Hiking in Ithaca is the perfect way to spend a summer day during your vacation at La Tourelle Inn & Spa. Start your journey at our Ithaca resort and enjoy direct access to the trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Beyond our campus grounds, discover even more incredible places to hike within the region’s four state parks and 28,000 acres of public land. Experience the iconic Finger Lakes landscapes, featuring dramatic gorges, lush forests, and over 150 waterfalls. Whether you are looking for an easy stroll along Cayuga Lake or a strenuous all-day hike, there is a path for every skill level. Find yours below and get ready to hit the trails this summer!
Easy Hiking Trails in Ithaca
Ithaca Falls Trail (.1 Miles)
This is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in Ithaca. Access the hiking trail from the parking area and be rewarded with views of a powerful 150-foot waterfall.
Cayuga Waterfront Trail (8 Miles)
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is a paved, multi-use path that is great for families or visitors looking for a flat, level walking or running path. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the shores of Cayuga Lake.
Wilson Trail in Sapsucker Woods (.95 miles)
Wilson Trail is the perfect easy hike in Ithaca for nature lovers. Wander the short path and explore four habitats home to abundant wildlife. Home to over 235 species of northeastern birds, Sapsucker Woods is the perfect place for bird watching!
Moderate Hiking Trails in Ithaca
Cascadilla Gorge Trail (.9 Miles)
The Cascadilla Gorge Trail connects downtown Ithaca with the Cornell Campus. Explore this iconic trail in the heart of downtown and see six stunning waterfalls and dramatic stone stairways along the way.
Buttermilk Falls Rim Trail (.82 Miles)
The Buttermilk Falls Rim Trail is a great moderate trail just minutes from La Tourelle. See scenic views of the gorge and waterfall from above on this route. Connect this route with the Gorge Trail for a longer hike.
Robert H. Treman Gorge Trail (1.5 Miles)
The Robert H. Treman Gorge Trail is the ultimate hike for waterfall lovers, taking you past 12 scenic falls on one path. See Enfield Falls and Lucifer Falls along the way. Connect it with the Rim Trail to complete the loop.
Difficult Hiking Trails in Ithaca
Finger Lakes Trail (70 Miles)
The Finger Lakes Trail is the most extensive hiking route in the region, stretching across upstate New York for over 1,000 miles. Explore the Ithaca section and hike through rugged forest terrain and elevation changes.
Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail (.65 Miles)
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is a short, challenging hike easily accessible from our Ithaca spa resort. Enjoy a challenging but rewarding hike that connects the base and top of Buttermilk Falls.
Monkey Run Natural Area (10 Miles)
Monkey Run Natural Area offers a network of multi-use trails through wooded hills and rolling terrain. It’s a great option for hikers seeking a more rugged and less crowded experience.
Access Ithaca Hiking Trails near La Tourelle
This is just a sampling of the Ithaca hiking trails you can explore during your visit. Find even more options on the Ithaca Trails website. After a day on the trails, return to La Tourelle to relax and recharge. Unwind with a massage or wellness treatment at August Moon Spa, or extend your connection to the outdoors with a stay at Firelight Camps. However you choose to explore Ithaca, La Tourelle offers the perfect home base for your Finger Lakes adventures!