Sweedler and Thayer Preserves — Attraction in Town of Ithaca

Fantastic alternative to a state park. Trails are well maintained and easy to follow due to the paint colors that are on the trees depending out which trail you’re on. This trail is fantastic to bring your dog on as it ranges from moderate to steep and will tire them out. Dogs must be leashed and controlled by the owner at all times. This is a carry in/carry out preserve which means if your dog poops, you need to bag and take it with you. I would suggest giving yourself a couple of hours, so you’re not in a rush and you can explore the beauty of...

This is my favorite place to hike. Nicer than the state parks and so much fewer people. I prefer to hike up the steep blue trail, then come back down on the white main Fingerlakes trail. There is also some great places for the kids to splash around at the bottom and the top....

So this is a very steep and times narrow hike. We parked at the top and walked down. I don't recommend this for young kids. You can get very close to the waterfalls which is really cool. Saw a gardener snake and a redheaded woodpecker....