Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New Restrooms, Parking, and Improved Bridge Crossing on the Rail Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park

Project Supports Governor's "Get Offline, Get Outside" Initiative to Encourage Outdoor Recreation 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced significant upgrades to a popular Southern Tier multi-use trail connecting the city of Ithaca with Taughannock Falls State Park. The improvements – an enhanced bridge crossing, new restrooms and a new parking lot – provide a more welcoming experience for people who enjoy walking, running and biking on the Black Diamond Trail. 

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "Trailways like the Black Diamond Trail provide New Yorkers with an affordable and healthy option to explore their communities and enjoy the great outdoors. These improvements make this already-popular trail even better, will benefit hikers, cyclists and skiers, and further strengthen the connection between Taughannock Falls and Ithaca and our communities."

The $1.4 million project includes a new 70-vehicle parking lot and year-round public restrooms at the trail's northern end near the park's iconic 215-foot waterfall, as well as rehabilitation of a historical railroad trestle that serves as the connecting bridge between the park's North and South rim trails. The restroom building's design aesthetic reflects a train depot, in keeping with the trail's railroad history.

The 8.4-mile northern segment of the Black Diamond Trail follows the route of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad and connects Ithaca's Cass Park and the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park to Taughannock Falls State Park. The stone dust route ranges from mature forests of maple, hemlock, oak, and hickory to views of pastoral agricultural lands, and dozens of ravines where cascading waters flow toward Cayuga Lake.

This rail trail is part of the former flagship passenger line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Known as the Black Diamond Express, this luxury passenger service ran from New York to Buffalo from 1896 until 1959.

The improvements complement "Get Offline, Get Outside," an initiative launched by Governor Hochul to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their screens, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and the outdoors, and put their mental and physical health first. The Governor's new Unplug and Play initiative earmarks $100 million for the construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS); $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $90 million for the continuation of the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS).

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.