Sports and the Outdoors

Buttermilk Falls State Park. Buttermilk Falls State Park. Water cascades over 10 falls through a ¾-mi gorge, dropping close to 500 feet, at this park on Ithaca's south end. A swimming hole sits at the base of the falls, and the park also has playing fields, a campground (open mid-May to mid-October), and hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. Nearly all the trails are closed in winter. The park is about 3 miles south of the city. 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd., Ithaca, New York, 14850. 607/273--5761; 607/273--3440; parks.ny.gov/parks/151. $8 per car. Daily dawn–dusk.

Robert H. Treman State Park. Robert H. Treman State Park. A dozen waterfalls, including Lucifer Falls, which has a 115-foot drop, are the highlight here. Nine miles of well-maintained hiking trails lace the park, which also offers swimming, fishing, a campground, and a playground. The trails all close for winter in early November. The park is 5 miles south of the city, near Buttermilk Falls State Park. 105 Enfield Falls Rd., Ithaca, New York, 14850. 607/273--3440; parks.ny.gov/parks/135. $8 per car. Daily 8am–dusk.