Explore the best rated trails in Ithaca, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Auburn-Fleming Trail and South Hill Recreation Way . With more than 24 trails covering 461 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
It's a nice safe ride without slot of hassle.
Nicely shaded most of the way, which follows a waterway. Goes by several waterfalls. The trail itself is a mix of gravel and grass with a few rough spots. I had my hybrid bike and my wife her e-bike. Overall a good ride giving us a decent workout.
In early June, we rode the section of the Erie Canal from Camillus to Syracuse. We also took a side trip on the Onondaga Lake West and East Shore Trails. Round trip, we biked approximatel 30 miles.
We parked at the June Reed Webster Park. The bathrooms were open. With that said, we have been there before and they have been closed. I would not count on them 100%.
The trail was in excellent shape. The Erie Canal section was hard a packed with small gravel. We did encounter hills, which we did not expect on a canal trail. They were small and manageable. Most of the hilly sections were paved, making them easy to navigate. The Onondaga Lake trails are paved and in fantastic condition. We only came across two small sections with tree root bumps.
This section of the Erie Canal Trail goes through the New York State Fairgrounds. It was eerie and strange to be at the Fair when no one else was around. Made for a unique experience.
The Onondaga Lake Trails were a pleasure with views of the lake, woodlands, birds, and flowers. We saw several bluebirds, which is not something we encounter routinely.
The Onondaga Lake Trails are part of the Onondaga Lake Park which has multiple bathroom facilities and picnic tables. We ate our lunch with a view of the lake and pickleball courts. There were a people playing, which provided our lunch time entertainment.
The only potential downside is the trail near Camillus is next to a garbage dumb. It is landscaped nicely with wild flowers in abundance and we did find a turtle on the path. We noticed an odor on our way back when the temperature was hotter. On the positive side, it is a productive use of the land.
We give this trail a thumbs up and will ride it again.
I am on a quest to complete a lot of the rail trails by bike on this app in the upstate NY area. So far I have completed most of the Rochester and Syracuse trails. This sets the bar high as one of the best trails I have done. It has a lot of diverse surface types and scenery. Rode it on 650b x 47mm road plus tires. I wouldn’t recommend going much smaller in width. Some sections can be a bit bumpy. Excellent trail! Highly recommend
Lots of places on the trail where it is almost all grass with just a dirt rut the size of a tire. Very bumpy, lots of rocks and lots of walnuts when we rode in October. Wouldn't ride this with a street bike. Waterfalls were beautiful.
We found signage to be somewhat lacking and a single track at certain parts. Could be better with some grooming.
Great trail...well marked and fun ride. Bathroom services along the way and places to eat between Montour and Pine Vally.
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is an all asphalt trail. We were able to keep the bikes clean and my 8 year old is safe from traffic. I found that if we travel Cass Park loops by the dog park,boat docks, inlet to Farmers Market, past the city golf course to Stewart Park loop and back, it is about 10.0 miles. Sorry for the long sentence but there’s a lot to see.
We did this trail again today. I recommend coming in from Hayes the trail is much smoother. And just as pretty.
Nice walk. Just watch your step. There are lots of big rocks up the center of the trail. We walked along the edges and did ok. Worth it! Saw a few waterfalls. Beautiful.
We’re 70-ish. We walked about 1/2 mile out, but had to turn around and head back to our start point at Texas Hollow. The railroad ballast surface made it too difficult walking for us. Younger walkers and fat tire cyclists may handle the surface better. Nevertheless, kudus to the local trail community for all the work to provide another off road place to enjoy nature.
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