While camping and living in New York State, we had a list of waterfalls to visit. I was almost disappointed as we navigated by GPS into downtown Ithaca for the first time and discovered the small gravel parking lot across from a small bridge on a back street.

The information said it was only a 0.2-mile walk to the falls from the bridge. I didn't see anything yet, and I wondered if this would be a small waterfall barely worth the time to stop. Boy, was I wrong!

This waterfall is the last of a series of eight waterfalls coming down the gorge, but I couldn't hike up the gorge to see the other seven. The parking lot is directly across the street from the bridge, and anyone can stop on the sidewalk and see the falls. I was shocked as we crossed the street and viewed the waterfall for the first time.

Oh, my! It was beautiful and amazing. I was impressed with how big it was and with the volume of water cascading down the jagged rocks. The water flow is medium to heavy year-round so there is never a bad time of year to visit. We visited in September. They say Spring rains cause a much heavier flow.

The hike from the bridge to the base of the falls was short, but moderately difficult with tree stumps to step over and some rocks to avoid, but the short distance is worth the effort to get closer to this amazing sight. Rich held my hand and carefully guided me through the maze to make sure I watched my step and didn't trip or twist my knee.

Ithaca Falls is characterized by a myriad of irregular cascades and overhanging ledges and drops. It is 150 feet high and 175 feet wide. At the top, there is a small dam from when the falls were used to generate power. The dam is approximately 10 ft high. We did not go up to see it.

As Rich got closer to the base of the falls, I couldn't believe how big the rock ledges were in comparison to the size of an almost six-foot-tall man.

Additionally, we were blessed to see a Heron at the base of the falls when we were there. I couldn't tell for sure, even after zooming the photo in, if this was a Great Blue Heron or maybe a Grey Heron.

After we visited the falls, and as I researched to write about places we visit, sometimes I was surprised at what I discovered. For example, in this case, I came across the following warning posted at nyfalls.com…(which is why swimming in the water is prohibited)…

This area is classified as a Superfund Site, and is contaminated with lead from the former Ithaca Gun factory that was adjacent to the falls. The soil in this gorge is contaminated with lead and if you come in contact with the soil, rocks, water, you are putting yourself at risk of lead-related illness. Despite the clean-up efforts, a survey in 2018 found the soil to have high levels of lead. In response, the trail has been covered with gravel. If you go off the trail, you are on said contaminated soil.

Despite the warnings of lead, Ithaca Falls is a beautiful sight and one of nature's gifts to mankind. I highly recommend taking the time to see it if you are ever in the area.

Thank you Globetrotters for the waterfall challenge. As we travel across the country, waterfalls are at the top of our list of places to see, and we have seen many. This one though sticks out in my mind as one of the best.

I enjoyed reading Adrienne Beaumont's story about waterfalls she visited in the Philippines with her daughter.

And I also enjoyed seeing Belcairn's pictures of Niagara Falls. I have seen Niagara Falls several times but never frozen.