Just a short walk away from the main waterfall
It’s been a year and a half of walking across the bridge overlooking Cascadilla gorge but not until recently had I actually gone down the trail to the gorge itself. I don’t know what I expected but it definitely was nothing like the walk around Beebe Lake. The trail as a whole had a lot more stairs: it was maybe three flights of winding, cracked-stone sterps before evening out into a flat (but still not a path you’d want to take your eyes off from while walking). I went pretty close to sunset but there were still a few small groups taking pictures near the first thrid of the trail. I really underestimated how tiring the walk would be but it was really fun! It’s like, you see the pictures of the gorges everywhere but once you get there in person it’s like, huh, this is a real place? Even though the trail itself is right next to collegetown it felt like a completely different place. Even if the walk is a bit uneven and really keeps you on your toes I still recommend it a lot just as a place to take a break and explore for a while, even if only for half an hour.
I am so happy that you enjoyed the trail despite all the steps and uneven paths. If you want a better path with some more gorgeous water features, I would highly recommend taking the path on the other side of the road from Casc and Sheldon near the Engineering Quad. The path is beautiful and has a lot fewer stairs.
I also only just explored the Cascadilla Gorges trail this past month and thought it was beautiful. The first time I went, I turned around after seeing all those stairs. I came back the next week with my suitemate and we loved the trail. I could not agree more that pictures, while absolutely stunning, can never do a natural beauty like this one any true justice. It is quite a tiring trail, especially on the way up all those stairs. I hope that you will want to go back on the trail even though the path may be a little frightening. I know I do! And maybe when I do, I will count all those stairs.
There really are hidden beauties and treasures everywhere! I am glad you enjoyed your walk.
I really like walking on different trails especially around gorges and waterfalls. I find my time in nature I am more calm and relaxed. I have been trying really hard to find more time for myself especially in nature and the outdoors.