Cornell is reminding visitors to follow safety rules in the Cascadilla and Fall Creek gorges after violations remained steady last summer. The university said violations are far below peaks recorded in 2013 and 2020.
The gorges through Cornell's Ithaca campus are scenic but hazardous, with strong currents, undertows, underwater rock ledges, steep cliffs and falling rocks.
Violations include swimming, wading, crossing fence lines, having unleashed dogs and fishing. Cornell said fishing, swimming and wading are not allowed in any of its natural areas.
About 2.5% of users in patrolled gorge areas were cited for violations last summer, according to the university.
Fishing violations increased to 36 in 2025 after only a handful were recorded in previous years, according to the university.
Cornell established the Nathaniel Rand '12 Memorial Gorge Safety Education Program in 2012 after a student died in a gorge drowning accident in 2011. Gorge stewards patrol Fall Creek and Cascadilla gorges from May through September.
The stewards answer questions, redirect visitors who break rules, clean up trash, remove rock sculptures and dams and help maintain trails.
The university said the program also includes orientation hikes for new students, training for orientation leaders and residence advisers, a gorge safety video and a safety brochure.
Cornell officials said nearby state parks and public pools offer safer places for swimming and wading.
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