Cayuga Trails

Cayuga Trails - May 30, 2026

Cayuga Trails is an ultramarathon event near Ithaca, NY, held on trails around Enfield Falls. The 2026 running is the 14th edition. The course is largely singletrack and passes dozens of waterfalls and sections of historic stone stairs through mixed eastern forest.

Distances

• 50 Miler
• 50K

The route is roughly 95% trail and 5% paved. Elevation gain is about 10,000 feet for the 50 mile and about 7,000 feet for the 50K. Course records were set on earlier versions of the route that had less elevation and less singletrack.

Support and services include volunteer aid stations, post-race food from Fitnell Farms, a finisher's medal from Ragged Cuts, and a Patagonia Sun Hoody for entrants. Portions of each entry fee are donated to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and State Parks Heritage Trust. Organizers encourage going cupless and suggest bringing a silicone cup for aid stations.

Field capacity is capped at 440 entrants; organizers expect to pull roughly the first 40 people from the waitlist as openings occur. Poles are permitted, pacers are not permitted, and crews are allowed with limited parking and no extra crew cars. Drop bags can be left at the Y Camp staging area (miles 10, 25, 35) and shuttled to Buttermilk (miles 15, 20, 40, 45); Buttermilk drop bags are returned after that aid station closes in the evening. Registration closes April 30 at 11:59 PM ET. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.