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Compass Brown

Birdwatching in Ithaca

Both casual and experienced birders can find winged wildlife across Tompkins County. A trip to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to hike Sapsucker Woods is a perfect way to start your bid watching adventure in Ithaca. In addition to __ miles of trails, the “Lab of O.” has a visitor center filled with interactive exhibits focused on our fine feathered friends.

The best locations for bird watching change seasonally. The trail suggestions below are provided courtesy of the Cayuga Bird Club.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Person kayaking on a calm lake at sunset, with orange-pink sky and clouds reflected in the water; tree-covered hills in the background.
8.0
Miles

Cayuga Waterfront Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash), Accessible
Cloudy lakeshore with a stone jetty extending into the water; two small lighthouses, one white and one red, stand at the jetty’s end. Green shrubs and trees line the shore in front.
0.2
Miles

Lighthouse Point Natural Area

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Unique wildlife viewing
A dirt path winds through a sunlit green forest; a wooden bench and small sign are on the left. Dappled sunlight on the path.
10.1
Miles

Dryden Rail Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash)
Aerial view of autumn forest with colorful trees, a winding stream, and large pond beneath partly cloudy sky.
1.5
Miles

Roy H. Park Preserve

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Dog-friendly (on leash), Accessible

Current Trail Alerts

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