your hike may look a little bit different.
Within a matter of minutes you’ll arrive at the most dramatically stunning part of the entire state park. The gorge here has a feel of Watkins Glen, like its jumped right out of a fantasy novel. But it doesn’t last long so enjoy this area thoroughly before moving on.
At the end of this short scenic section of the trail, you’ll find another gorgeous arced stone bridge. If you visit during the peak season, this section can be very crowded with people and it can sometimes be frustrating to walk through. Those visitors looking to get a clear photo will have to be patient in this section.
Follow the wonderful twisting stone staircase as it hugs the sheer cliff edge and you descend into open canyons. The first small waterfall you reach is around 12-15 feet high and sits in the corner of a square shaped pool.
2. Stunning Lucifer Falls
Follow the flowing water around a few more corners with wide open stunning views through the canyon before stumbling across the top of Lucifer Falls. The side angled viewing platform from the stone staircase close to the top of the waterfall is the best you’ll get until later on Rim Trail.
You’ll follow a stone dirt path alongside Enfield Creek once the stone staircase ends at the bottom of Lucifer Falls. Before long you have an option to cross a wooden bridge and join Rim Trail which takes you back to upper entrance. This is the short loop and it’s perfect for those who only want to see the best bits of the park. After this shortcut, the views are far less impressive and hiking is more challenging.
The trail veers away from the gorge and takes you through green forest before rejoining the creek. Enjoy the fresh clean air and sounds of nature as the real hiking begins. If it has recently rained, the stairs can be slippery so watch your step.
One of the next major waterfalls is only 5 or 6 feet high but the ornate looking stone staircase right next to it makes for a visually pleasing photograph.
A little further you’ll reach your next Chronicles of Narnia looking winding stone staircase ascending into lush vegetation. We think the Gorge Trail is a fantastic and scenic hike with plenty of great photo opportunities.
3. Rim Trail At Lower Entrance
Turn right as you leave Gorge Trail, following the path until you enter the gate to Lower Falls. The restrooms will be to your left when you exit Gorge Trail.
You’ll find the swim changing rooms after a minute or two of walking. So if you’re taking a dip or a dive, now is the time to switch out of hiking gear and into swimsuits. Lower Falls is an attractive 40-50 feet high waterfall which opens up into a deep bowl-like pool.
We think diving into a natural pool at the bottom of a waterfall is pretty unique so we’ve included Robert H. Treman on our round up of the best New York State parks.
We’ll be completely honest and tell you that ascending Rim trail isn’t the most exciting hike. It’s a bit of a slog and there isn’t a huge amount to see. You’ll pass by the park’s log cabins accommodation, climb and disappear into forests.
You have around 500 feet to gain and parts of the trail can feel steep. Be aware of stones and tree roots sticking up as you hike. But the good news is most of the hike is shaded so it can be a good place to hide from the heat on a warm summer day.
The next real landmark worthy of discussing is the steep steps section of the Rim Trail, which as it says in the name is pretty steep. This is where you’ll encounter most of the stairs during the entire hike so take your time and take breaks if needed.
4. Lucifer Falls Overlook
You’ll climb the intricate stone slabs like a switchback trail, heart racing and heavy breathing until you reach a wonderful lookout point from which you can see trees in the gorge for miles. But this will be your reward….
The best view of Lucifer Falls comes into view once you finally summit the steep stone stairs. It’s definitely worth the effort! So grab a few photos, but them make sure you enjoy the views too.
From here, you only have a short distance back to the parking lot and you’ve completed the surprisingly demanding Gorge and Rim loop hike at Robert H Treman State Park.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the quaint Old Mill waterfall right behind the historic building on your way out of the park.
Facilities And Swimming
The swim season typically runs from late June to early September around Labor Day from 11:00am to 7:00pm, but pool closures can happen due to weather, water quality and lifeguard availability. It’s also important to know the Lower entrance swim changing block closes from 2:30pm to 3:30pm daily for cleaning.
There are restrooms located at both the lower and upper entrances but nowhere else in the park. If you plan to swim and want to use a restroom with a shower, these are located at the lower entrance near the pool area.
However, there are no restaurants or cafes in the park so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. We always like to bring a small picnic to enjoy after our hike. Off Park Road near the lower entrance, there is a playground for children. Dogs are allowed at Robert Treman, but must be kept on a leash.
Best Time To Visit
Robert H. Treman State Park is extremely busy on weekends between April and October, especially during the holidays. The peak season is June to August and the park is busiest from 10:00am to 3:00pm. So if you visit in the summer, we recommend arriving early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the large crowds.
That being said, the park is open year round and each season is unique. Here are the highlights:
- Spring – April is the best month to see heavy running waterfalls because the snowpack is melting in upstate NY. However, the Gorge and Red Pine Trail may remain closed well into the spring season as it’s weather dependent.
- Summer – The busiest time in the park is the summer season. It’s our least favorite time for visiting because the park is always crowded. However, the swimming pool is open and the temperatures are very warm.
- Fall – Late September and early October is our favorite time to visit because the gorge is filled with beautiful hues of reds, yellows and oranges. However, water levels in the park are low so it’s not the best time to see the waterfalls.
- Winter – Around late November, the Gorge Trail and Red Pine Trail close for the winter season, but the remainder of the park is open with icy conditions possible. These two trails will reopen after the spring scaling season.
If you want to beat the crowds, we recommend arriving as early as possible. The busiest period in the park is generally between 10:00am and 3:00pm, but this is also the best time to swim. On warmer days, you should aim to hike early in the morning and then cool down with an afternoon swim.
Where To Eat
Nearby Ithaca is definitely the best place to go and eat a nice dinner after your time in the park. If you head to Ithaca, here are a few great options we always recommend:
- The Boatyard Grill – Seafood (Northwest of downtown Ithaca)
- Ithaca Beer Company – Craft Brewery (very close to Robert Treman)
- The Heights – Pizza and seafood (north of Ithaca)
- Ithaca Ale House – Burgers and craft beers (downtown Ithaca)
- Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar – Seafood (downtown Ithaca)
- Ports of New York – Winery (just west of downtown Ithaca)
If none of those options work, you can find numerous chain restaurants to the southwest of Ithaca, just over 3 miles away from the park. But try to support the local restaurants when you can.
READ: Unique things to do in Ithaca, NY
Best Hotel Options
Consider your plans before choosing a place to stay. It might be better to stay south of Ithaca one night and north of Ithaca the next if you’re planning to visit Robert H Treman, Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls. You could also set up base in downtown Ithaca for a long weekend.
Read our complete guide to the best hotels in Ithaca NY on our sister site or take a look at the top rated hotels in the area below.
Budget friendly hotels under 3 miles from the park:
Downtown Ithaca (for central location and amenities):
Staying centrally in Ithaca works best if you’re staying in the Finger Lakes region for 3 or more days. Plus you’ll have several amenities on your doorstep.
- Dorm Hotel – Cornell University themed
- Argos Inn – Elegant boutique hotel
- La Tourelle Hotel – Unique spa hotel
- William Henry Miller Inn – Historic B&B
Northwest Ithaca (for Taughannock Falls):
Staying a night closer to Taughannock Falls means you can drive 20 minutes after Robert H Treman and beat the crowds more easily than driving up from Ithaca the next morning. We’ve stay at both hotels below and enjoyed each one.
- Inn at Taughannock – A luxurious option, but our top recommendation with immediate access to the park and a delicious breakfast. However, it books up very quickly.
- Glass Magnolia – Another beautiful B&B just a few miles away from the park.
READ: How to find great deals on accommodation
Campsites And Cabins
If hotels are too expensive or you’d prefer to be outdoors, there are 70 campsites and 14 cabins. Camping is open from May 17th to November 10th with prices increased on holiday weekends. Advanced reservations are required and can be made up to 9 months in advance.
Campsites cost $18-28 per night depending on time of year and non-NYS residents will pay an additional $5/night. You can book a campsite here.
Cabins cost $223-$400 per week depending on the time of year and non-NYS residents will pay an additional $7/night or $28/week. You can book a cabin here.
Robert Treman Interactive Map
Click into the interactive map to zoom in or out and move around the area to find all recommended restaurants, hotels, points of interest and parking lots.
- Dark Green – Hotel recommendations for Ithaca
- Light Red – Restaurant recommendations for Ithaca
- Purple – Camping options
- Blue – Gorge and Rim Trails begin and end
- Brown – Restroom location
- Maroon – Parking lots at each entrance
- Orange – Points of interest
You can also access our interactive map via this link here.
The Morgan Conclusion
Robert H. Treman State Park is a hidden gem in the Finger Lakes region of western New York. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails, waterfalls and water actvitiies.
But is Robert Treman worth visiting?
Yes, we think Robert Treman is worth it because the park showcases two large waterfalls and a natural fed swimming pool. You can hike both the Rim and Gorge Trail loop for a challenging hike with amazing views. Or you can opt to enjoy the large swimming pool complete with diving board and life guard. If you’re visiting with kids between the months of late June and early September, make sure you pack their swimsuit! After visiting, you should explore the town of Ithaca or one of the other state parks nearby.
More From The Finger Lakes
- Best places to visit in the NY Finger Lakes region
- Best places to visit in the city of Ithaca, NY
- How to visit the Corning Museum of Glass
- Watkins Glen Gorge Trail to Rainbow Falls Hike
- Amazing things to do in the Village of Watkins Glen
- Best things to do at Letchworth State Park NY
- Complete guide to Stony Brook State Park
- How to hike Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail loop
- Guide to visiting the stunning Taughannock Falls
- First time visitors guide to Chimney Bluffs State Park
- Everything you need to know about Grimes Glen Park
- Where to find the best Finger Lakes waterfalls
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Want more New York content? Head over to our New York Travel Guides to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and the best of NYC.
We hope this guide to hiking the Robert H Treman Rim and Gorge trail helps with planning your visit to upstate New York!
Please let us know if you have any questions about visiting this park in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us.
Nice walk thru of Robert Treman SP; walked it last week and your descriptions were spot on.
Thank you, Doug – hope you enjoyed the trail and waterfalls.