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Nature Preserve - Monkey Loop Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Running trail in Ithaca, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Nature Preserve - Monkey Loop 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 Nature Preserve - Monkey Loop Trail
“Good times easy trails for all levels of hikers.”
LOVEthos trail! Always take a quick hike before a few jobs during the week.
As someone who grew up in the area, this one is a lovely surprise. I had never been here before and the trails combine the casualness of the prairie with a steep descent to the river and plenty of woods. I give it 5 stars for a short to medium hike
Great place to visit in all seasons. Perfect for short hikes, walking the dog or a quick cross country ski loop. Runs parallel to the creek at parts, allowing for a quick dip to cool off. Highly recommend to nature-lovers in northeast Ithaca!
Good times easy trails for all levels of hikers. You got groves of different trees, creek flowing by, and hills to climb and look over. Add some snow and you got your winter wonderland.
Trail conditions & character
“I had never been here before and the trails combine the casualness of the prairie with a steep descent to the river and plenty of woods.”
“Perfect for short hikes, walking the dog or a quick cross country ski loop.”
“Perfect for short hikes, walking the dog or a quick cross country ski loop.”
Plan your run at Nature Preserve - Monkey Loop Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websitecornellbotanicgardens.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.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
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This park with a 150-foot waterfall also features ruins of 19th-century mills & areas for fishing.
Ithaca Falls Trail
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Hiking area featuring a short trail that leads to a waterfall.