The best traffic-free bike rides around Ithaca

Our guide features 6 carefully selected traffic-free road cycling routes around Ithaca. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful and scenic experience away from vehicle traffic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty.

Ithaca's landscape, shaped by glaciers, offers a diverse cycling experience. You'll find a mix of rolling hills, winding country roads, and some challenging climbs, especially around the gorges. Routes like Triphammer Falls – Cornell University loop from Tompkins feature significant elevation gain, while others, such as Ithaca Farmers Market – Stewart Park loop from Tompkins, are relatively flat and easy.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. The Ithaca Farmers Market – Stewart Park loop from Tompkins is a great option, offering a flat ride along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail with scenic lake views. Another easy choice is the Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Triphammer Falls loop from Ithaca, which provides a gentle introduction to the area's natural beauty.

Ithaca is famous for its gorges and waterfalls. Many routes pass by or offer views of stunning natural features. You can expect to see Triphammer Falls, Cascadilla Falls, and even Lucifer Falls or Buttermilk Falls depending on the route you choose. The routes often provide glimpses of Cayuga Lake and pass through forested areas, offering a rich natural experience.

Many cyclists find East Hill Plaza a convenient starting point for routes, offering ample parking and easy access to the surrounding countryside. Specific parking availability may vary by route start point, but general public parking is available in and around Ithaca.

The best time for road cycling in Ithaca is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, including the waterfalls and foliage, is at its most vibrant. Winter cycling can be challenging due to snow and ice, making many routes less accessible or enjoyable.

Yes, several routes provide beautiful views of Cayuga Lake. The Ithaca Farmers Market – Stewart Park loop from Tompkins follows the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, offering continuous scenic lake views. Other routes may offer glimpses of the lake as they wind through the surrounding hills and countryside.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the numerous waterfalls and gorges, and the peacefulness of the traffic-free routes. The varied terrain, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging climbs, is also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect.

While these routes focus on traffic-free sections, many start or pass near areas with amenities. For example, the Ithaca Farmers Market – Stewart Park loop from Tompkins is close to the Ithaca Farmers Market, which offers food and drink options. Ithaca itself has a vibrant culinary scene, so you can easily find cafes and restaurants in the city center before or after your ride.

While our guide focuses on specific traffic-free loops, the wider Finger Lakes region, including the 87-mile Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, offers extensive paved road cycling opportunities. The routes in this guide, such as the Triphammer Falls – Cornell University loop from Tompkins at over 50 km, provide substantial distances for a single ride, and can be combined for longer adventures.

Ithaca is known for its natural swimming spots. While not directly on the traffic-free road cycling routes, areas like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, which feature Buttermilk Falls and Lucifer Falls, offer designated swimming areas below their falls during the summer months. These parks are easily accessible from Ithaca and can be combined with a cycling trip.