Trails and recreational Paths
IC is home to an incredible network of trails and recreational paths both on and off campus. The IC Natural Lands offer over 500 acres and 7 miles of trails to explore. Rather walk, run or roll a paved loop on campus? Check out some suggested mapped routes from the Center for Health Promotion. Want to get off campus? Explore our regions great trails at Out on the Trails - Ithaca and Tompkins County. For added outdoor recreational opportunities in the Finger Lakes explore Go Finger Lakes.
Tompkins County Area Transit (TCAT)
TCAT is Ithaca's local public transit agency. Offering multiple routes all over the county, TCAT can get you where you want to go without having to worry about gas prices or parking availability. With three stops on campus - one at College Circle Apartments, one outside of Park Communications, and one at Towers - students and staff have the option to jump on the Route 11 bus to head to the Commons, or transfer to another route to get anywhere in town. Note: For Fall 2023 Ithaca College is completely covering the cost for student and staff bus passes making TCAT an affordable alternative to driving on campus! See the IC Ride Guide for more information. Whether it's Wegmans, the Shops at Ithaca Mall, or the Ithaca Farmer's Market, TCAT can get you there quickly and safely. Check out TCAT's website to purchase passes, more information, and bus schedules.
Also, be sure not to miss TCAT's terrific TCAT to Trails document which gives riders guidance for how to use public transit to access our region's incredible trail networks.
Ithaca Carshare
Ithaca Carshare is a local, non-profit carsharing service. Unlike most car rental programs, Ithaca Carshare membership is open to students 18 and over (although applicants must demonstrate 2 full years of relatively accident-free driving and additional insurance requirements may apply until age 21). Ithaca Carshare is a membership-based service that provides 24/7 access to vehicles on an hourly basis. There are about twenty-five vehicles in the Ithaca Carshare network, all conveniently located along TCAT bus routes. The nearest car to campus is just down the hill at the Green Street TCAT bus stop. As a carshare member, you reserve a car using your smartphone, on the web or over the phone. You unlock the car with a special keyfob or keycard, drive it around as if it were your own vehicle, then return it to the same location where you picked it up, re-lock the vehicle with your fob or card, and leave it for the next carshare member’s use. Your usage time and mileage are electronically tracked and your credit card is automatically charged. Members pay an hourly and mileage rate for use of the Ithaca Carshare car. For more information, visit the Ithaca Carshare website.
Bicycling
For those who want to hop on the saddle and ride their bike to work or class, Ithaca has several tools to make that transition easier. The Office of Public Safety offers free bike registration that protects your investment should your bike ever get lost or stolen. Not sure where to bike in you free time? The Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council offers a cycling map with information on both commuting and leisure ride routes. For advice on maintaining your bike, where to purchase equipment, or local riding groups, the Finger Lakes Cycling Club is a wealth of information.
Way2Go
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s free alternative transportation information program can help you figure out the easiest and most cost effective way to you where you need to go. Visit the Way2Go website for more information.