Black Diamond Trail

Total distance: 8.44 miles

Difficulty level(s): easy

This Rail Trail is part of the old line that was once the flagship passenger line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Known as the Black Diamond Express, this luxury passenger service ran from New York to Buffalo from 1896 until 1959. Recreationists will experience a range of natural landscapes from a towering canopy of mature maple, hemlock, oak, and hickory, to views of pastoral agricultural lands, and dozens of ravines with the sounds of cascading waters all heading for the picturesque Cayuga Lake. This 8.5-mile stone-dust path along the upland slopes of Cayuga Lake makes for an enjoyable family-oriented walk, bike, or even cross-country skiing opportunity from the city limits of Ithaca to the 215 foot waterfall, Taughannock Falls.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 42.447199
Longitude: -76.515307

Parking Locations

Bus Stops

Trail Attributes

  • Good for Biking
  • Good for Hiking
  • Good for Running
  • Good for Cross-Country Skiiing
  • Good for Snowshoeing
  • Lakes visible
  • Unique Wildlife Viewing

More Info

Part of interconnected trail system: Yes

Trail Surface: Gravel/Stone Dust

Trail Markers: wayfinding signs

This trail is ADA Accessible.

Use of firearms for deer hunting is not allowed. Bow hunting may be allowed. BE SAFE: See the specific trail owner/steward’s website for the most up to date details

This trail is open year round.

Visit the Trail Owners/Stewards

https://parks.ny.gov