Robert H. Treman State Park
Swimming hole in Ithaca, New York · Waterfall
Robert H. Treman State Park at 105 Enfield Falls Road in Ithaca, New York, features a designated freshwater stream swimming pool below the 115-foot Lower Falls in Enfield Glen. Lifeguards are on duty during summer season, with diving board facilities. Vehicle entry is ~$10 (Empire Pass accepted); gorge wading outside the pool is illegal.
Typical season: Late June–Labor Day for lifeguarded swimming
About Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park (often searched as Treman State Park or Robert Treman) sits southwest of Ithaca in New York’s Finger Lakes. a gorge park where Enfield Creek drops through Enfield Glen past a dozen waterfalls, including 115-foot Lucifer Falls. The swim destination most people want is the **lifeguarded stream-fed pool at Lower Falls**, reached from the lower park entrance. Swimming is allowed only in that supervised area. creek and gorge swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited and unsafe. Expect a seasonal vehicle use fee (commonly about $10 per car while fees are collected) and possible swim closures for water quality, weather, or lifeguard staffing. Pair your visit with nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park or browse more swimming holes near Ithaca.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Water type
- Falls/Creek
- Water body
- Enfield Creek
- Fee
- NY State Parks vehicle use fee ~$10/car in season (Apr–Nov); Empire Pass accepted
- Nearest town
- Ithaca
- State
- New York
- Coordinates
- 42.39736, -76.55744
- Best season
- Late June–Labor Day for lifeguarded swimming; fall for gorge foliage hikes.
- Access difficulty
- Easy walk to Lower Falls swim area; gorge trail to Lucifer Falls is moderate with stairs.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal — confirm on arrival)
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Tent/RV and cabin camping available in park; reserve early for summer weekends.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming (lifeguarded), hiking, camping, photography
- Facilities
- Restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, campground; vehicle fee in season.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate June, Labor Day for lifeguarded swimming; fall for gorge foliage hikes.
- AccessEasy walk to Lower Falls swim area; gorge trail to Lucifer Falls is moderate with stairs.
- FacilitiesRestrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, campground; vehicle fee in season.
- Camping nearbyTent/RV and cabin camping available in park; reserve early for summer weekends.
Highlights & features
- Waterfalls and diving
- Scenic gorge setting
- Cool, clear creek water
- Lifeguarded swimming area
- Camping sites available
- Swimming at the base of waterfalls
- Historic conservation legacy
- Dramatic gorge formations
How to get there
Use the lower entrance for swimming at Lower Falls. Confirm NY State Parks alerts before you drive.
1. From Ithaca, take NY-13 south about 2.6 miles.
2. Turn right onto NY-327 north toward Enfield.
3. The lower park entrance (camping, swim area, Lower Falls) is on the left — 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.
4. Pay the vehicle use fee at the pay station when fees are in season (typically April 1–November 30), then park near the lower falls / swim complex.
5. Walk to the lifeguarded pool at the base of Lower Falls — do not enter the gorge creek outside the supervised swim zone.
Upper park / Lucifer Falls hiking uses a separate upper entrance a short drive away; ask at the park or follow posted signage if you want both hike and swim.
Plan your visit
Treman S.P. works well as a day trip from Ithaca. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Buttermilk Falls State Park (about 2.5 mi away) or browse more New York creek spots in our directory. For the full list in New York, see our state directory.
Access & fees
A New York State Parks entry fee is required. Swimming is officially permitted only in the constructed pool below the waterfall, not in the gorge or creek. Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, showers, and picnic tables. Check the official park website for current hours, fees, and any seasonal advisories before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim under the waterfall at Robert H. Treman State Park?
Yes, but only in the designated stream pool below Lower Falls when lifeguards are on duty during summer (late June through Labor Day). Swimming elsewhere in Enfield Glen gorge is strictly prohibited.
How much does it cost to get into Robert Treman State Park?
A vehicle entry fee of $10 is charged from April through November. Admission is free with the New York State Empire Pass. The swim area is included with vehicle admission.
Is Robert H. Treman dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed in the park on a 6-foot leash with proof of rabies vaccination, but pets are strictly prohibited in the designated swimming area and bathhouse.
How long is the gorge trail at Robert Treman?
The Gorge Trail is 2.25 miles one way (4.5 miles round-trip) connecting the Upper and Lower park areas, passing 12 waterfalls including Lucifer Falls.
Can you swim at Robert H. Treman State Park?
Yes — only in the lifeguarded natural pool at Lower Falls near the lower entrance. Swimming in Enfield Creek, the gorge, or other falls is prohibited.
Is Treman State Park free?
No vehicle fee overnight/off-season collection periods vary, but a roughly $10 per-car vehicle use fee is typically collected April 1–November 30 (6 a.m.–6:30 p.m.). Empire Pass is accepted. Confirm current rates on parks.ny.gov.
When is the swimming season at Treman?
Swim season is usually late June through Labor Day, commonly 11 a.m.–7 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty. Closures happen for water quality, weather, or staffing — check the park alert before you go.
Where do you park for Lower Falls swimming?
Use the lower park entrance at 105 Enfield Falls Road from NY-327. That entrance serves the swim area, lower falls, and campground. Upper entrance is better for Lucifer Falls hiking.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Named after Robert H. Treman, a philanthropist dedicated to conservation, the park reflects his vision for preserving New York’s natural beauty.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering, and respect wildlife to preserve the park’s ecosystems.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.