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
- Parking Lot : Find parking at Cass Park and at the west end of Taughannock or along road crossings
Bus Stops
Cass Park (Summer only)
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Go south across Taughannock Blvd, and continue on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail for 0.5 to intersection with Black Diamond.
Buffalo @ Taughannock
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
At bus stop, head west for 0.3 miles on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, crossing over the Inlet bridge. At the Y intersection, just before the Rt 89 bridge, follow the trail to the left (west). Continue 0.2 on the path to the trailhead for the Black Diamo
Cayuga Medical Center
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
From bus stop, walk to bench by SE corner of building; take stairs down, immediately turn right on small path to reach the Hospital Trail. Follow that trail 0.5 mile to the Black Diamond Trail.
State/MLK at Inlet Island
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Go 400 ft NW on State/MLK (NY-79), then left onto Floral Ave (Rt 13A), continue 100 ft to short connector to Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Walk 0.5 mi north on the Waterfront Trail to intersection with the Black Diamond Trail.
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.