Outdoor Recreation in Ithaca
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Perfect running trails. Breathtaking waterfalls. Beautiful shores. Unforgettable memories. Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant throughout Ithaca and Tompkins County. Find peaceful shores to enjoy an afternoon picnic beside, biking trails through incredible forests, and hiking trails that lead you to the base of unbelievable waterfalls. Ithaca may be a mini-city in the southern tip of the Finger Lakes, but you can always enjoy some outdoor adventure to get you back in touch with nature.
All four NY State Parks in Tompkins County are open. Please take note of the safety protocols provided here: parks.ny.gov/covid19
We recommend confirming that parks and swimming areas are open prior to your visit directly through the NY State Parks website. Due to the popularity of Ithaca-area parks and capacity limitations in response to COVID-19, park entrances have been closed at peak times when capacity has been reached.
- Taghannock Falls State Park updates
- Robert H.Treman State Park updates
- Buttermilk Falls State Park updates
Ithaca-area park visitor updates:
- Swimming is now CLOSED for the 2020 season at all area State Parks.
- Parking will be limited by 50% and restricted to parking lots only (no lawn parking). Follow signs and markers at each individual park.
- Face masks are required in areas where social distancing may not be possible such as trailheads and viewing areas.
- Some State Park bathrooms are open with every other stall/sink roped off for non-use to comply with social distancing. Restrooms will be closed for sanitizing several times a day.
- Picnic tables will be reduced by 50% and spread out, please maintain this spacing.
- Most boat launches are open across the region.
Trail updates:
- For the safety of all, please do not step off the designated trails.
- Rim Trails at Buttermilk, Robert Treman, and Taughannock are open; Taughannock Gorge Trail is open. Please take note of signage indicating one-way hiking.
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail is now open.
Virtual Experiences
- Cornell University Lab of Ornithology Live Cam
- ICG@Home activity series from Ithaca Children's Garden
- Cayuga Nature Center & Smith Woods Video
- Podcast about Cayuga Nature Center Visit
- Discover Ithaca Children's Garden Video
- Gardening Online Courses from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
Whether you want to launch your kayak into Cayuga Lake, follow a path through the trees, or play a round of golf on one of the beautiful greens, Ithaca won’t disappoint. Make your vacation here all about the outdoors and choose one of the many Ithaca camping options available to take it all in from sun up to sun down!
