Although packed with development on both the north and south rims, you would probably not realize this while walking the trail. The gorge is deep and narrow, hiding you from the busy city above and providing this glen a natural serenity. Just as they did with Watkins and Fillmore Glen parks, the Civilian Conservation Corps originally constructed the stone pathways and bridges that wind through the gorge, crossing the creek when necessary, and ascending the towering waterfalls.

The gorge drops over 400 feet from Cornell campus to downtown Ithaca, carving through layers of shale and sandstone. There are multiple waterfalls here with six sizable ones. As you make your way up the trail, each cascade seems to roar louder than the next. The many overhangs and soft shale cliffs pose a slight danger as large stones fall often in spring, with small stones falling every few minutes. The small crackles and pops you'll hear when deep in the gorge is a constant reminder that it is ever-changing. Often massive rock slides will destroy portions of the trail, forcing closure for repairs. Usually this happens in the winter as water seeps into the cracks in the rocks, freezes and expands, prying apart the stone.

The trail begins in a small community park, with plenty of visible sunlight in downtown Ithaca and ends in a damp, botanically-rich narrow section of the gorge below the Cornell Center for Theater Arts. Several small pools and dry banks along the way give students and area residents an opportunity to read a book in the shade or dip in the refreshing water.

Due to the high frequency of recreational use, as well as the near 100% development of the surrounding area, the fragility of the Cascadilla Creek ecosystem is a strong concern. The gorge has an array of unique micro-ecosystems spread throughout the different elevations and within different moisture and sun-exposed portions. Constant disruption from visitors and polluted run-off from the city above threaten their stability. Cornell Plantations, which manages the gardens and natural space around the University, cares for the gorge and is committed to maintaining it for public enjoyment.

The creek and trail extends beyond College Ave, but there's little in the way of waterfalls. Climb the steps to Cornell Campus, cross College Ave and head back down into the gorge to continue.
Map: Overview; Satellite; Geology

In 1909, Cornell alumnus and trustee  Robert H. Treman gave Cascadilla gorge to Cornell University to maintain for public education and enjoyment.

Do not miss...
Fossils. The rock that comprises the gorge is a great source of brachiopod fossils.

Rock piles. Throughout the trek you may notice artistic stacks of stones called cairns. Although they look mysterious, they are built by visitors. It's a form of public art. Feel free to make one while you are there.