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No Bike, No Problem

Some Ithacans would argue that the best way to explore our trails is on two wheels.

Ithaca Bike Rental near Stewart Park makes a pedal-powered exploration of Ithaca’s waterfront available to virtually everyone. They offer bikes for people across a wide range of ages, sizes, and abilities including standard upright bikes, kids bikes, recumbent trikes, and tandem bicycles. You can reserve bikes for periods of between 1 hour and 1 week. See their website for current availability and pricing.

In addition, Ithaca Bikeshare offers a fleet of pedal-assist e-bikes available for short trips around town. Download the app before your visit so you are ready to ride when you get here.  Make sure to check if the trail you want to ride allows electric bicycles.

The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is conveniently located next to Ithaca Bike Rental. This trail provides delightful views of Cayuga Lake, access to the Ithaca Farmers Market, and the Allan H Treman Marine State Park.

For a more adventurous ride consider the Black Diamond Trail. This rail trail connects Ithaca’s Cass Park to Taughannock Falls State Park. The trail has a steady incline as it ascends West Hill and affords some spectacular views of Cayuga Lake.

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
Curved rural road with green trees, grassy fields, a yellow gate, and traffic signs under a cloudy sky.
8.4
Miles

Black Diamond Trail

Difficulty
Easy
Features
Lakes visible, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Restrooms available, 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.