Chasing Waterfalls: Family Fun at Lower Enfield Falls

Our family is on a mission to chase waterfalls, and this is the very first stop on our adventure! We’re exploring beautiful swimming holes, fun hiking spots, and family-friendly campgrounds all across New York. First up is Lower Enfield Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY – a perfect place for swimming, jumping off the famous diving board, picnicking, and spending quality time together. Join us as we kick off our Chasing Waterfalls series and share why this spot is a must-visit for families!

🗺️ Location: Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, New York
📍 42°23’54″N 76°33’23″W
🏕️ Camping: Spacious sites with access to bathrooms and water
🐶 Dog‑Friendly Camping: Pets are welcome in the campground
📏 Distance: 2-minute walk
🛣️ Trail: Paved, stroller-friendly
🌿 Difficulty: Easy
🚫 No Pets at Swimming Area: Pets aren’t allowed near the falls or swim spots
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly: Great for all ages
🧒 Kid Friendly: Shallow swimming areas and safe terrain for children
🚻 Clean Bathrooms: Restrooms and changing areas close by
🧺 Picnic Area: Tables and grassy spaces
🚗 Large Parking Lot: Convenient parking near the main area
🅿️ Extra Parking: Overflow lots available and allow parking for trailers

PARKING

Lower Enfield Falls has plenty of parking. There’s a large main parking lot close to the swimming area, perfect for quick access to the trails, picnic spots, and restrooms.

On busy days, there’s also an extra parking lot available near the playground. If you’re bringing a trailer, this is the preferred parking area recommended by park staff.

CAMPING

The campground at Robert H. Treman State Park is a great option for families looking to stay close to the waterfalls and swimming area. There are plenty of campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, with a mix of shaded and open spots.

Although the campground doesn’t offer full hookups, some of the sites offered electric. There are plenty of water spigots around the campground too. It seemed like just about every other campsite had one. The campground is dog-friendly, so you can bring your family pup along (just remember pets aren’t allowed in the swimming area).

Clean restrooms and showers (with incredible water pressure) are available nearby, and the campground is within walking distance of the trails, picnic areas, Lower Enfield Falls, and Enfield Creek.

HIKE TO FALLS & PICNIC AREA

Lower Enfield Falls is really easy to reach. The walk to the swimming area is very short – just about two minutes from the parking lot. The path is paved and easy for little ones, strollers, and families carrying picnic gear.

Along the way, you’ll walk along Enfield Creek, with plenty of scenic spots to stop and enjoy the view. There are also picnic tables and grassy areas along the path, perfect for a snack or a relaxed picnic before or after your swim.

BATHROOMS

There’s a restroom building located right near the falls. The bathrooms are clean and easy to get to. There are also changing areas. Everything is close enough that you don’t have to worry about walking far or making last-minute bathroom runs with little ones. It’s one of those little things that really makes the day more enjoyable for families.

ENFIELD CREEK & PETS

While dogs aren’t allowed in the swimming area at Lower Enfield Falls, many visitors like to bring their pups to Enfield Creek. The creek runs right alongside the walking path to the falls and is a fun spot for dogs to cool off, splash around, or just enjoy a little creek-side adventure. Enfield Creek is also a great spot to search for crayfish and look for fish!

SWIMMING AREA

The swimming area at Lower Enfield Falls is perfect for families of all ages. There’s a shallow end that’s great for little ones to splash and play safely, and a deeper side where older kids and adults can jump in. Floaties are welcome in the swimming area but not in the diving board area.

Before you jump in, check the water temperature posted on the sign near the swimming hole! It was 68 when we went at the beginning of July.

DIVING BOARD & WATERFALL

The famous diving board at Lower Enfield Falls is a highlight for many visitors but it’s important to know that no floaties are allowed in this area, and kids have to be able to swim confidently without help from parents or the lifeguard will ask you to go to the swimming area instead. The water here is about 20 feet deep, making it perfect for jumping and diving.

Swimmers can explore by swimming to the side of the waterfall where you can sit on the rocks or even swim underneath the falls for a really unique experience.

Because the water is deep and the current is strong, swimming across to the other side of the waterfall is tough and should only be attempted by good swimmers. Many visitors needed lifeguard assistance after getting too tired trying to make that swim while we were there.