This is a 5-6 mile out-and-back hike rated easy. We will hike a part of the northern section of the Black Diamond Trail (BDT), a multiuse rail-trail with a gentle grade.  The BDT runs 8.7 miles from Cass Park near downtown Ithaca to the upper section of Taughannock Falls State Park.

Due to construction work on a new parking area and restroom at upper Taughannock Falls State Park, the hike begins and ends where the Black Diamond Trail crosses Houghton Road. There is a small parking lot. If it is full, the shoulder uphill from the crossing is wide enough to be able to park completely off the roadway without encountering a ditch. Please be sure your tires are completely off the pavement.

We will head north on the trail and hike for 60-90 minutes, then turn around and retrace our steps back to the cars.

Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots, bring water and a sandwich or snack.  Conditions may be icy – bring footwear traction devices (Microspikes, Nanospikes, Stabilizers, etc) to the trailhead.

Watch this space the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellations.