Fall Creek Inlet at Cayuga Lake

The Fall Creek inlet at Cayuga Lake borders Stewart Park. Along the edge of the creek at the mouth of the inlet lie a couple of footbridges and a boathouse. Make use of these park features to enjoy the surrounding area.

Fall Creek is one of Cornell’s most iconic rivers and contains many notable natural features such as Ithaca Falls, Beebe Lake, Triphammer Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. In addition, Fall Creek supports many of the area’s water infrastructure facilities. Fall Creek is Cornell’s source of water, and when the water levels are low, it directly impacts the campus and local ecosystem. In 2016, the Fall Creek drought caused campus residents to switch to paper plates to conserve water.

Water infrastructure on the other end of the lake affects the water level of the inlet as well. In particular, the lake levels are regulated by the Cayuga -Seneca Canal. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects the Erie Canal to Cayuga Lake. This location highlights the relationship between natural beauty and water infrastructure. The main species of fish in this area of Fall Creek are the lake run rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass. All species rely on unpolluted water and livable water levels which are both heavily affected by Ithaca’s decision-making surrounding water infrastructure.