“Ithaca is Gorges”—at least that’s what I’ve been told for the past two years. Ask anyone about Ithaca and one of the first things they’ll tell you about is its natural beauty. Although I’ve been going to school here since fall 2011, I’ve never really experienced Ithaca’s natural wonders. It was always in the back of mind—something I had to do before I graduate. But in mid-September, I finally decided it was time. My friends and I drove five miles outside of town to Treman State Park and found the gorge hiking trail. At the trailhead, a sign said: “2 miles one way.” We weren’t that concerned with the distance. We’re all young; how hard could it be?
The answer was clear after about ten steps, when we saw multiple sets of steep stairs stretching ahead of us. By the time we reached the end of the initial set, I felt as if I’d already hiked the two miles. I saw a mile marker not long afterward and hurried over to see how far we’d come. It said a quarter-mile. I was now not only breathless but also speechless. But I kept going, thinking: these falls had better be worth it.
As I hiked I kept staring at the ground; I felt as if one false move would make me fall on my face or tumble off the trail. Then it hit me that the point of the outing was to see nature. So I stopped being so cautious and began to look around. Eventually, we came across a small waterfall flowing into a wide stream. Since there were dry, flat rocks on the shore we decided it would be a good place to rest. After a few minutes of observing the scenery, we were reenergized and eager to arrive at Lucifer Falls.
After our break the rest of the hike seemed to move faster because it got more interesting—but still challenging. But we persevered until we made it to the 115-foot waterfall. The water flowed from a small stream and quickly arrived at the edge of a cliff before falling more than ten stories. Although the roar was loud and powerful, it was somehow also peaceful. While I was standing in front of this massive landscape I couldn’t help feeling small. But it didn’t make me feel insignificant; I felt as if I had become a part of something much greater than myself. Looking at something this stunning, it was hard to believe I live only fifteen minutes away. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy the view for long because we didn’t want to hike back in the dark.
Shortly after my trip, I found out there was an easier way to see the falls; if I’d parked at Upper Treman I could’ve saved myself the 500-foot climb. While I’m proud to say I completed the hike, the next time I visit the falls I’ll probably take the shortcut.
— Lyndsay Isaksen