Taughannock Overnight

Taughannock - Black Diamond Trail Map
Family Bike Overnights
Start biking from the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in iconic Finger Lakes city, Ithaca, NY. Ride up the shaded Black Diamond Rail Trail to Taughannock Falls, where you will camp next to the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi!
Teen Treks and the Finger Lake Cycling Club bring you a family-friendly overnight bike trip to one of the most stunning gorges in the Finger Lakes Region. Bike 12-miles along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and Black Diamond rail-to-trail. Bike through two scenic waterside parks in Ithaca, NY and follow Cayuga Lake up the west shore as you make your way to Taughannock Falls State Park.
Camping at Taughannock Falls State Park allows for ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreational activities for the whole family. We will take an organized hike to see the falls up- close. Families can also enjoy post-ride recreation on Cayuga Lake, with opportunities for swimming, relaxing by the lake beach, renting kayaks or paddle-boards, or enjoying the park grounds including waterside playgrounds. We will share a meal as a group and enjoy a peaceful campfire with nearby sounds and breeze the roaring Taughannock waterfall.
This beginner-level out-and-back family bike overnight trip is a great way to bond over an adventure with your family and other like-minded teen families. Pack everything on your bike for an overnight camping trip, or free yourself from the burden of carrying gear by utilizing our sag vehicle option.
Family Bike Overnights are a way for entire families to enjoy the adventure of bike touring. Teen Treks works together with local bike clubs to make these trips accessible to all teen families. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about biking overnight a family!
Trek Highlights
- Experience iconic Finger Lake city, Ithaca, NY
- Bike through Stewart and Cass Park along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
- Bike the shaded Black Diamond Trail, a repurposed rail path once known as the Black Diamond Express
- Bike the Black Diamond Trail directly into Taughannock Falls State Park
- Experience a Finger Lakes gorge and waterfall by visiting Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi
- Hiking, swimming and paddle opportunities within walking distance of the campground at Taughannock Falls State Park
Trek Details
Starts:
Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY, Saturday at 10am
Ends:
Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY, Sunday at 2pm
Campground:
Taughannock Falls State Park
Path:
Cayuga Lake Waterfront Trail, Black Diamond Trail
Difficulty:
Beginner, Family Friendly
Distance:
24 -Miles Out-and Back, 12-Miles/Day
Meals Provided:
Saturday lunch and dinner. Sunday breakfast.
What to Bring:
Helmet, water bottles, snacks for ride, sleeping bag/pad, tent, camp clothes, toiletries, games for campside (frisbee/cards, etc.)
Trip Length:
1 Night
Trip Cost:
$95 Adults
$65 Kids (10-18)
Optional Costs:
$5/ person Sag Vehicle
$15/ Tent Rental
(2-man, 3-man, or 4-man available)
Trip Dates:
May 17-18, 2025
June 21-22, 2025
July 19-20, 2025
Aug. 16- 17, 2025