Ithaca & Surrounding Region
Local Resources
Located in Ithaca, NY, our local surroundings have a little bit of everything for the outdoor enthusiast, from awe-inspiring waterfalls, serene state parks, and exciting singletrack mountain biking trails.
Check out the links below to local clubs and a list of some of our favorite adventures.
Cycling Organizations
Cycle CNY
Finger Lakes Cycling Club
Finger Lakes Cycling Club
Local IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) chapter, responsible for maintenance and expansion of mountain biking trails and mountain biking activities in the Southern Tier of New York. Check out their site for group rides, trail work, and social events.
Finger Lakes Cycling Club
Finger Lakes Cycling Club
Finger Lakes Cycling Club
Dedicated to the promotion and encouragement of bicycling since 1971, what's not to love about this group. Check out their site for group rides, races, and social events. (PS Join their mailing list to stay up to date on local road conditions and upcoming events)
Outdoor Organizations
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
Cornell Outdoor Education has a number of opportunities for the general public, including mountain biking classes and climbing classes (or open climbing) at the Lindseth Climbing Center.
Cornell Outing Club (COC)
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
Don’t let this group’s prestigious Cornell-ian title scare you, everyone’s invited! COC is a great group for those looking to share their favorite activities with others or pick-up new skills
Finger Lakes Land Trust
Finger Lakes Runners Club
Finger Lakes Runners Club
Founded in 1989, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has saved over 24,000 acres of land in the Finger Lakes region by creating public nature preserves and by helping landowners conserve their land. Check out their site for trail maps and to learn more about their mission.
Finger Lakes Runners Club
Finger Lakes Runners Club
Finger Lakes Runners Club
Based in Ithaca, NY, the Finger Lakes Runner Club is dedicated to promoting running, as a sport and as a way of life! Check out their site for a list of local races in the Finger Lakes area, local trail maps, and group runs.
Favorite Adventures
Within Ithaca
- Hike: Mulholland Wildflower Preserve - The Six Mile Creek trail is a 1.4 mile out and back trail that is well marked and provides a variety of scenery. You can stick to the bottom of the gorge or make your way upwards for a longer hike. (All Trails)
- Hike: Monkey Run and Cayuga Trail - Monkey Run and Cayuga Trail provide some great views of Fall Creek, beginning at the Cornell campus and stretches to the Town of Dryden. A great starting point is at the pedestrian suspension bridge on Forest Home Drive, directly opposite Cornell's FR Newman Arboretum, with a small parking area available (Ithaca Trails, Forest Home Drive Suspension Bridge).
- If it's a hot day, you can finish your hike with a splash at Flat Rock, a favorite local wading area that is directly next to the suspension bridge.
- Multi-Use Trail: Black Diamond Trail - A converted rail trail, with packed down gravel, this 8.5 mile trail stretches from Cass Park at Ithaca's waterfront to Taughannock Falls. There's a slight incline from Cass Park (Ithaca) to Taughannock Falls, which provides for smooth sailing on the way back. Great for biking, hiking, or running. (Ithaca Trails)
- Multi-Use Trail: Cayuga Waterfront Trail - A 5.5 mile paved trail that connects the major parks of Ithaca (Cass Park and Stewart Park) and passes right through the farmer's market - with great views of Cayuga Lake. (Ithaca Trails)
- For nice views of the lake / sunset along the Waterfront Trail, stop at Stewart Park (Friends of Stewart Park) or for something a little quieter, take the trail through the Newman Golf Course and visit Lighthouse Point - bring a light if you plan to stay out after dark (Ithaca Trails)
Surrounding Areas of Ithaca
- Hike: Abbot Loop - An 8 mile loop hike, broken into a west loop (4.49 miles) and an east loop (3.54 miles) - with options for shorter out and back hikes. The west loop offers a beautiful view of West Danby from Thacher's Pinnacles at 1700ft in elevation. (Abbot Loop West | Abbot Loop East)
- Mountain Bike / Hike: Shindagin Hollows State Forest ("Shinny") - 10 miles from Ithaca, Shindagin is home to some of the best mountain biking in NY State. With over 20 miles of trails, Shindagin has a variety of terrain and caters to a variety of skill levels. If it's your first time at Shinny, it can be easy to get turned around in the forest - so bring a map or better yet download trail forks or mtbproject on your phone! Birding, hiking, and snowshoeing are also popular at this state forest. (shindagin.com | trailforks | mtbproject)