Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Mulholland Wildflower Preserve loop from Ithaca
Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Mulholland Wildflower Preserve loop from Ithaca
4.9
(4865)
18,709
riders
Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Mulholland Wildflower Preserve loop from Ithaca
02:08
30.3km
360m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 224 m for 244 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
326 m
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Highlight • Gorge
2.39 km
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
5.38 km
South Hill Recreation Way
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
15.3 km
Brookton's Market
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
30.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
21.7 km
4.18 km
2.64 km
994 m
461 m
293 m
Surfaces
22.7 km
4.35 km
2.86 km
428 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (370 m)
Lowest point (150 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 8 July
29°C
16°C
16 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
Let's be honest about the Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Mulholland Wildflower Preserve loop from Ithaca: while it sounds like a fantastic touring cycling adventure, this 18.8-mile (30.3 km) route with 1186 feet (362 metres) of elevation gain, estimated at 2 hours and 8 minutes, is rated moderate but is fundamentally unsuitable for bikes. If you're looking for a scenic ride, you'll need to adjust your expectations significantly, as the gorge section is strictly for hikers.
What to expect on Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Mulholland Wildflower Preserve loop from Ithaca
What you can expect is a tale of two very different halves, and a clear warning for cyclists. The Cascadilla Gorge Trail itself is a stunning pedestrian path, famous for its dramatic waterfalls, unique stone bridges, and connecting downtown Ithaca to Cornell University. It's a beautiful walk, but its numerous stairs and uneven, rugged surfaces make it impassable for any bicycle, especially a touring bike. The Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, while likely offering unpaved, natural surfaces more suited to walking, would showcase local flora and provide a tranquil escape, but again, its trails are not designed for touring cyclists. This route, as proposed for cycling, is a non-starter; it's better suited for those who want to explore the gorge on foot and then find separate, bike-friendly routes elsewhere.
Planning your visit
For touring cyclists, the most important planning note is that the Cascadilla Gorge Trail is not bike-friendly. You will need to find alternative paved roads or dedicated bike paths in the Ithaca area if you plan to cycle. Both the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and Mulholland Wildflower Preserve are generally open to the public without permits, but always check local regulations before you go. Parking is available near the gorge, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Trail details
- Distance: 18.8 miles (30.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1186 feet (362 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 8 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free