South Hill Recreation Way
Total distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty level(s): easy
The South Hill Recreation Way is mostly built on the abandoned railroad bed of the Cayuga and Susquehanna Railroad, built in 1849 to haul coal from Pennsylvania to Ithaca. This multi-use trail is great for walking, jogging, nature appreciation, and bicycling, and is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Many benches and picnic tables are positioned at scenic points along the trail, all of which are off-road. The trail runs through beautiful wooded areas with many creek crossings and small gorges. The City of Ithaca's Six Mile Creek Natural Area runs parallel to the trail with multiple small side trails that leave the South Hill Recreation Way to the east and wandering down towards the creek. Near the Juniper Drive trail entrance is Vincenzo Iacovelli Park, which contains a large playground, basketball court, and a small gazebo.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.405466
Longitude: -76.460782
Parking Locations
- Street and Parking Lot : Parking is provided at the end of Juniper Drive and along the north side of Burns Road
Bus Stops
Hudson @ Coddington
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Go 50 ft SE on Hudson (crossing Coddington Rd). Cross Hudson to trailhead.
Hudson @ Columbia
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Go 350 ft south on Hudson to trailhead on east side of road.
Trail Attributes
- Good for Biking
- Good for Hiking
- Good for Running
- Good for Cross-Country Skiiing
- Good for Snowshoeing
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking allowed
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: Yes
Trail Surface: Gravel/stone dust
Trail Markers: no
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 closed during firearm deer hunting season.
This trail is open year round.