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We drove from Cleveland (5 hours) and checked in to our rental house in Ithaca, New York on Friday.
Day 1: Robert H. Treman State Park
On Saturday we went to Robert Treman State Park and took turns jumping into the swimming area. What an awesome photo op, right by the waterfall.
The swimming area 
Along the Gorge Trail 
Lucifer Falls from the overlook 
Heading down from the overlook
We dried off and hiked the Gorge Trail to Lucifer Falls – well worth it. Make sure to take the cliff staircase to the overlook area. Part of the trail was closed but we made it to the falls and the overlook. Came back on the Rim Trail, parts of the hike were uphill but we had an 8-year old and a 2-year old and they did great (amazingly). Just over 4 miles total.
Spent around 4 hours total there, had a group of 10 and still had time for Buttermilk or Taughannock Falls, but just went back to the house for dinner. Then went into Ithaca for ice cream and drinks, nice town and the waterfalls there are cool too.
Day 2: Watkins Glen State Park
We drove to Watkins Glen and parked at the main entrance, on Franklin Street. Recommend going there instead of the upper entrance on Route 409. We hiked the Gorge Trail up and the Indian Trail back. The Gorge Trail is the one that goes right by all the waterfalls and is definitely the most scenic. Such a beautiful area. Doesn’t take long at all, 2-3 hours is all you should need for the 2-mile RT hike. Easy for all ages.
Drove back to Cleveland. Quick trip, but was great and didn’t feel rushed at all. Would have liked to have seen Buttermilk or Taughannock, but maybe next time. Glad we stayed in Ithaca so on Sunday we basically hit Watkins Glen on the way home.
Traveled in August 2014
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