Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park

 

 

Description of Taughannock Falls State Park

Location: 10 mi (16 km) North of Ithaca, Route 89, Tompkins County, NY   Map

Height: 215 ft (65 m)

Tel. (607) 387 6739

Open: 8am- sunset daily

Cabins: Apr 19 - Oct 19

Shelters/ Pavilions late Apr- mid- Oct

Marina: April 16 - Oct. 22

Official site

 

Taughannock Falls State Park is situated 10 mi (16 km) North of Ithaca in Tompkins County, NY in United States. The centerpiece of this pristine area is Taughannock Falls that reaches a height of 215 feet or 65 meters and a valley of the river. Its name is derived from Lenni Lenape (Delaware) Native Americans who spoke in a dialect of Algonquian. In their language it means "Great fall in the woods". A short trail (0.75 mi or 1.2 km) will take you to the waterfall and watching platform. It is open all year. The rims trails on the other hand are open only during warmer months of the year. The best time to visit the water fall at its fullest is during spring months as well as after rain. The river swells and makes the view particularly beautiful. Swimming near the Taughannock Falls is prohibited.

 

Campsites and cabins are available at the near by Cayuga Lake. There is is also a beach with picnic sites, marina and a boat launch available to the public. During summer months hiking, fishing, hunting and boating are some of the more popular activities here. Obviously you will need a permit for deer hunting as well as fishing in Taughannock Falls State Park. In winter ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are also available. House pets are available within borders of the park, but they have to be kept on a leash at all times. You might be asked for a proof of a rabies inoculation.

 

Prices in Taughannock Falls State Park:

Camping:Per night, non-electric: $15
Per night, electric: $19

Cabins:
Per night, non-prime: $47.50
Per week, non-prime: $190.00
Per night, prime: $53.75
Per week, prime: $215

Marina: Transient Slips:
Per night, non-electric: $15
Per night with camping rental: $12

Seasonal Slips:
Per foot, non-electric: $42
Per foot, electric: $52
Per season, 18' and under, non-electric: $625
Fee increase for weekends and holidays: $4

 

Misc.: Walk-in fee for camping/cabins/transient slip, first night only: $2.75
Reservation fee for camping/cabins/transient slip, first night only: $9
Out of state resident fee for camping/transient slip, per night: $5
Out of state resident fee for cabins, per night: $6.25
Out of state resident fee for cabins, per week: $25

Peddling Fee: $400

Seasonal Canoe Rack Rental: $100 per person

Shelters/Pavilions: Lakeside - enclosed: $175
Central - open on two sides: $150
Creekside North - $50

Vehicle Entrance Fee: $7 per vehicle
Non-commercial bus: $35
Commercial bus: $75
Seasonal bus pass: $75

 

 

What to do
Lake swimming, boating (rentals are available), hiking, picnicking, and camping. Take a pleasant, flat walk from the Route 89 entrance to the base of the falls, the tallest (215 feet) east of the Mississippi. There is a more vigorous hike around the edge of the falls basin. For instant gratification you can drive up the road connecting with Route 96 and pull off to visit an overlook to the Falls. There are often summer concerts here on Thursday evenings. Note that entrance to one State park gets you admission to all State parks for the day.