Trees Brown

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, Bus Stop Nearby, Open Year-Round
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), Bus Stop Nearby, 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).