Lower Falls

Lower Falls flows from the eastern foot of Enfield Glen inside New York's Robert H. Treman State Park. Summer finds crowds enjoying the pool formed at the...
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Lower Falls flows from the eastern foot of Enfield Glen inside New York's Robert H. Treman State Park. Summer finds crowds enjoying the pool formed at the base of the falls by a seasonal damming of Enfield Creek. The convex crest of Lower Falls is approximately twenty feet at the opening in the glen, with the falls steeply descending and fanning out to an approximate seventy foot base. When drained, then pool base offers a full view of the falls. Lower Falls is one of 12 waterfalls along Enfield Glen. With Cornell University and Ithaca College just a few miles away in Ithaca, NY, Lower Falls swimming area is popular destination for students.

Robert H. Treman State Park was established in 1920 when Robert and Laura Treman (the park's namesake) gifted Enfield Glen (gorge) to the people of New York. Trails wind through and above the ancient gorge--cleared of rock and debris during glacial retreat over 10,000 years ago. Enfield Glen features twelve waterfalls as the waters of Enfield Creek cascade from west to east. Lucifer Falls 115' plunge down the gorge escarpment greets visitors at the upper reach of Enfield Glen. The mood of the northern hardwood forest evolves with the seasons. Hemlock, sugar maple, red maple, birch (yellow and black), red oak, black cherry, basswood and tulip poplars fill the forest and light the landscape in rich fall hues. Red crested woodpeckers and wild turkey frequent the area.

After visiting Robert H. Treman State Park and the natural beauty surrounding Ithaca, it is no stretch to affirm the city's catchy tourism motto: "Ithaca is gorges!"

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