Destinations

Where to go when you don't know what there is to see? This page has some suggestions for places near and not so near where fun is to be had. Each page links to a Google Map that also offers access to topographic and aerial photography modes not present ordinarily. Enjoy using them to explore the topographic surroundings, or to prepare maps for exploration.

Waterfalls

There are lots of these locally -- see the master page for a map and some pictures. In addition to the state parks (parking fee required) at Treman and Buttermilk and Taughannock, there are many additional waterfalls and swimming holes on public land.

Finger Lakes Trails

The Finger Lakes Trail (see Finger Lakes Trail Conference) runs within a few miles of Cornell -- and bus access is available to some other nearby stretches. It's worth checking out for a very impromptu getaway -- to some nice isolated countryside.

Adirondack Climbing Locations

The Adirondacks offer almost unlimited possibilities for hiking, rock climbing, and ice climbing. There are even a few nice winter mountaineering routes available requiring technical skills -- rare features in the east.

Shawangunks Rock Climbing

This area has some of the premier traditional rock climbing in the northeastern United States. And it's only three hours from Ithaca!

Little Falls Rock Climbing

The town of Little Falls has the nearest good rock (just over two hours) from Ithaca, and it's never so crowded as the Gunks. The pitches are all short and mostly top-roped, but the primary climbing spot has the singular feature of being on an island in the middle of the Erie Canal.

Rumney Rock Climbing

One of North America's most interesting and varied spots for sport climbing, Rumney offers a huge number of bolted routes, including many three-star climbs.

Salmon River Gorge Ice Climbing

Salmon River is only two hours from Ithaca but offers many ice lines in a gorge deeper than many of Ithaca's. Some routes reach up to 130' of sustained pumpy WI5 action.

Tinker's Falls Ice Climbing

A short one-pitch waterfall, Tinker's is less than 40 minutes from Ithaca. The primary falls are WI3 in difficulty, but some WI4 and WI5 routes sometimes touch down along the edges in cold winters.

Hammond Hill State Forest

This large swath of land is only about a fifteen minute drive from Ithaca and contains numerous trails -- and wonderful XC skiing paths maintained by the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club.

Additional Hiking Information

BackpackingLists is a page with an intended-to-be comprehensive list of what to bring (and not) for hiking/backpacking.