Waterfall trails are abundant in the Finger Lakes! And this short loop hike to Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park should be at the top of your list.
The one-mile loop takes you to the tallest waterfall in the park, and also past several other falls and cascades. It is totally worth the amount of stairs you have to climb! You can also extend the hike to a 4.5-mile loop, starting at either the Lower or Upper entrance.
No matter what you choose to do, you’ll be blown away at the size of Lucifer Falls. It truly is intimidating, especially when viewed at the top.
The guide below focuses on the one-mile loop from the Upper Entrance. However, I share some general info about the park and other hike options.
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Who is Robert H. Treman?
Every time we visit a park named after someone, I get curious about them and what they did to deserve such an honor. Well, I am happy to tell you that Robert H. Treman definitely earned his namesake park!
Robert H. Treman is an Ithaca native who graduated from Cornell University. For most of his career, he served as a director and deputy governor of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. But that’s not why he has a park named after him. Treman was instrumental in developing many of the state parks in the Finger Lakes, including Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls, and Enfield Glen (which was eventually named after him).
His family purchased the lands in the early 1900s, helped restore the paths, made design improvements, and even preserved an old flour mill. In 1920, they acquired an additional 387 acres and then donated the property (over 400 acres) to the state. After his death, the park was renamed in his honor.
During the last years of his life, Treman served as the first chairman of the state parks commission for the Finger Lakes region.
Multiple Trail Options
When visiting Robert H. Treman State Park, you have a few options to hike to Lucifer Falls.
The longest route is about 4.5 miles long. For this route, it’s recommended to start at the Lower Entrance and take the Gorge Trail to the Upper Entrance. For the full loop, don’t cross at the first bridge! We met someone along the trail who did that unknowingly. You’ll miss seeing Lucifer Falls from the top if you cross too early.
There are two shorter options leaving from the Upper Entrance. First, you can take the Red Pine Trail, connect to the Gorge Trail for a short bit, and then cross the bridge to the Rim Trail. This is about 1.5 miles, but I wouldn’t go this route. You won’t get the best views of Lucifer Falls this way.
For the best shorter option, you’ll want to do the Rim Trail/Gorge Trail loop. It’s just over 1 mile, takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Gorge Trail, and you’ll get to see Lucifer Falls from the top and the bottom. If this option appeals to you, I have the full guide of what to expect below!
Prepare For Your Hike at Robert H. Treman State Park
Park Fees
Like other parks in the Finger Lakes, there is a fee to visit Robert H. Treman State Park. Don’t forget to keep your receipt! You can visit other state parks the same day, like Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls, without having to pay an entry fee again.
Good to Know: Are you camping at one of the New York State Parks? If so, you’ll have FREE admission to all of the state parks during the duration of your stay.
Parking
There are multiple parking lots at the Lower Entrance of the park. During the summer months, those lots can fill up quickly because many visitors enjoy the swimming hole near the entrance.
The Upper Entrance has a large lot with plenty of parking.
Amenities
Bathrooms and picnic areas are available at both the Lower and Upper Entrances. The Lower Entrance also has a shower/changing house.
Seasonal Closures
The Gorge Trail and Rim Trail are typically closed from November through May due to icy and unsafe conditions. Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails at Robert H. Treman State Park.
Cellular Coverage
There is limited cell coverage at Robert H. Treman State Park. It’s always a good idea to download a park map before your visit.
Be Prepared
Although the loop to Lucifer Falls from the Upper Entrance is short, it’s always a good idea to have what you need with you, especially water!
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
| Trail Location: | The trailhead is east of the Upper Entrance Parking Lot |
| Trail Length: | 1.1 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate due to the number of stairs along the routs |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 275 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Which Direction?
When starting the trail to Lucifer Falls, you have a choice to make! Would you prefer to take the Rim Trail down to the bridge first or walk down the Gorge Trail?
We chose the Gorge Trail first, which goes against what I typically do. I always feel like, if you’re gonna have to hike up, you might as well have something good to look at while you’re doing it! Honestly, if I were to do this again, I’d probably take the Rim Trail first. But ultimately, the decision is yours.
Good to Know: At the start of the trails, you’ll see a stone bridge. Don’t take that route unless you want to walk the Red Pine Trail. Go through the iron gate entrance for the Gorge Trail or up the hill for the Rim Trail.
Along the Gorge Trail
As noted above, we chose to take the Gorge Trail down to the bridge crossing. This section of the trail is absolutely gorgeous! These trails always feel like they are transporting you to a different world.
Like other gorge trails in the area, the path is made up of stone slabs (until you reach Lucifer Falls).
You’ll see multiple cascades and smaller waterfalls along the trail, as well as a beautiful stone arch bridge that crosses Enfield Creek (your first crossing).
Lucifer Falls
If you walk the Gorge Trail first, you’ll see the top of Lucifer Falls. And it’s a bit intimidating looking down!
Lucifer Falls is 115 feet tall, with multiple tiers and cascades. As you descend the stairs next to the falls, you’ll be able to see its size more clearly. It truly is a magnificent waterfall.
Down to the Bridge
About half a mile from the Upper Entrance is the bridge connecting to the Rim Trail. Before reaching the bridge, you’ll descend a wood/dirt staircase.
To keep this trail at one mile long, this is where you’ll want to cross to connect to the Rim Trail.
Cliff Staircase and Views of Lucifer Falls
After the bridge, turn right to return to the Upper Entrance. You’ll be able to see the bottom of Lucifer Falls when you cross.
After that, you’re almost immediately greeted with stairs, thanks to the almost 300 feet that you have to climb back up!
Along the first sets of stairs, there is a good spot to view Lucifer Falls. I don’t think you can ever see the whole thing at once because of its size and the way it twists. But seeing people on the walkway next to the falls really gives you a great perspective of its size!
More Stairs…
The rest of the Rim Trail is essentially several sets of stone-slab stairs, interrupted occasionally by a dirt trail. At least it feels that way!
The stone staircases are very pretty though, almost a work of art in itself. We made sure to take rest breaks and enjoy the hard work that went into building the trail.
The Rest of the Rim Trail
Eventually, the stairs end, and the trail evens out, making the last bit relatively easy.
Lucifer Falls Trail at Robert H. Treman State Park Wrap-Up
I am so glad we did this trail! I had hoped to complete the full 4.5-mile trail, but after our morning at Taughannock Falls and walking around Ithaca (not to mention some car trouble), I knew we wouldn’t have the time or energy. So, I was very happy to see the possibility of the one-mile loop from the Upper Entrance. And it was perfect!
It’s not the easiest waterfall trail in the Finger Lakes. No matter which direction you choose to start, you’ll have to walk up a lot of stairs (it reminds me of Buttermilk Falls in that way). But if you take it slow, it’s definitely doable.
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