Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook

Ithaca, New York

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

1.6 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Brian Maley

This is a great afternoon hike through a beautiful 155 acre preserve. Multiple shale gorges including a 140' waterfall, examples of northern hardwood old growth forest with an incredible diversity of tree species, and excellent wildlife viewing, especially for birds of prey.

Trailheads and parking are on both Sandbank and Townline Roads, with elevations ranging from 280-330m. Follow the white blazes of the Finger Lakes trail downhill with views of the gorge, and wind through massive oak and maple trees. At the bottom of the hill (about 100m of elevation), you can enjoy wildflowers in the spring, and marvel at the enormous sycamores.

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Waterfalls

Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook Reviews

Explorer

Shawn Grenninger

Explorer

Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook

04/21/16

This is definitely a great place to get away from the crowds, Lick Brook Falls is stunning after a good rainfall! Don't overlook this gem when visiting Ithaca!

5.0

Explorer

Jake Sells

Explorer

Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook

03/30/16

This is an awesome little preserve to check out if you haven't been. Sometimes the big parks can get busy in the summer months in Ithaca, but during my last visit in late summer, we had the whole place to ourselves. Lots to still see, great falls and views of surrounding forests.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Thayer Preserve Loop at Lick Brook

On Townline road, park at the pulloff where you'll see arrows pointing to the "Thayer Loop Trail" and a kiosk describing the trail. This trail is a short trail that travels along the side of Lick Brook overlooking several small cascades and waterfalls. For a section it also passes by a small farm where wildlife can sometimes be seen.

Hike the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls

The Gorge Trail starts to the right at the base of the last cascading waterfall you see as you enter the park. From here you begin hiking into the heart of the gorge following Buttermilk Creek to a bridge where you can turn around or continue exploring.The trail features several large cascading falls around every corner. The trail is mostly a stone path which has several strenuous stair climbs....

Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop

Hike Treman State Park

Starting in the parking area, choose which direction of the loop to take (all of which will take you to Lucifer Falls). You can choose to do a shorter, 1 - mile loop around the falls, or go further to the lower section of the park (approximately 3 miles).There is also a campground conveniently located near the park entrance if you want to make this an overnighter.

Hike the Eldridge Wilderness Loop

Park in the designated lot directly off Troy Rd and begin the loop at the only trail entering the parking area (the lot only holds about 4-5 vehicles). Because this is a loop trial, when it splits after 200 yards take either route and still end at the parking area. The loop is 2.3 miles long and a great hike or escape for families with children and/or dogs.

Hike Coy Glen

Before starting this hike, please make sure you have permission to access Cornell Botanic Gardens. Starting at the parking space on Elm St. Extension, follow the trail downhill until you reach the bed of the creek. The creek becomes the trail at this point, and you will need to navigate it appropriately and safely since the shale is EXTREMELY slippery. Hikers should use extreme caution, and d...

Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook

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Hike Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Thayer Preserve Loop at Lick Brook

Hike the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls

Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop

Hike Treman State Park

Hike the Eldridge Wilderness Loop

Hike Coy Glen

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