Cayuga Waterfront Trail
Total distance: 8.0 miles
Difficulty level(s): easy
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is an 8 mile, ADA compliant multi-use trail providing an active, non-motorized transportation and recreation way connecting our community's most popular waterfront destinations along the southern shore of Cayuga Lake. The wide, flat trail connects East Shore Drive, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, Stewart Park, Newman Golf Course, Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca College and Cornell University Boathouses, West End/Inlet Island area, Allan Treman State Marine Park, Ithaca Dog Park, Hangar Theatre, Cass Park, The Ithaca Children's Garden and the Black Diamond Trail. Amenities along the trail include interpretive signage, benches, restrooms and dog care stations in Stewart Park and Cass Park, a fitness station and maps at the 5 trailheads. Nearly all of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail is 10-12 feet wide and paved, with the exception of a few stonedust side paths and a few narrow bridges.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.464121
Longitude: -76.49918
Parking Locations
Multiple parking options may be specific to certain trails within this site.
- Parking Lot : Parking in Stewart Park
- Parking Lot : Parking at Cass Park
- Parking Lot : Parking in Farmer's Market and on city streets along the trail
Bus Stops
Cass Park (Summer only)
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Trail continues both north & south, passing by the Skating Ring
Aldi
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
At Aldi's driveway, take right on sidewalk, walk 150ft and use crosswalk to reach other side of 3rd St. Turn right on crosswalk and continue walking around left-curve to join Cayuga Waterfront Trail spur leading to the Farmer's Market.
Buffalo @ Taughannock
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Bus stop is at the 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.
Stewart Park Entrance
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Bus stop is at the trail.
Trail Attributes
- Good for Biking
- Good for Hiking
- Good for Running
- Good for Snowshoeing
- Lakes visible
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking allowed
- Restrooms available
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: Yes
Trail Surface: Pavement
Trail Markers: signs at trailheads
This trail is ADA Accessible.
This trail contains a loop.
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.