Where To Use Modals

They are also known as modal auxiliaries or modal auxiliary verbs. They are different from normal verbs like eat, drink, visit, laugh, jump, dance, follow, etc. They give additional information about the function of the main verb that comes after it. These are verbs that express different kinds of things.

When you use them, they express certainty, ability, willingness, necessity, permission, obligation, and possibility. Since they behave differently from regular verbs, they are a little confusing. As a modal auxiliary verb, will is particularly versatile, having several different functions and meanings.

Like other auxiliary verbs, modal verbs work together with a main verb to give a different meaning to a sentence/clause than if the main verb was used by itself. Modals/ modal verbs/ modal auxiliary verbs are a special type of verbs present in English grammar. These verbs are used irregularly in English grammar. Uses of modal verbs in English grammar includes providing extra information about the action of the main verb. In English, the modal verbs are used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Each one of the modal verbs can be used to express one or more of these modalities.

They can also be used to form the future tense in English and to make conditional sentences. In many cases, modal auxiliary verbs can be used in place of others to create slightly different meanings. For example, we can use the word shall in place of will in to express polite invitations. Similarly, would can also be substituted for will in requests to make them more polite. In English, main verbs but not modal verbs always require the auxiliary verb do to form negations and questions, and do can be used with main verbs to form emphatic affirmative statements. In the strict sense, though, these other verbs do not qualify as modal verbs in English because they do not allow subject-auxiliary inversion, nor do they allow negation with not.

If, however, one defines modal verb entirely in terms of meaning contribution, then these other verbs would also be modals and so the list here would have to be greatly expanded. These auxiliaries express obligation, possibilities, permission or ability in a sentence by adding meaning to the main verb. As per modal verbs rules, the spelling or form do not change, unlike other verbs. In many Germanic languages, the modal verbs may be used in more functions than in English. In German, for instance, modals can occur as non-finite verbs, which means they can be subordinate to other verbs in verb catenae; they need not appear as the clause root.

In Swedish, some modal verbs have infinitive forms. This for instance enables catenae containing several modal auxiliaries. The modal verbs are underlined in the following table. In this week's Teacher's Corner, students work together to rewrite sentences that use either simple or phrasal modals. This activity is a great way to draw attention to modals, to their different forms, and to how those different forms can create slight differences in meanings. A small group of auxiliary verbs, called the modal verbs are only used in combination with ordinary verbs.

A modal verb changes the other verb's meaning to something different from simple fact. Modals may express permission, ability, prediction, possibility, or necessity. The main use of the modal verb "will" is to form the future form of the verbs in English. When talking about demands and requests, the use of will sometimes is not as polite as other modal verbs. It can be used to talk about ability and permission in the past. Also, just like the modal verb "can", the modal verb "could" can be used to make questions, requests, suggestions or offers, but in a more polite way.

It can also be used to talk about possibilities, but not as strong possibility that the one expressed with "can". An extension to this activity could have students writing their own sentences using simple or phrasal modals as they choose. In this month's Teacher's Corner, we present four activities that focus on the form, meaning, and use of modals in everyday English. The activity offered in Week 1 uses common classroom instructions to help learners differentiate between modals expressing necessity and those expressing possibility.

Week 2 gives learners a chance to recognize equivalent simple and phrasal modals. In Week 3 an activity explains how to teach a common speech act. We end the month with a common icebreaker activity adapted to emphasize modals. Before we get started learning how to use modal verbs, let's take a look at what modal verbs are. According tothis article from Grammarly, modal verbs are classified as auxiliary verbs.

"Auxiliary verbs" are helping verbs, which means you use them with other verbs in your sentences. Oughtis used with meanings similar to those ofshouldexpressing expectation or requirement. Could are modal auxiliary verbs that express an ability, permission, request, offer or opportunity. In this article, we'll explore the differences between canandcould, and how to use each.

Modals (can, will, should, etc.), also known as modal auxiliaries, are difficult to learn because they seem to function like a verb but don't follow the same rules. We will examine the forms, meaning, and use of modals in more depth. There are a wide variety of modal auxiliary and their function. So, let's waste no more time and begin the learning journey. Modal verbs indicate possibility, obligation or ability.

Find out how your child will be taught about modal verbs in grammar lessons in KS2 and the kinds of activities they might be asked to complete in the primary-school classroom. As a modal verb, "should" has many important uses in the English language. It's used to give advice, to express what's right, and to recommend an action. Also, it's used to make predictions, but ones that are more uncertain than those with the other modal verbs. Hawaiian Pidgin is a creole language most of whose vocabulary, but not grammar, is drawn from English.

As is generally the case with creole languages, it is an isolating language and modality is typically indicated by the use of invariant pre-verbal auxiliaries. The invariance of the modal auxiliaries to person, number, and tense makes them analogous to modal auxiliaries in English. However, as in most creoles the main verbs are also invariant; the auxiliaries are distinguished by their use in combination with a main verb.

Shall is a word that is used in England to express a future promise and to form a simple present for I and we. It's commonly used in formal and legal situations in the United States to form polite questions that include a polite request for permission. It can also be used to offer assistance, make suggestions, or ask for advice. As you've seen in this article, modal verbs are useful when it comes to expressing ideas and making polite requests. They're super versatile, and you can use them in all kinds of situations.However, make sure that you don't use too many modal verbs in your conversations. The nine modal verbs outlined above are different from other verbs in that they never change forms.

Even when obeying subject-verb-agreement, these verbs will be identical when used with singular or plural subjects as in Cheetahs can run fast and a cheetah can run fast. In addition to this, these verbs typically are used only with certain verb tenses. For example, you are likely to hear the sentence It might be cloudy tomorrow but are unlikely to hear the sentence It might will be cloudy tomorrow. Generally speaking, these modal verbs are most often used with verbs in the present tenses . The modalwillis often used to express futurity . With first-person subjects , in varieties where shall is used for simple expression of futurity, the use of will indicates particular willingness or determination.

Today we will talk about how to use modal verbs properly. Many English learners make mistakes about the use of these special helping verbs. We will also study how to avoid these common mistakes. I know that the word modal verb doesn't sound too exciting. But when you see what they are, you'd understand that we use these verbs all the time. -,gamōtmaymögen, magmogen, magmögen, magmeie, meimagmå(må)mega, mámagum, magwissen, weißweten, weet?

Witte, witweetvedvetvita, veitwitum, wait(tharf)dürfen, darfdurven, durfdörven, dörvdoarre, doardurf? Þaúrbum, þarfThe English could is the preterite form of can; should is the preterite of shall; might is the preterite of may; and must was originally the preterite form of mote. (This is ignoring the use of "may" as a vestige of the subjunctive mood in English.) These verbs have acquired an independent, present tense meaning. The German verb möchten is sometimes taught as a vocabulary word and included in the list of modal verbs, but it is actually the past subjunctive form of mögen. In academic writing, modal verbs are most frequently used to indicate logical possibility and least frequently used to indicate permission. Eight modal verbs are listed under each of the functions they can perform in academic writing, and are ordered from strongest to weakest for each function.

Notice that the same modal can have different strengths when it's used for different functions (e.g., may or can). Modals can be defined as a subset of the English auxiliary verbs and are used to show modality like obligation, and possibility, etc. They don't have an infinitive form or participle which can be used to differentiate them from other verbs along with their neutralization. Similar to when you're making a request, modal verbs can change your sentence from a statement to a question. That automatically makes your sentence sound more polite because it's not being presented as a demand.

Notice that some of these modal verbs can be used in various situations. To avoid confusion, it's important that you understand the overall context of a sentence that includes a modal verb. That way, you won't be confused as to how the speaker is using the word. "Ought" is probably the simplest of this set of modal verbs. It's almost always followed by "to" and the infinitive form of a verb. It means the same thing as "should," and is used in the same ways, although "ought" is less common and a bit more formal.

A few examples of "ought" are "We ought to be home by noon," which means "I expect that we will be home by noon," and "I ought to fix that," which means "I should fix that." These verbs are all modal verbs, which means that they are generally used in combination with other verbs, and are used to change the verb's meaning to something different from simple fact. Modals express possibility, ability, prediction, permission, and necessity. Modal verbs are helping/auxiliary verbs that give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows. They express attitudes such as ability, possibility, permission, and suggestion. The modal 'can' is a commonly used modal verb in English.

It is used to express; ability, opportunity, a request, to grant permission, to show possibility or impossibility. It is this large amount of functions and the fact that 'can' is replaced by other modals when it is used to express future or past time that often lead to certain errors. Part 1 explains the grammar of modal verbs and where they are placed in a sentence or question. Part 2 explains the meaning of each modal verb and provides example sentences.

Technology is definitely pretty cool, but do you know what else is cool? We use verbs to refer to actions or states of being, and we use different types of verbs in our sentences in clauses. While we were philosophizing about our smartphones, we used a kind of verb known as a modal verb to give sentences a particular meaning. Modal verbs are helpful verbs, so let's return the favor and learn a little more about them. The negated forms arewill not(contracted towon't) andwould not(contracted towouldn't). The modals of English are a small class of auxiliary verbs used mostly to express modality (properties such as possibility, obligation, …).

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. The modal verb "might" is used to express possibility in the present or in the future.

It can be used as the verb "may" most times, however, it often means that the event has less possibility of happening than when it's said using may. Its negative form, "might not " is used to talk about possibilities but in a negative way. One way to vary this activity is to utilize a reading that you have previously used in class. Modify half of the reading to use simple modals and the other half of the reading to use only phrasal modals. Students will be familiar with the material and vocabulary, making it easier for them to focus on examining the differences in meaning between the two types of modals.

Turn their attention to the modals written on the board. Explain that simple modals are single words while phrasal modals are phrases using the verbs be or have. Tell learners that the simple modals on the board can be matched to a phrasal modal. The two modals do not mean exactly the same thing, but they can be used in similar ways. Walk into a classroom in the United States, and you'll see a variety of posters stating different classroom rules and instructions for students.

Some of these posters might include phrases such as raise hand to speak or don't interrupt another student. Even if there are no posters, most teachers have a list of classroom rules and instructions. These rules are usually written as short phrases without modals; however, a modal is still implied. Use the infinitive form of the main verb instead of "to" when using modal verbs. In definitions, it is referred to as a helping verb. There are certain modal verbs rules that encircle their use.

It can be very beneficial if one can learn the rules and use of modal verbs as this will help you make grammatically correct English sentences. Modal verbs are an important part of English grammar. They're very versatile, and you can use them in many different situations. If you learned beginner English grammar in school or with a language teacher, you probably already learned about some of these modal verbs and when to use them. The nine main modal verbs express a range of meanings, which may differ very subtly. The main meanings, especially those used in formal English, will be summarised here.

Modal verbs are also known as auxiliary verbs or "helping" verbs. We use them along with a main verb to express ideas like possibility, obligation, and permission. Modal verbs are a fundamental part of English because they express obligations, abilities, probabilities, suggestions and much more.

How To Use Modal Verbs In A Sentence So learning how to use modal verbs can really improve your level of fluency. Let's have a look to see what modal verbs have in common and the many ways they can be used. Auxiliary verbs add grammatical or functional meaning to the clauses in which they are used. They can be used to express aspect, voice, modality, tense, etc. For example, I have read this book so many times. "Have" is an auxiliary, which helps express the perfect aspect.

All of the following sentences use modal verbs. Remember that modal verbs can also be used in the negative. Shall is a good modal verb to recognize, but it's rarely used in everyday language because it feels so formal and polite to native English speakers. You may see it most often in literature from past eras. Can (or cannot/can't) shows ability, in the sense of knowing how or being able to do something. In informal situations, it expresses permission, in the sense of being allowed to do something.

Waterfalls Near Me To Swim Ny

You'll have to take a 2-mile trek up the South Fork Tuolumne River, but it's mostly flat and certainly well worth the journey during the summer months. The 35-foot waterfall that cascades over the wide granite ledges into the swimming hole offers the ideal ambiance. You'll be surrounded by soaring ponderosa pines, and most of the time, all you'll hear are the birds watching from above and the soothing sounds of the water. Slide Rock, located within Arizona's Slide Rock State Park seven miles north of Sedona, is a popular place on a hot summer day.

Here, visitors take turns sliding down the sloping 80-foot-long sandstone-carved waterway, while others cool off in the creek's shallow stretches or enjoy boulder jumping into its deeper pools. Just spending the afternoon soaking up the sunshine and watching swimmers from the surrounding red rock ledges can make for a good time. You can also fish, hike and watch for wildlife in the park that's also home to picturesque Oak Creek Canyon, once a favorite filming location for Hollywood westerns. Enfield Falls is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which also features nine miles of hiking trails. You can camp here too, so this swimming hole makes an ideal summer vacation destination. The swimming hole sits at the bottom of the 115-foot falls, and the view as you hike down from the cliff staircase is absolutely magnificent.

There are a total of 12 waterfalls in the park, so after a day of hiking, cooling off under Enfield Falls feels heavenly. The swimming area has a lifeguard on duty during the summer too, making it perfect for families with children. The Sooke Potholes formed during the last ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, as a result of melting ice and boulders that scraped deep holes in Sooke River's bedrock. Located just 25 miles west of Victoria on Vancouver Island's southernmost tip, they're easy to get to yet they feel as if they're worlds away from the chaos of the city. While this is a popular place to swim, there is plenty of room, and potholes, for all.

Further upstream along the creek there is a beautiful photo-op spot, complete with a waterfall, mossy rocks and shallow pools of clear water. As most don't make it here, there's a good chance that you can enjoy the waterfall all to yourself. And, if you're up for hiking another couple of miles along the Galloping Goose Trail, you'll find even more private pools with the possibility for skinny dipping. Along the way, watch for bald eagles, Roosevelt elk and black bear.

With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death. The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Tour - You'll ascend approximately 600 feet on the gorge trail from its beginning at Buttermilk Falls by the time it ends just past the 42ft "Pinnacle Rock". The gorge trail follows Buttermilk Creek through its cool, moist, gorge past deep pools, sculpted rocks and several waterfalls.

There are many beautiful stone steps on this trail making it a difficult hike for some visitors. No trip to Ithaca is complete without a visit to the town's many gorges and waterfalls. Enfield Falls, known also as Lower Falls, is part of Robert H. Treman State Park, which also features nine miles of hiking trails. You can camp here, as well, so consider making this swimming hole a major summer destination. It's that time of year when most of us would give anything to jump into a refreshing swimming hole or stand underneath a beautiful waterfall. These swimming holes and waterfalls across the globe provide some of the most ideal spots for doing just that.

This easy, shaded hike in the South Mountain Reservation leads to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall with a swimming hole at its base. Whichever path you choose, splashing around the water is an inviting reward at the end of the hike. Inside Hickory Run State Park, follow a winding, .6-mile forest path downhill, across a scenic footbridge and through a tunnel of rhododendron to reach beautifulHawk Falls. The water descends 25 feet as it cascades over the rocks from Hawk Run down to Mud Run. Trail parking is available along Route 534 for this out-and-back route. Be sure to take the time to visit the newly-renovated Hickory Run State Park Visitors Center just down the road and explore more of the park's wonders, including Boulder Field, during your visit.

When you visit Round Top, NY, you have hit the jackpot of waterfalls near New York City! Several Catskills waterfalls are located in the region – Glen Falls, and East Kill Falls. Comprised of three unique waterfalls, two of which boast excellent swimming holes, there is no shortage of beauty to explore at Glen Falls.

Parking is available at the Glen Falls House, and the staff at the front desk will be happy to direct you to the appropriate hiking trails. The Catskills region is a popular destination for people of all walks of life, but it holds a special place in the hearts of those that love the outdoors. Rugged mountains, bucolic fields, dense wild forests, and crystal-clear waterways create a natural playground that takes a lifetime to explore. Catskills hiking is perhaps the most popular form of recreation, enticing trail masters and family adventurers alike. While many of the region's most popular routes end atop mountain peaks, there are also hiking trails that lead to waterfalls! Eventually you'll see a big a rock that says "Nudist Area" ahead.

We were here on a Sunday, and there were probably about 20 people for that mile, and only one couple had clothes. About a mile from that rock you'll come to the best swimming hole, which is a small 3 foot fall into a large pool with blue-green water. Before this the river is kind of on a flat rock bed, so it widens and narrows to form thin deep ravines and shallow pools, and there are lots of areas to cool off along the way. There is apparently another fall further along the stream, but we didn't pursue it.

THE LEGEND OF KUKLAMUNGA FALLS Years ago, when rivers and streams doubled as America's highways, Ridley Creek was a popular trade route for Minquas and Susquehanna Indians. Minquas Path, behind the house later became known as The Great Trail and was used to transport thousands of beaver skins to the first Dutch trading posts on the Delaware River. One cool evening, Chief Choo stumbled away from a campsite along the trail and returned telling tales of a tropical rock canyon with warm waterfalls and hot water swimming holes.

Most thought Choo was crazy or "kookoo", but he soon was joined by a host of good friends who would bring food and spirits and sneak off to the falls. These people became known as the Kookachoos, and they called the falls "Kuklamunga". These customs were passed on from generation to generation until the falls were tragically buried by the construction of U.S. Giovanni Cacciutti learned about the Kukachoos and stumbled across a map of Kuklamunga Falls while researching the roots of similar-sounding names.

In the year 2000, they excavated the canyon down to the rare geocentric fissure that is responsible for the tropical anomaly and designed a house around it. Located south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a multi-tier waterfall with water that collects in a number of vivid cerulean pools as it flows downstream. There are also trails to climb to the top of the falls where there are more natural pools for swimming.

Waterfalls Near Me To Swim The falls that begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside lead to the main fall which has a 200-foot cascade. They're a favorite attraction with tourists to Luang Prabang, and a must-see even if you don't want to swim. Locals charge a nominal fee to visit the site, but it is well maintained, featuring walkways and bridges to help you get there. The hike will start on an uphill and continue to climb to its end. The largest of the falls is not too far along the trail and can be enjoyed from the base or from a bit higher as you continue along the trail. The trail continues along the left of the brook as it makes it way higher along the cascade.

Other small waterfalls and swimming holes are met along the way. You'll find two beautiful waterfalls that are quick and easy to access along the D&L Trail running through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Start from the Rockport Access Area outside Jim Thorpe and head .3 miles upstream to find Buttermilk Falls, which drops 50 feet over several levels of rocky ledges. Head back to the parking lot and continue another .3 miles downstream to discover tranquil Luke's Falls. Because of the dense summer greenery surrounding it, this cascade is easier to see in spring and fall.

Warren FallsThe photo above just doesn't do Warren Falls justice. Not only is it a beautiful Vermont waterfall, but it's also one of the best swimming holes in Vermont. Cliff jumping is a favorite pastime at Warren Falls, and the pools below the falls are clear and deep.

There are plenty of spots along the river for a secluded picnic, but the main swimming area will be jam-packed on summer afternoons. If you happen to be globetrotting, or don't mind traveling great distances to visit spectacular waterfalls, don't miss Wangi Falls in Australia's Northern Territory. Located within Litchfield National Park, which is renowned for its accessible and pristine natural beauty, Wangi Falls offer a picture-postcard swimming hole amid a lush, monsoonal rainforest. The falls, made up of two cascades over rock escarpments, are the most popular attraction in the park. The falls can occasionally be closed to swimming, particularly during the tropical summer from October to March, so be sure to check in advance.

There are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes at Gulf Hagas, a heavily wooded gorge carved through slate bedrock that is part of the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Maine, the canyon is as much as 400 feet deep in some places. There's an eight-mile loop that can be trekked that includes several waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. Just off route 23A, these falls double as a popular swimming hole in warm summer months. A deep pool lies at the base of the milky white cascade, nestled within a rocky ravine carved out by the falls themselves, and it's just big enough for a refreshing dip. With over 60 miles of hiking trails and extraordinary waterfall viewing, this park is a must-see.

The adventurous can take it all in from above; hot air balloons frequently fly over the gorge in the summer. This cliff jumper's dream features towering boulder formations and a combination of deep and shallow crystal clear water, reflecting deep blues and blacks. The granite bridge is a highlight – you can swim underneath and pop out in a hole milled out by the stream. While it's surely one of California's best swimming holes, it does require good boots and about a 2.5-mile moderate, unmarked hike to get there. One of the best swimming holes in all of North Carolina lies at the base of Hunt and Fish falls, deep within the stunning Linville Gorge . It is accessible by a 6-mile out and back hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail, which cuts through a remote section of the Pisgah National Forest.

Laced with waterfalls and stream crossings, this hike will keep you on your toes as you hop and splash across the slick rocks and deep pools of the tremendous Gragg Prong. Melina CooganAs the name suggests, this swimming hole is sweet, green, and refreshing, hidden away into what feels like a forgotten corner of DuPont State Forest . I have never seen another visitor at these falls, which certainly makes for a unique experience in this super popular wilderness area. A lovely and densely wooded 3.2 mile hike will lead you to this 15 foot cascade of water that tumbles over a sloping rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. At the edge of the pool, the water rushes over another short drop on its way to the Little River.

Hikers looking for a more intense adventure will love the four mile loop trail to Diamond Notch Falls, also known as West Kill Falls, via the trail at Diamond Notch Road in Lanesville. Walk along maintained trails through lush Catskills wilderness to this beautiful 10 foot waterfall. Enjoy the view from the bridge at the crest of the falls, or hike down to the shallow pool below. If you're more concerned with the destination than the journey, access the falls via a .7 mile hike from the parking area on Spruceton Road.

Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Australia is Millaa Millaa Falls – a heritage-listed plunge waterfall that's also a great swimming spot. After enjoying the falls, keep your eyes peeled for the electric-blue Ulysses butterfly and the elusive platypus. One of the most accessible falls from Cairns is in Josephine Falls, less than an hours drive away. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Bartle Frere, Jo Falls (as it's known to the locals) boasts its very own natural waterslide on the bottom pool. The series of waterfalls in this national park provides respite to travellers tackilng a long and dusty drive along the Old Telegraph Track. Michael CoghlanAnother name for this swimming hole is Drift Falls, but we think its colloquial title is more accurate.

The pools and slides of this many-tiered, 70-foot cascade might look tempting, but rocks, undercuts and swift moving water make it too dangerous to explore. But there is plenty of fun to be had at the base of the falls, which includes sunny boulders and cliffs for jumping; a rope is rigged on the rock wall to help you climb. Moss Glen Falls in GranvilleMoss Glen Falls is located on what many consider the most beautiful road in Vermont, scenic Route 100. First of all, they are located right on the road and can be accessed from a very short boardwalk, which I believe is wheelchair accessible.

This is also one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen, horsetailing gracefully for 35 feet over a series of rocks and into a shallow pool. Flowing down over 60 feet of Catskill shale ledges, the falls are a beautiful, family-friendly spot to cool off on a hot summer's day. Along the way, you'll encounter ruins from the old Vernooy Mill dating back to the 1800s and the Catskills' lumbering heydays. At the bottom of Mont-Sainte-Anne, a beautiful 224-foot waterfall with three cascading falls, at 39, 62 and 134-feet high, await.

You'll have to climb over 400 stairs down to the bottom of the falls, but there are two viewing platforms along the way to stop, rest and take in the gorgeous surroundings. If you're adventurous, you can swim directly in the basins or even jump from the ledges that surround them. Before jumping in, you might want to work up a sweat on one of the many hiking trails throughout the area, including everything from gentle walks to steep, technical treks.

Tinago Falls, or "Hidden Falls," is located on Biliran, part of the Visayas islands group of the central Philippines, in the heart of the Caibiran rainforest. The falls are surrounded by lush trees, vines and other exotic plants, making it a picture-perfect hideaway. Underneath, you can discover another hidden gem, a small cave that can be entered, where you can listen to the rippling waters of the falls. Winding through the Platte Clove region, also known as Devil's Kitchen, is Plattekill Creek, the source of several popular Catskills waterfalls. Park at the little red house and walk 100 feet south of the King Post Bridge to find Old Mill Falls.

Named for an old mill that stood downstream from the falls in the 1800s, Old Mill Falls makes up for its short height with expansive width. At just 16 feet high, these falls are at their most stunning when water is high, pushing graceful veils over the entire span of the creek bed. The first falls, sometimes called Cowsheds Falls, are universally accessible while the other parts of the gorge are only reached after a brief but steep climb.

After the initial climb, the trail through the gorge is relatively flat and easily negotiated. Further along the gorge are several stunning smaller cascades and waterfalls that culminate with the tallest falls, Dalibarda Falls, followed shortly after by Upper and Lower Pinnacle Falls. These last pair of waterfalls lies in a visually striking square-cut section of the gorge near the terminus of the gorge trail. Late spring, early summer, and/or after periods of heavy rain are the best time to see the waterfalls in their most torrential states. Located on the southern edge of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls is a wildly popular spot for tourists and local residents, especially during the height of summer.

Across a verdant lawn is a foaming and frothy waterfall with a deep pool and dammed swimming area below. The park's namesake falls, Buttermilk Falls, tumbles down striated gorge rock in two distinct drops. The first, nearly 90 feet in height, lies beside the trail that ascends quickly away from the swimming area. The second is visible just above the first from a handsomely built stone-lookout. During the last ice age, glaciers thousands of feet thick blanketed much of northern North America, sculpting the beautiful topography of the Finger Lakes region.

The effects of these glaciers can be seen in the multiple waterfalls that splash down along Lick Brook on its journey to Cayuga Lake, including one that is nearly 140 feet tall. The Finger Lakes Land Trust's Lick Brook Gorge preserve hosts a popular stretch of the Finger Lakes Trail that runs along the gorge. Ambitious hikers can continue along the trail to Buttermilk Falls State Park to the east and Robert H. Treman State Park to the west. Follow the craggy glory of the Enfield Glen within Robert H. Treman Park to take in the 12 waterfalls that grace the landscape.