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Eldridge Wilderness Preserve
4.2 ★★★★☆ 28 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1.2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Eldridge Wilderness Preserve'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 Eldridge Wilderness Preserve
“It's basically a big hill, and can get pretty muddy, but it's sparsely used so it's quiet and meditative.”
“The trail varies in forest cover and terrain, but is an easy hike with a few inclines.”
A very cool trail up the road from the south hill recreation way. A hawk caught a rabbit and I took the best photo of a hawk I've ever taken. The trail varies in forest cover and terrain, but is an easy hike with a few inclines.
I only recently discovered this trail that is maintained by The Nature Conservancy, but it is great. There is enough parking (free) for two or three small cars, and the trails are maintained well, though sometimes hard to follow. It isn't technical terrain, but it can be slippery and rocky, with tree roots.
Nice simple walking trail on Cornell's campus. Enjoy a stroll if you're nearby.
Can be muddy depending on recent weather. Watch out for the south hill wildcat.
Trail conditions & character
“It's basically a big hill, and can get pretty muddy, but it's sparsely used so it's quiet and meditative.”
“It's basically a big hill, and can get pretty muddy, but it's sparsely used so it's quiet and meditative.”
“There is enough parking (free) for two or three small cars, and the trails are maintained well, though sometimes hard to follow.”
“It's basically a big hill, and can get pretty muddy, but it's sparsely used so it's quiet and meditative.”
Plan your run at Eldridge Wilderness Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1.2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitenature.org
- Phone+1 212-997-1880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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.
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Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
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Gorge Trail
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Cascadilla Gorge Trail
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