ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Ithacans itching for a new hiking spot this summer could venture out this weekend with Go Ithaca. The program kicked off its first weekend slate of Summer Tours this Friday.   

Go Ithaca is a transportation benefits program aimed at providing affordable ways for commuters to utilize environmentally friendly modes of transportation. This summer, Go Ithaca’s Summer Tours program will offer hiking tours through gorges, trials, and other natural areas throughout Ithaca.  

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance created the initiative in 2018, but COVID prevented them from developing any major projects. This March, SOME COVID restrictions lifting made the idea of tours a possibility.   

“It's post-COVID excitement about getting back together again,” Carrie Spanton, Outreach Coordinator for Go Ithaca, said. “It has inspired us to do these tours. It's wonderful to be outside and enjoy our spaces together.”   

The initiative became possible through additional grant funding. The Tompkins County Outdoor Recreation Grant awarded Go Ithaca roughly $8,000 for the program. The money will help provide resources for creating sustainable and safe trips around Ithaca over the summer.   

“That might include our intern trace, all of our marketing materials, and all the things necessary to have a safe trip,” Spanton said. “We were able to partner with all the hotels downtown so even visitors can enjoy our tour as well.”   

Trace Spanton moved to Ithaca this June to intern for Go Ithaca. He's excited to teach people about the area and learn more himself.   

“Ithaca is a wonderful place to live and be,” Trace said. “Just looking into the places, we can go and be able to talk to people when they have questions about the area; I can explain it to them and give them insight into what the area was like a few hundred years ago.”   

Go Ithaca will lead tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June 4th through August 14th. People can join and learn more about the program online.