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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

Curved paved path in grassy park with large trees, bench on pad, parked cars along edge, and clear sky. Peaceful setting.
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
Narrow path beside calm lake with green foliage, red buoys in distance, hills, and partly cloudy blue sky.
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)
1.5
Miles

Roy H. Park Preserve

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

Current Trail Alerts

Roy H. Park Preserve

  • The north entrance to the Roy H. Park Preserve and the boardwalk will be closed to the public from Monday, July 7, through September 2025 as work is underway to install an ADA-accessible path. The south entrance will remain open during this time. Thank you for your patience.

Fall Creek Gorge Natural Area

  • The section of trail in Fall Creek Gorge west of the suspension bridge to Chi Psi is unstable and closed until further notice.

Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area

  • A portion of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Stewart Avenue and College Avenue will be closed until mid- to late-October 2025. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

Beebe Lake Natural Area

  • Hemlock Gorge trail upstream of Sackett Bridge is closed.

Black Diamond Trail

  • Starting September 2, 2025 park staff will be performing trail maintenance on the Black Diamond Trail between Perry City Road and Garrett Road. Sections of the trail will be intermittently closed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Please use alternate routes during that time. The work is expected to last several weeks.