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• Trail Distance: ~5 miles
• Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hrs depending on pace
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (icy conditions)
• Best for: Winter hiking, waterfall views, Cayuga Lake scenery
Last Sunday, after Saturday’s ICE Out protest in Ithaca, we visited Taughannock Falls State Park to hike the gorge trail and experience the park in colder conditions.
Winter changes this place in noticeable ways — fewer people, quieter trails, and a landscape shaped by snow, ice, and wind.
During the hike, the weather shifted constantly. Snow came and went, clouds moved quickly overhead, and the sun broke through briefly before disappearing again. Strong winds off Cayuga Lake made the air feel colder, especially in open areas. The trail itself was icy in spots, particularly through shaded sections of the gorge.
It wasn’t a difficult hike, but it did require attention and a slower pace.
The Route We Took
We parked at the main falls overlook and started the hike from there. This route allowed us to experience several different areas of Taughannock Falls State Park in one outing, each with slightly different conditions.
From the overlook, we followed the North Rim Trail, which gradually descends toward the base area. In winter, this section had a mix of clear path, packed snow and icy patches, especially in shaded spots. The views along the rim were open and exposed, and the wind coming off Cayuga Lake was noticeable.
At the bottom, we walked over toward Taughannock Point, where the trail opens up along the lakeshore. This section felt colder and MUCH windier, but also offered wide views across the lake. Myers Point Lighthouse sits in the distance.
From there, we entered the Gorge Trail and walked toward the base of Taughannock Falls. The gorge was more sheltered, but also icier in places where sunlight doesn’t reach the trail. The stone walls, winter runoff, and flowing falls made this final stretch especially scenic.
After our time at the base of the falls, we hiked back up to the top, going the same way we came down.
This loop-style route made for a varied winter hike — open views, lakeshore wind, and the enclosed feel of the gorge — all within a relatively short distance.
Note: Some portions of the rim trail and stairs are closed in winter for safety. There is a clearly marked alternate route nearby. The gorge trail usually remains open unless ice conditions become unsafe.
Walking the Gorge Trail in Winter
The gorge trail is short and well-defined, but winter conditions change how it feels. Snow and ice collect along the stone walls and on the path, and shaded areas stay slick longer than expected.
We moved carefully, stopping often to take in the surroundings. With fewer visitors on the trail, the experience felt calm and unrushed. The waterfall was flowing steadily, framed by winter textures that made it feel especially dramatic against the rock walls.
This is a hike that encourages you to slow down — partly because of the conditions, and partly because there’s no reason to rush it.
Weather Changes & Lake Wind
One of the most noticeable parts of this hike was the wind. Gusts coming off Cayuga Lake moved through the gorge and across overlooks, adding to the cold but also making the environment feel active and alive.
The changing light and weather gave the hike variety without feeling unpredictable. It’s a good reminder that winter hikes in this region often involve multiple conditions in a short amount of time.
Why Visit Taughannock Falls in Winter?
While the park is popular in warmer months, winter offers a different kind of experience:
❄️ Fewer people on the trail
❄️ Snow and ice changing familiar views
❄️ A quieter, more relaxed pace
❄️ A short hike that still feels rewarding
If you enjoy seasonal hiking and don’t mind colder temperatures, winter is a good time to see the park from a different perspective.
Winter Hiking Tips for Taughannock Falls
If you’re planning a winter visit, a bit of preparation helps:
❄️ Wear boots with good traction — icy sections are common
❄️ Dress in layers — lake wind can increase wind chill
❄️ Move slowly — especially through shaded areas
❄️ Watch the weather — conditions can shift quickly
❄️ Plan for daylight — winter days are shorter
Nothing extreme is required, just awareness and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
This winter hike at Taughannock Falls was calm, cold, and quietly impressive. It wasn’t about pushing limits or covering distance — just spending time outdoors, moving thoughtfully, and experiencing a familiar place in a different season.
More winter hikes, local travel, and seasonal reflections are coming soon — subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss a thing! 💖
Recommended product: Goodr OG polarized sunglasses – Vincent’s Absinthe Night Terrors
Recommended product: Carhartt men’s black waffle knit beanie
Recommended product: Fjällräven women’s Keb Eco-shell jacket
Oh, Kae. 
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