Ithaca Trails
Hidden waterfalls. Unique views. Unexpected beauty. With four pristine State Parks within five miles of Downtown Ithaca, it’s easy to jump to a number of trails for an afternoon of hiking, biking, running, or anything in between and disconnect with reality. With a variety of difficulties, lengths, and locations, everyone in the family – young and old – can enjoy Ithaca’s trails and outdoor recreation.
The lists below are our top recommendations for hiking, biking, and running.
Go to ithacatrails.org to search a comprehensive directory of Ithaca trails by difficulty, activity, or natural features.
Top Hiking Trails in Ithaca
1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg
607.387.6739
Gorge Trail: 0.75 miles along Taughannock Creek to the base of the falls Easy
South Rim Trail: 1.125 miles Moderate
North Rim Trail: 1.5 miles Moderate
105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca
607.273.3440
Easiest access to Lucifer Falls via the Gorge Trail from the park’s upper entrance. 0.5 miles Strenuous
Gorge Trail: 2.25 miles Strenuous
Rim Trail: 2.25 miles Strenuous
Red Pine Trail: 0.5 miles Moderate, Open Apr-Oct
CCC Memorial Trail: 0.33 miles Moderate
Finger Lakes Trail/North Country Trail: 3 miles Moderate Open Year Round
106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca
607.273.5761
View falls from the park entrance area or lower Gorge Trail. Easy/Moderate
Gorge Trail: 0.75 miles Strenuous
Rim Trail: 0.75 miles Strenuous
Bear Trail: 0.75 miles Moderate
Lake Treman: 1.5 miles Easy
Top Biking Trails Near Ithaca
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Shindagin Hollow State Forest
off Shindagin Hollow Rd, Dryden
Short loop 4.8 miles, intermediate loop 8 miles & long loop 15.5 miles Flat-steep, hard-packed
Natural setting, forest, wildlife
MIXED TERRAIN
Black Diamond Trail
8.4 miles Gentle incline, hard-packed
Cruise downhill from Taughannock Falls State Park to Cass Park. Connect to the Cayuga Nature Center for a pit-stop on your way!
PAVED BIKE PATH
Cayuga Waterfront Trail
904 E Shore Dr, Ithaca
6 miles Flat, paved
Waterfront ride linking the Visitors Center, Stewart Park, Ithaca Farmers Market, Children’s Garden, and Cass Park. Don’t have a bike? Rent one at Ithaca Bike Rental, found in the Youth Bureau!
ROAD RIDE
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
87-mile loop around Cayuga Lake, Paved
Looking for a multi-day biking trip? Take the opportunity to experience all that makes the Byway a worthy destination. Stop by roadside stands for special local treats, dip your toes in the lake to cool off at the local and state parks, and much more.
Best Running Trails in Ithaca
PAVED
Cayuga Waterfront Trail
904 E Shore Dr, Ithaca
6 miles Flat, paved
Waterfront views. Links the Visitors Center, Stewart Park, Ithaca Farmers Market, Children’s Garden, & Cass Park.
MIXED TERRAIN
Cornell Botanic Gardens
124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca
607.255.2400
7 miles Flat-steep
Arboretum, botanicals, natural wooded areas
