The harmonious design of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail owes much to its consistent look and the thoughtful design of its amenities and enhancements— signs and bridges, benches and bicycle racks, and kiosks and landscaping.

Along the trail, you will find:

Benches: These blue durable metal benches are designed to incorporate the curve of the Waterfront Trail logo.

Bicycle Racks: These “inverted U” style racks are modified to incorporate the Cayuga Waterfront Trail logo curve.

Trailheads: Consistent design is also a factor at the free-standing directories at the five trailheads, each with a map on one side and interpretive panel on the other. Trailheads are located near the Ithaca Youth Bureau, in Stewart Park, at the Farmers Market, on Inlet Island and in Cass Park.

Special Places: Many of the special destinations along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail were created through private and foundation funding with support of individuals, businesses and foundations. In all seasons, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail offers an interesting and changing landscape. The plantings that flower in Spring and Summer display their eye-catching structure in Fall and Winter. Plantings are designed to take into account what flourishes in the local environment.

Trail design started with a partnership between the City on Ithaca and Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative through the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with the public and a a New York State Parks and Recreation Development grant funding phase 1, and Federal Transportation Enhancement grants funding phases 2 and 3.