Let me start out by saying, this place is so underrated. Lucifer Falls and the entire state park are just a MUST-SEE in the Finger Lakes Region.
Lucifer Falls & The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region in New York is home to over 1,000 waterfalls, but one of my all time favorite waterfalls to experience in the area is Lucifer Falls.
Don’t skip out on Robert H. Treman State Park while in the area so you don’t miss this incredible 115 ft waterfall.
(Person near top right for size reference)
Pro Tip: If visiting more than one State Park in a day to see waterfalls, just show the receipt of your first state park and you won’t have to pay for the others on the same day.
Buttermilk Falls State Park is just 5 minutes or so down the road, so make sure to add it in for more adventure.
Lucifer Falls on the Map
*Some of the links shared in this post may be affiliate links meaning I make a small commission off of your purchase (with no extra cost to you).
Thank you for your continued support.
Getting to Lucifer Falls in the Finger Lakes
In order to see Lucifer Falls, you first need to know where to find it.
Robert H. Treman State Park is where you need to go and here is what you need to know about it:
Location: 105 Enfield Falls Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
Fee: Check here for updated cost
This is a less crowded park typically, in comparison to the other neighboring places such as Watkins Glen.
Hiking to Lucifer Falls via Gorge Trail
Trail: Gorge Trail
Distance: 2.12 mi
Elevation Gain: 282 ft
There are 12 waterfalls to admire along the Gorge Trail which makes every step worth it.
I love using AllTrails when hiking, especially for trails like this, where service is limited since you can download maps for offline use! If you don’t have AllTrails+ yet, try it FREE!
Right: Facing towards the bridge on Gorge Trail near Upper Parking
Hiking to Lucifer Falls via Rim Trail
Trail: Rim Trail
Distance: 2.09
Elevation Gain: ~600 ft
My recommendation: Connect the Gorge Trail and Rim trail either fully around the park for 4.5 miles, or right after Lucifer Falls from the upper parking lot to shorten it down to 1 mile total.
Hiking Prep for Lucifer Falls
Please know which trail system you want to use, grab a paper map at the entrance and know your limits. There is Limited cell service in that area, so plan accordingly.
Good traction on shoes is recommended due to lots of stairs and the surfaces becoming slippery when wet. I highly recommend looking into these Columbia boots or these Keene boots for women.
There is some shade coverage on the tails, but always be prepared for sun exposure with either a hat, sun shirts or sunscreen to protect your skin from prolonged exposure.
Bring enough water, especially during the heat of the summer. Plus, don’t forget snacks!
Swimming at Lucifer Falls
Unfortunately you can’t swim under Lucifer falls BUT, you can swim at the lower section of the park which is under a different waterfall!
Top Right: Trail near Upper Parking Area
Bottom Right: Waterfall along Gorge Trail
Time Needed
I’d recommend spending half a day at Robert H. Treman State Park if you can.
All of the trails to enjoy, plus the swimming area is a great way to get outside and enjoy these beautiful waterfalls.
At the lower entrance there is also a park if you have kids that still need to get their energy out, plus it’s a pretty open area for them to just run around.
We truly enjoyed our day at Robert H. Treman State Park, exploring Lucifer Falls and I can’t recommend it enough to families or couples looking to explore the beauty of what New York’s Finger Lake Region has to offer!
Want to keep adventuring? Check out:
Unbelievable Waterfalls in Upstate NY
