The Finger Lakes Land Trust has acquired 23 acres of land in the town of Ulysses, Tompkins County, providing a valuable enhancement to the Black Diamond Trail. The property, purchased from the Cayuga Nature Center, features meadows and woodlands along the trail at the Houghton Road crossing.
The FLLT plans to transfer the parcel to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), which oversees the Black Diamond Trail. Once acquired, OPRHP intends to use the land to establish a mid-point access point with parking, restrooms, and a water fountain.
The Black Diamond Trail, an 8.4-mile multi-use path, links Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg to Cass Park in Ithaca. Enhancing this trail remains a priority for the FLLT, which has a history of collaborating with OPRHP. In 2020, the FLLT transferred a 12-acre parcel in Ulysses to OPRHP, providing a natural buffer between the trail and the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway.
Fred Bonn, Regional Director for Finger Lakes State Parks, expressed gratitude for the FLLT’s continued support. “In this instance, their efforts will enable us to address a critical need for the Black Diamond Trail, namely a mid-point parking lot and bathroom facility like the one currently being constructed at Taughannock Falls,” Bonn said. “Parks looks forward to acquiring this parcel from the FLLT and then moving into design and construction in the next few years.”
FLLT President Andrew Zepp highlighted the growing popularity of the trail and the importance of continued improvements. “This is a terrific addition to the Black Diamond,” Zepp said. “With each passing year, more and more people are getting out to enjoy this multi-use trail. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with our partners at State Parks to continue to enhance this outstanding resource.”
The collaboration between the FLLT and OPRHP ensures the Black Diamond Trail remains a vital community asset, providing enhanced access and infrastructure for outdoor enthusiasts across the region.
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