Robert Treman State Park

     Recently I obtained an "Empire Pass" for New York State parks which allows you to enter any state park across New York free of charge.  The cost of the pass may be a bit more than a day pass, but believe me when I say it's worth having one if you have any intention of exploring the park system.  And, in my opinion, Robert Treman Park in Ithaca, NY is one of those locales that proves the pass is completely worth it!

     I visited Treman Park over Memorial Day weekend and wound up spending a good portion of the day there.  My hike took me slightly over four hours and it was one of those dry, breezy, mid-spring days where I want to be outside, taking in the all the sun and fresh air.  The trees were almost fully leafed out and all the trails maintained by the park were finally open, including the stunning Gorge Trail that is well-known to so many.  First off, let me say that the pictures I'm including in this post do not do justice to this place: meaning you have to come to the park and actually firsthand experience the sights, namely the many dramatic waterfalls that cascade down Enfield Glen.  Since May 2019 has been abundant with rain, that, of course, means the falls were heavy and rushing fast.  I've been here during years where that's not the case, and the experience just isn't the same.

     Robert Treman Park is no doubt famed in this region and is a prime, beautiful example of the waters that, over millions of years, have cut deep gorges into the limestone.  It's amazing to me the power of simple water!  It seems this park and Watkins Glen are synonymous with the Finger Lakes as a whole, and for good reason.  Tourists come here from far-flung places just to see these natural marvels in action.

     Whenever the Gorge Trail opens to the public, which is often in May, I like to start at its lower end (meaning lower elevation) and hike my way up, then cut across to the Rim Trail toward the upper end parking lot before, at last, returning back on the Gorge Trail through Lucifer Falls.  The two parallel trails both run on either side of Enfield Creek, which flows from west to east just southwest of the small city of Ithaca.  This time, I decided to add more to my already great hike by going past (west of) the upper end parking and following the CCC Trail to the Finger Lakes Trail.  The FLT runs its own course through this park, too, hugging the southern fringes for all of the park's length.
     The first part of the Gorge Trail was quite steep, but fortunately there were relatively new wooden stairs to use.  The trees here are tall and healthy-looking, growing out of the hillsides that plunge down towards the creek.  I immediately noticed, too, that I had the company of many other hikers, some in larger groups.

    The trail twisted and turned, passing an old stone wall likely built when the park first opened.

    Down below the lush canopy, Enfield Creek rushes wild, and that blue sky is incredible! 

    The next part of the path came upon a nice view of the creek and some small rapids before entering a grassy flood plain of sycamore and maple trees.  There was also periwinkle in the understory (an invasive plant, I've been told).  

    I found the Gorge Trail to become more interesting the further I went, and I was able to capture a photo of this waterfall right next to the edge of the path. 

    Stone steps built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s: 

 
    Walls of limestone rising high above hikers' heads!  It almost makes me feel like I'm in a small canyon.  
    More waterfalls and more stone stairs:  
 



    After turning left, leaving the Gorge Trail, and crossing a bridge over the creek, I joined the Rim Trail. 

    Now came the big climb!  Lots and lots of steps, but the view at the top looking east made the sweat worth it. 

    I continued down the Rim Trail for another fifteen minutes or so, reaching the upper falls parking lot where these falls greeted me:  
    Now, at this point, I think most people turn back, but there's actually more park to explore.  Past an old mill lies this seemingly secret orange-blazed CCC Trail, so I took it.  It was gorgeous, following further west Enfield Creek.  To my right-hand side were lush clearings, thick grasses, and some wildflowers. 

    Then there's this hidden waterfall where I took a short break.  There was absolutely no one around.  
   

     This new bridge where the CCC Trail meets the FLT replaced an older bridge that was washed out by storms several years ago. 

    I decided to hike some of the white-blazed FLT westward through mixed woods of red pine, maples, and oaks. 

     I didn't go too far, though, as I wanted to be sure I had enough time to return on the Gorge Trail through its most magnificent waterfalls.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves:  

    The last 30 to 40 minutes of my hike was eastward along the Rim Trail to get back to the lower parking area.  This very well-built pathway wanders under some impressive stands of trees.  
   
   

In summary, Robert Treman Park earns my vote for a day's outdoor adventure.  The waterfalls are unforgettable (in spite of not being Niagara Falls) and the trails are all in great shape.
    One other note: the college town of Ithaca is close by and worth a stopover if time allows, with many of its own cultural attractions.  Ithaca sits at the southern end of Cayuga Lake.