Phase 1
The first phase of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail is a two-mile loop trail in Cass Park which opened in the fall of 2002. Hundreds of Ithaca residents and visitors use the trail regularly to walk, run, bike and blade along the beautiful Cayuga Inlet. Check it out - we are confident that you will agree that the Cass Park Trail is one of Ithaca's special places. To learn more about how to get to and use the trail go to Visit Now.

The Cass Park Trail is a ten-foot wide asphalt trail designed for use by walkers, joggers, bicyclists, inline skaters, mobility-impaired users, and parents with strollers. The trail is located in an active park setting with numerous athletic fields, a skating rink, and swimming pool. Benches, scenic overlooks, interpretive signs, and trailheads with decorative paving and kiosks help make the Cayuga Waterfront Trail a special place to relax, exercise, and enjoy the waterfront setting. For information on getting to and using the trail, click here.

Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Waterfront Trail will be 1.5 miles in length linking the existing trail in Cass Park to the Ithaca Farmers Market. From the south end of Cass Park, the trail will cross the Flood Channel on the existing Route 96 Bridge and arrive at the Inlet Island Trailhead, west of the Chemung Canal Trust Company. From the trailhead, the trail will continue east across Route 89. The trail will cross the Cayuga Inlet on a new bridge north of Buffalo Street, then turn to the north past Puddledockers Kayak Rentals and the former Bistro Q Restaurant and the MV Manhattan. It will continue north along the east bank of the Inlet passing between the college boathouses and the railroad tracks. It will then continue on along the water's edge past the NYSDOT maintenance yard to the Farmers Market. At the Market, the trail will be on the current fire lane/access road between the Inlet and the building.

Trailheads have been constructed on Inlet Island and at the Farmers Market. The Crew Cove Overlook will be constructed at the southwest corner of the NYSDOT site, overlooking the college boathouses and Inlet Island.

Phase 3
Phase 3 of the Waterfront Trail will connect the Ithaca Farmers Market to Stewart Park and the Tompkins County Visitor Center circling the Newman Golf Course and crossing Fall Creek on a new footbridge.