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, Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
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, Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
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), Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
1.5
Miles

Roy H. Park Preserve

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

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

  • A section of the trail between Stewart Ave and 118 McGraw will be closed from September 17th through October 2nd for work on the Stewart Avenue Bridge project. 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 is closed for construction and will reopen in spring, 2026. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

Black Diamond Trail

  • NYS Parks will be working on the section of the Black Diamond Trail between Perry City Rd. and Garrett Rd. from Monday, September 21st, through Friday, October 2nd. During this time, this section of the trail will be closed to all patrons Monday through Friday, with NO ACCESS. The trail will reopen for normal use on the weekend between these dates (September 26-27th).