Trail Highlights
Hundreds of Ithaca residents and visitors walk, bike, in-line skate, run, and walk with strollers and dogs on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail daily. The trail is plowed of snow in the winter and accessible by wheelchair and the flat, smooth, asphalt surface welcomes those with impaired mobility. Two restrooms are located near the northern and southern ends of the Cass Park section of the trail.
The completed section of trail winds through the City of Ithaca's Cass Park. The Ithaca Children's Garden is near the southern end (Don't miss the Turtle Garden near Gaia the Turtle!) and the Hangar Theater is near the northern end of the trail. Other attractions in Cass Park include an ice rink, a swimming pool, multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and the waterfront itself. As you use the trail, please be alert and aware and courteous to other trail users, including watching for foul balls from the vigorously used fields!
The Cass Park trailhead, with an information kiosk, benches, and bike racks, is at the entrance to the ice rink. Scan the engraved Stepping Stones and other furnishings to see if you recognize a name of a trail supporter. As you proceed along the trail, mileage markers every quarter mile track your progress. Relax on our many sponsored trail benches - the Browning Bench, 2 benches at the Tompkins County Foundation Inlet Overlook, the Tompkins County Senior Wak Program Bench, the Pedersen Bench, and the Howland Foundation Bench, all overlooking the Cayuga Inlet. On your way back to the trailhead, enjoy the birch trees in Miller Grove. The Walk through History trail brochure is a way to experience the rich history of the area in a self-guided tour around the trail's loop.
Getting There
It's an easy bike ride or walk from downtown Ithaca to the (current) end of the trail where NYS Route 89 enters Cass Park from the south, just north of the NYS 89 bridge over the Cayuga Inlet. The trail is less than two miles from most locations in the City of Ithaca. Bike racks are located at the trailhead near the Cass Park ice rink. Or take a TCAT bus. Routes 23 and 22 stop at Cass Park fifteen times daily (M-F) on routes that include downtown Ithaca, Boynton Middle School, Stewart Park, and Taughannock State Park. Parking lots are also located around Cass Park convenient to the trail.
Click here to view aerial photo of Waterfront Trail in Cass Park that shows parking areas and other park facilities.
Using the Trail
The trail is designated for use by pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, dog walkers, and people with disabilities.
For the safety and enjoyment of all, please follow the rules of the waterfront trail.
No motorized vehicles
All users stay to right except when passing
Pass on left giving an audible signal
Bicyclists and skaters yield to pedestrians
Please pick up litter
Dogs must be kept on a short leash
Please clean up your dog's waste
Beware of foul balls near playing fields
Dogs are welcome on short leash. Mutt Mitts are provided at the north and south ends of the trail at dog care stations.
Please help us keep the trail clean. Please notify trail staff of trail maintenance or cleaning issues.
Special Events
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is used regularly by a variety of groups for special events, including fundraisers. If your group is interested in using the trail, contact Jim D'Alterio, Cass Park Recreation Director.
Driving Directions
From NYS Route 13 traveling south
Travel on Route 13 South (Meadow Street) into Ithaca. Turn right at signs reading Route 89 (Buffalo Street) and travel on Buffalo until Taughannock Blvd., staying in the right lane. Turn right onto Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89 along Cayuga Inlet and Lake). You will see the Cayuga Waterfront Trail on your right along the water just after you cross the bridge with the waterfall tile art.
From NYS Route 13 traveling north
Travel on Route 13 North (Meadow Street) into Ithaca. Turn left at signs reading Route 89 (Buffalo Street) and travel on Buffalo until Taughannock Blvd., staying in the right lane. Turn right onto Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89 along Cayuga Inlet and Lake). You will see the Cayuga Waterfront Trail on your right along the water just after you cross the bridge with the waterfall tile art.
From NYS Route 79 traveling west
Travel on Route 79 West (State Street) to downtown Ithaca. Bear right with Route 79 and follow Route 79 through town, across Route 13 to Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89). Turn right onto Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89 along Cayuga Inlet and Lake). You will see the Cayuga Waterfront Trail on your right along the water just after you cross the bridge with the waterfall tile art.
From NYS Route 79 traveling east
Travel on Route 79 East (Hector Street) until you cross Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca. Make a left turn at the first light, onto Taughannock Blvd. (Route 89). You will see the Cayuga Waterfront Trail on your right along the water just after you cross the raised bridge with the waterfall tile art.