08/15/2012 12:00 AM
The two gorges that run through the Cornell campus represent 10,000 years of beauty and they help to make Cornell one of the world’s most beautiful campuses. Cascadilla Gorge is located to the south of campus and Fall Creek Gorge is to the north of campus. While the gorges are wonderful for recreation and hiking, they can be very dangerous. The gorges are eroding constantly and rocks continue to fall from the cliff sides, especially when water flows are high.
Please read “The Gorges of Cornell, Path and Safety Information” located at: http://www.risk.cornell.edu/pdfs/gorgebrochure.pdf This brochure provides a path guide and advice for safety precautions while visiting the gorges.
This video message, sponsored by the Student Assembly and produced exclusively by students, describes the special nature of our gorges
Although the trails remain open in winter, they are not maintained for winter conditions and are therefore more hazardous than in good weather. Additional hazards include ice, snow, and fallen objects such as trees and rocks. If you choose to use the trails in winter, use extreme caution and be aware of these additional dangers.
While tempting on hot days, swimming in the gorges is extremely dangerous and a serious threat of drowning exists. Swimming in the gorges is prohibited by Chapter 250 of the City of Ithaca code, Peace and Good Order, which states, “No person shall bathe in, swim in, or for purposes of swimming and/or bathing enter any of the waters within the City of Ithaca except in the waters officially designated as swimming or bathing areas.”
Alternatives for safe and legal swimming in the Ithaca area include:
