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Beebe Lake Natural Area

Difficulty // Easy
Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Running
Distance // 1.8 miles
Features // Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash)
Route Type // Loop
Estimated hiking time // 36 mins
Open year-round.
Hunting not allowed.
Surface types // Earth, Gravel / Stone Dust, Pavement
Trail markers // orange blaze, none

Current Trail Alerts

Hemlock Gorge trail upstream of Sackett Bridge is closed.

Visitors can explore Cornell Botanic Gardens Beebe Lake Natural Area on the one-mile loop trail around this man-made lake in the heart of Cornell campus. The scenic trail passes through mature and old-growth forests, over the historic Sackett Bridge, and past many lake views and stone seating areas that include picturesque views across the lake and the falls over Beebe Dam into Fall Creek Gorge from the Triphammer Footbridge. These trails are also a favorite for joggers, hikers or a simple stroll. A shorter loop trail from Sackett’s Bridge leads to a picnic area overlooking a waterfall tucked away in Hemlock Gorge. While hiking the trail, visitors may take an interpretive guided tour using your smart phone by downloading “Pocketsights Tour Guide” from the App Store or Google Play Store. Trails here also connect with the Cayuga Trail, and trails within the Botanic Garden area, the Mundy Wildflower Garden, Cornell Campus, and additional, adjoining natural areas.

Portions of this trail system are also included in the Cayuga Trail system.

This trail is part of the Cayuga Trail.

White hiking boot on a brown circular background, symbolizing hiking or walking trails.
Hiking
White standard bicycle on a light blue circular background, denoting cycling or bike trails.
Biking
White electric bicycle with a lightning bolt above it on a green circular background, representing e-bike use.
e-Biking
White outline of a horseshoe centered on a gold circular background, symbolizing horseback riding.
Horse
White icon of a person running with motion lines on a dark blue circular background, symbolizing physical activity or trail use.
running
White icon of a kayak with a double-bladed paddle on a brown circular background, representing paddling or kayaking.
Paddling
White crossed skis and ski poles on a light blue circular background, indicating winter sports or skiing.
Skiing
White outline of two crisscrossed snowshoes on a green circular background, representing snowshoeing activity.
Snowshoe
Distance // 0 Miles
Difficulty // Easy

    Parking Locations

    No parking locations available.

    Bus Stops

    • Dairy Bar - Get Directions

      On north side of Tower Rd, take path to left (west) for 600 ft, then right on path leading to Nevins Welcome Center parking area and intersection with Cayuga Trail. Head NW to Beebe Lake trails.

    • Milstein Hall - Get Directions

      Go east on University Ave; at intersection, continue straight on Forest Home Dr for 300 ft to Cayuga Trail angling off on left.

    • Thurston at Balch Hall - Get Directions

      Go SE on paths for 200 ft, cross Cradit Farm Dr, and continue on paths to Beebe Lake trails.

    No parking locations available.
    • Dairy Bar - Get Directions

      On north side of Tower Rd, take path to left (west) for 600 ft, then right on path leading to Nevins Welcome Center parking area and intersection with Cayuga Trail. Head NW to Beebe Lake trails.

    • Milstein Hall - Get Directions

      Go east on University Ave; at intersection, continue straight on Forest Home Dr for 300 ft to Cayuga Trail angling off on left.

    • Thurston at Balch Hall - Get Directions

      Go SE on paths for 200 ft, cross Cradit Farm Dr, and continue on paths to Beebe Lake trails.

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    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 from June 10, 2025 to early September 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.