Compass Brown

Pedal Your Way Through Ithaca

Ready to ride? Ithaca’s trails are built for it.

With trails that crisscross city, state parks, and lakeside views, Ithaca is more than bike-friendly. It’s a destination. Cruise the scenic Cayuga Waterfront Trail, then connect to the Black Diamond Trail for a smooth, 20+ mile out-and-back adventure, perfect for riders who want miles and views. The route links up near the Ithaca Children’s Garden, with easy access to parks, marinas, and waterfalls along the way.

Feeling bold? Add a climb at Cayuga Cliffs or loop through Robert Treman’s upper park for a tougher challenge.

From lakeside spins to longer hauls, Ithaca’s got your next great ride.

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
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, 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).