Current Trail Alerts
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.
Jacksonville Road – Black Diamond Trail North
Get Directions
Cass Park – Black Diamond Trail South
Get Directions
The northern trailhead parking area on Jacksonville Road is managed by New York State and a parking fee may be required.
There is no charge for parking at the southern parking area in Cass Park near the Ithaca Children’s Garden.
Go south across Taughannock Blvd, and continue on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail for 0.5 to intersection with Black Diamond.
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
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.
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.
Jacksonville Road – Black Diamond Trail North
Get Directions
Cass Park – Black Diamond Trail South
Get Directions
The northern trailhead parking area on Jacksonville Road is managed by New York State and a parking fee may be required.
There is no charge for parking at the southern parking area in Cass Park near the Ithaca Children’s Garden.
Go south across Taughannock Blvd, and continue on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail for 0.5 to intersection with Black Diamond.
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
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.
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.
