Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve

Nestled in a forested valley just east of Ithaca, Ellis Hollow is a place to get away from it all. The trails here wind through hardwoods and mature forests, and they are an excellent option for a quick trip from Ithaca.

Map of the Ellis Hollow Loop

Link to step-by-step RunGo directions, which can be used in real-time on the trail with the RunGo app. You can also navigate with the trail’s AllTrails map.

The parking area for this loop hike is on Ellis Hollow Creek Road, just east of Genung Road. The GPS coordinates are 42.438399, -76.409729.

From the parking area (1030’), follow the yellow-blazed trail north, passing through a thicket next to power lines. After 0.1 miles, you will arrive at a kiosk with a fork in the trail. Take the left side of the fork and continue to follow the yellow blazes. At mile 0.3, the yellow trail ascends up the hill to the right. Turn left onto the blue-blazed trail (this is at the second junction of the blue trail).

After turning onto the blue trail, you will need to cross a large brook by rock-hopping (this can be difficult when the water level is high). After the crossing, the trail intersects with the red-blazed trail (1110’). Turn right and follow the trail along the brook.

At 0.5 miles, the red-blazed trail intersects with a road. Turn left and follow the road briefly, before turning right back onto the trail. You will soon ascend onto a narrow ridge. The trail then turns right and descends to the brook at 0.7 miles (1180’). After the brook crossing, the trail begins a very steep climb out of the ravine.

The trail passes through a gorgeous hardwood forest before reaching the high point of the loop (1330’). The trail then begins a long descent back towards the valley.

After descending, the red trail intersects with the yellow trail at 1.3 miles (1160’). Turn left and follow the yellow blazes downhill through a hardwood forest.

At 1.5 miles, the yellow trail reaches the kiosk at the beginning of the loop. Turn left and follow the blazes back to the parking area. The total distance of the loop is 1.6 miles, with an elevation gain of 300 feet.