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Family Fun

Looking for an easy outdoor escape the whole family can enjoy? Ithaca’s trails mix fresh air, waterfalls, and plenty of playtime.

Stroll the Cayuga Waterfront Trail—flat, paved, and perfect for strollers. Stop at Stewart Park for lakeside views, a playground, and bathrooms, then explore the magical Ithaca Children’s Garden nearby.

For light hiking, head to Beebe Lake and Triphammer Falls, where unpaved paths wind through nature. Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.

Cap it off at Taughannock Falls State Park, where the flat Gorge Trail leads to a stunning waterfall. There’s a creek to splash in (when safe!), plus a playground and picnic area by Cayuga Lake.

Fun, flexible, and full of nature—Ithaca makes it easy to adventure together.

Tips for Parents

  • All trails listed are beginner-friendly and ideal for families.
  • Bring water shoes for creek play.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and snacks!
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
Calm lake reflecting dense forest with yellow, orange, and green autumn leaves beneath a clear blue sky.
1.8
Miles

Beebe Lake Natural Area

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash)
People stand at a stone overlook, watching a tall waterfall flow into a pool below, surrounded by steep cliffs and green trees.
7.3
Miles

Taughannock Falls State Park

Difficulty
Difficult
Features
Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash)

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.