South Hill Recreation Way - Image 1
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South Hill Recreation Way

4.6
·491k reviews·Ithaca, United States

A serene and accessible recreation path, ideal for easy walks, recovery, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and cool

CrowdLow
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South Hill Recreation Way - Image 1

South Hill Recreation Way

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and cool

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene and accessible recreation path, ideal for easy walks, recovery, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The flat, shaded section is perfect for easy walks and recovery."

Vertical photo
TIP

Easy Walking Section

The Hudson St to Burns Rd section is flat, shaded, and perfect for easy walks. :athletic_shoe:

Beat the Weekend Rush

Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :clock:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hudson St to Burns Rd Section

Hudson St to Burns Rd Section

South Hill Recreation Way

A flat, shaded, and easy 2.25-mile stretch perfect for recovery walks or a leisurely stroll.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Various points along the trail

Enjoy picturesque vistas and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape as you explore.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer people, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll or run. Consider the section from Hudson St to Burns Rd for a flat, shaded experience.

Trail Etiquette & Preparation

South Hill Recreation Way is a popular spot for walkers and runners. Be mindful of others, especially during peak hours. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as some sections can be exposed to the sun.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and cool
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Shaded and pleasant
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

On the 81 South from Ithaca we sat in traffic nearly 3 hours.
@knuckleheadeatz
59K likes • 1.5M views

Easy Walking Section

The Hudson St to Burns Rd section is flat, shaded, and perfect for easy walks. :athletic_shoe:

Beat the Weekend Rush

Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :clock:

This waterfall is perfect for families with small kids, bc there are lifeguards on duty. Many different rope sectioned off swimming areas. Restrooms/changing rooms. Lots of space to bring your own chair/lay out on a towel. Pack a picnic. Robert H. Truman State Park, parking fees apply. #waterfall #ithaca #ithacafalls #fingerlakes
@518tiffany
15.8K likes • 201.6K views
Toddler Tuesday was a splash hit today and a great way to wrap up a super fun Summer!🌊☀️🏖️🐚 Join us for next month’s Toddler Tuesday on September 9th!🤗 #fyp #southhillmall #puyallup #tacoma #seattle
southhillmall
33 likes • 1.6K views

Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

reddit.com

Flat or easier hiking trails

Tips

from all over the internet

Easy Walking Section

The Hudson St to Burns Rd section is flat, shaded, and perfect for easy walks. :athletic_shoe:

Beat the Weekend Rush

Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :clock:

Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

South Hill Recreation Way is praised for its accessible and shaded walking paths, particularly the flat section between Hudson St and Burns Rd, making it ideal for easy strolls and recovery walks. While generally well-regarded for its natural beauty, visitors should be aware of potential traffic delays when accessing the area and limited amenities along the trail.

What People Like

Flat, shaded trail
Easy walking
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Potential traffic delays
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access points are available from various streets, including Hudson St and Burns Rd. The section from Hudson St @ Coddington Rd. to Burns Rd. is particularly recommended for its flat terrain. Reddit

Parking availability can vary by access point. It's advisable to check local resources or arrive early, especially on weekends. Reddit

Information on public transport routes is limited, but checking local transit schedules for routes near the access points is recommended.

The trail is generally well-defined. For the easiest experience, focus on the flat section between Hudson St and Burns Rd. Reddit

While not directly on the trail, traffic can be an issue on nearby routes. One TikTok user reported significant delays on the 81 South from Ithaca. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

South Hill Recreation Way is generally a public access area, and there are typically no entrance fees. However, always check for any local advisories.

As an outdoor recreation area, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific park hours may apply if entering through a designated park area.

No, advance booking is not required for general access to the recreation way.

For casual use, no permits are typically needed. However, for organized events or commercial photography, it's best to contact local authorities.

Leash laws and pet policies can vary. It's recommended to check local regulations or look for signage regarding pets on the trail.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The terrain varies. The section from Hudson St to Burns Rd is noted as being flat and easy, ideal for recovery or gentle walks. Reddit Other sections may have inclines.

The flat, shaded section is great for families. While not explicitly mentioned for this specific trail, a similar park with lifeguards and rope sections was highlighted for families. TikTok

Amenities can be limited. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Restrooms and changing rooms are not guaranteed along all sections. TikTok

The flat section from Hudson St to Burns Rd is approximately 2.25 miles one way. The total length of the entire recreation way may be longer.

Look for areas with scenic views and natural light. The shaded sections can offer a different photographic appeal. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and nature photography. The shaded sections can provide unique lighting opportunities. TikTok

While specific landmarks aren't detailed, the natural scenery along the trail offers many picturesque opportunities. Keep an eye out for scenic overlooks. TikTok

It's excellent for nature photography, casual strolls, and capturing the local landscape. The flat sections are also good for capturing movement if you're photographing runners. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's crucial to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.

Vary your angles, utilize the natural shade, and focus on the interplay of light and shadow. Consider capturing the sense of movement if people are using the trail. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The flat, shaded section of South Hill Recreation Way, particularly the stretch from Hudson St to Burns Rd, is an excellent choice for families with young children. Its easy terrain makes it manageable for little legs, and the shade provides comfort on sunny days. Reddit

While South Hill Recreation Way itself may not have the extensive amenities of a dedicated park, the advice for similar family-friendly spots suggests packing a picnic and enjoying the natural setting. TikTok Parents can look forward to a peaceful outing where children can explore safely in a less crowded environment, especially if visiting on a weekday.

🚶‍♀️ Individuals Recovering from Injury

For those on the path to recovery, the flat and easy walking section of South Hill Recreation Way from Hudson St to Burns Rd is highly recommended. Its gentle gradient minimizes stress on the body, making it ideal for regaining strength and mobility. Reddit

This accessible stretch allows individuals to focus on their rehabilitation without the added challenge of steep inclines or uneven surfaces. The shaded environment can also provide a more comfortable experience, especially during recovery periods when sensitivity to sun or heat might be a concern.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating South Hill Recreation Way

South Hill Recreation Way offers a network of trails, with a particularly well-regarded section stretching from Hudson Street at Coddington Road to Burns Road. This segment is frequently highlighted for its flat terrain and ample shade, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an easy walk, a recovery trail after injury, or a peaceful escape. The 2.25-mile length in each direction provides a substantial yet manageable distance for a leisurely outing. Reddit

While this specific section is praised for its accessibility, it's important to note that other parts of the South Hill Recreation Way might present different challenges, such as inclines or less shade. Travelers should be prepared for varying conditions depending on the chosen route. Planning your route in advance, perhaps by consulting local trail maps or online resources, can enhance your experience and ensure you find the type of trail that best suits your needs. Reddit

Community discussions suggest that while the trail itself is straightforward, external factors like traffic on nearby major routes, such as the 81 South from Ithaca, can significantly impact travel time to the area. TikTok Therefore, factoring in potential travel delays is a practical consideration when planning your visit.

Best Practices for Trail Users

When exploring South Hill Recreation Way, especially the popular flat section, adhering to trail etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Respecting other users is paramount; this includes yielding to faster-moving individuals like runners and keeping to your side of the path. If you're walking with a group, try to stay in a single file if the trail narrows to allow others to pass easily. Reddit

Preparation is key for enjoying the trail. Given that amenities can be sparse, carrying essentials like water is crucial, particularly during warmer months. Comfortable footwear is a must, even on the flatter sections, to prevent discomfort. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, bringing a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural surroundings can be a delightful addition. TikTok

While South Hill Recreation Way is primarily known for its walking and running paths, it's worth noting that similar recreational areas often have specific rules regarding pets and other activities. It's always a good idea to look for posted signage or check local regulations to ensure compliance with any leash laws or specific usage guidelines.

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