Home › New York › Ithaca › Danby State Forest
Danby State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Danby State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
National forest with kid-friendly hikes and camping opportunities.
What runners say about Danby State Forest
“Very scenic, well marked trails and access to Finger Lakes Trail”
“Very scenic, well marked trails and access to Finger Lakes Trail”
“While not crowded you often find other users out on the trail.”
Great place to enjoy nature. Roads in can get a bit rough. Some areas accessible only by 4x4 or by foot. Have used the land for campfires, shooting, hiking, and car camping. Serene spots can get spooky at night. Love to come here in the winter where it is unbelievably silent. Take out what you bring in.
Beautiful hike on Abbott Loop trail. Lots of stream crossings and water everywhere. The trail is well marked and maintained. Great view and a picnic table at the top, perfect for lunch or a snack. This loop is a popular branch of the FLT
Good place for a hike on a hot day, woods was about 10 degrees cooler on a very hot day. Make sure to wear bug repellent, Michigan creek that runs through the woods was teaming with mosquitoes.
A very calm forest, it has moderate trails with some hills. Otherwise, it quite enjoyable.
Trail conditions & character
“You can make a nice loop with various trails including the Finger Lakes Trail and Abbott Loop.”
“If the weather has been dry, it's worth it to climb up to the clearings on Bald Hill Rd for perfect camping solitude.”
“Views are not particularly spectacular, but a worthwhile experience nonetheless.”
“Very scenic, well marked trails and access to Finger Lakes Trail”
Plan your run at Danby State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitedec.ny.gov
- Phone(607) 753-3095
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Ithaca
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,036 reviews
811-acres of wooded parkland featuring hiking paths, a lake, waterfall & campgrounds.
Gorge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 414 reviews
Steep 0.65-mi. hiking trail along a gorge with dramatic rock formations, waterfalls & pools.
Robert H. Treman State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,281 reviews
Gorge with scenic waterfalls & a stream-fed swimming hole ringed by hiking trails & camping areas.
