Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Lori
Robert H. Treman State Park, located near Ithaca, NY, is one of the most beautiful state parks in upstate New York. The park has nine miles of hiking trails with 12 waterfalls – including the 115 ft waterfall, Lucifer Falls, the Cliff Staircase with 222 stone steps, and amazing views of a gorge.
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Robert Treman State Park
On our recent trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York, we hadn’t planned on visiting Treman State Park, but after we finished hiking to Taughanock Falls earlier in the day and saw the park was nearby, we decided to check it out.
It turned out to be one of the highlights of our Finger Lakes trip!
While New York has so many beautiful state parks and natural wonders such as Letchworth State Park, Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen State Park, and Taughannock Falls, I have to put Robert H. Treman State Park at the top as one of the best state parks in NY.
What You Need To Know About Robert Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park Address:
105 Enfield Falls Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
- Robert H. Treman State Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Gorge Trail, Red Pine Trail, and Cliff Staircase are closed during the winter.
- There is a $9 vehicle entry fee collected from April to mid-November; 6 am – 6:30 pm
- Robert Treman State Park is Dog Friendly. Two dogs are allowed on a 6 ft. leash. Dogs are not allowed on beach areas, playgrounds, or inside buildings.
- The Gorge Trail is 2 1/2 miles long (one way).
- There are two (2) entrances to Robert Treman State Park – the Lower Entrance and the Upper Entrance. You can park at either entrance to reach the Gorge Trail, but the Upper Park Entrance is closer to Lucifer Falls.
Upper Park Entrance
The Upper Park Entrance to Robert H. Treman State Park is a few miles from the Main Entrance. The parking lot is smaller; however, you will reach the amazing Lucifer Falls (115 ft waterfall) faster on the Gorge Trail.
Since we had already hiked to Taughannock Falls that morning with our Golden Retriever, Buddy, plus it was a very hot day, we decided to park in the upper lot and hike the Gorge Trail to Lucifer Falls.
While we didn’t hike the entire Gorge Trail, just hiking to the falls and back was amazing!
As you enter the Upper Park Entrance, you will see the Old Mill (c. 1839). The mill was once part of the bustling agricultural hamlet of Enfield Falls during the 1800s.
The exhibits inside the mill show how the mill’s machinery harnessed water power to grind wheat into flour.
In 1916, Robert and Laura Treman purchased the grist mill which Robert Treman’s great uncle had built about 77 years earlier.
In 1920, they donated 387 acres including the mill to the State of New York to become the Enfield Glen Reservation.
In the 1920s the mill was restored and converted into a pavilion, adding restrooms, porches, a wider staircase, and a fireplace.
Robert H. Treman died in 1938, and the park was renamed in his honor.
PRO-TIP: Restrooms can be found inside the Old Mill. There are also restrooms at the Lower Entrance.
Be sure to walk behind the Grist Mill to see the pretty Enfield Creek waterfall!
Robert Treman State Park Trails
Trail distances are one way. You have to double the miles to return to the parking area. For a map of Hiking Trails at Robert H. Treman State Park from the state park website.
- Gorge Trail 2.12 miles
- Rim Trail 2.09 miles
- Red Pine Trail .79 miles
The Gorge Trail
From the Upper Park Entrance, the Gorge Trail takes you through a narrow rocky upper gorge past Devil’s Kitchen to reach spectacular views of the 115 ft. Lucifer Falls and the 1.5-mile view into the gorge.
You can hike the Gorge Trail through the upper gorge to Lucifer Falls. To return to the parking lot, you can either follow the Rim Trail or the Red Pine Trail for a different view!
From the Lower Entrance, hike the 2.12-mile Gorge Trail up to Lucifer Falls. You can either hike the Gorge Trail or Rim Trail to return to the parking lot.
When lifeguards are on duty, take a swim at the base of the Lower Falls to cool off!
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is a 2.09 mile trail high above the gorge. Here you can see views of Lucifer Falls from Above.
Red Pine Trail
The Red Pine Trail is .79 mile trail that is considered a moderately difficult trail.
Fun Facts About Robert H. Treman State Park
- The rocks in the gorge are about 380 million years old.
- The total elevation change on the Gorge Trail is 1035 feet one way (ascending and descending).
- The Cliff Staircase has 222 stone steps encompassing five staircases that connect the Gorge Trail with the Rim Trail
- The Lower Falls is the only waterfall open year-round.
Robert H. Treman State Park Camping
Robert Treman State Park offers RV camping, tent camping, and camping cabins.
Camping season is from mid-May to mid-November.
For more information about camping sites and to check availability visit the state park website.
Robert H. Treman State Park was one surprise we were happy to find! From waterfalls, hiking trails, and beautiful views, you need to add this NY state park to your bucket list of things to see in New York!
Here Are More Fun Things To Do In New York State
Best Things To Do When Visiting Letchworth State Park
How To See Breathtaking Views of Watkins Glen State Park
Hiking To See Taughannock Falls – Taughannock Falls State Park
How To Plan A One Day Trip To Niagara Falls New York
13 Fun Things To Do On A Weekend Getaway To The Catskills
4-Day Itinerary To The Adirondack Mountains
High Falls Gorge – A Must See In The Adirondacks
How To Plan An Awesome Trip To Howe Caverns
Whiteface Mountain – How To See The Best Views of the Adirondacks
