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Dryden Rail Trail
5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Dryden Rail Trail'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.
What runners say about Dryden Rail Trail
“Beautiful and peaceful area bordering a creek, the Reynolds game farm, and a solar farm to the east.”
Walked the section from Stevenson & Dodge Road to the FH Fox bridge over Rt. 366/Dryden Road. Paved or hardpack surface with stone dust in that area. Changes to coarse gravel and grass and packed dirt at the bridge. Very nice trail. Some open areas and some shaded sections.
My favorite walk in Ithaca! Beautiful and peaceful area bordering a creek, the Reynolds game farm, and a solar farm to the east. Follow north to get to Varna and Monkey Run or follow south to get on the East Ithaca Recreation Way approaching Pine Tree Rd into Collegetown or the edge of Cornell campus.
It's an easy and short trail. It's paved so it doesn't get muddy after rain. It's also wide not not crowded at all. The trail has a few benches. A small parking lot with 3 hours of free parking near the Game Farm road.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful and peaceful area bordering a creek, the Reynolds game farm, and a solar farm to the east.”
“Paved or hardpack surface with stone dust in that area.”
“Changes to coarse gravel and grass and packed dirt at the bridge.”
Plan your run at Dryden Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedrydenrailtrail.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 276 reviews
Designated in 1970, this nature park offers trails, waterfalls, rock formations & wildlife viewing.
