Check out the Finger Lakes trail
Myranda Davis
Mayhood’s Sporting Goods
CHENANGO COUNTY – For those who are looking for a great family outdoor activity, check out the Finger Lakes Trail.
This trail passes through several of our local townships including McDonough, Oxford, Bainbridge, and more. I have spent many days out on this trail with family and friends. I hope to one day hike the entire length of this trail from end to end.
The idea to create the Finger Lakes Trail was established in 1961. Not long after, in 1962 the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) was established. This organization helps to build, protect, and maintain the Finger Lakes Trail system.
The main trail is approximately 580 miles long. One end of the trail is in Allegheny State Park which is located in western New York, near the Pennsylvania border. The other end of the trail goes to the Long Path of the Catskill Forest Preserve. There are several other trails that connect to the Finger Lakes trail system. These trails are referred to as loop, spur, and branch trails which total about another 412 miles. In all there is approximately 1,000 miles of trails available for recreational use.
The Finger Lakes Trail passes through an even mixture of public and private lands – with the landowner’s permission. If you decide to take a hike along part of the trail it is asked that you show respect to landowners, since they were kind enough to allow the trail to pass through their property.
Some property owners do not permit hiking on their property during hunting season – this will be marked on the FLTC maps. Maintenance of the trail is provided by volunteers who log approximately 15,000 hours each year. The trail is established as a foot path. The use of bicycles, motorized vehicles or equipment, and horseback riding is not permitted unless specifically approved.
Maps can be purchased on the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website. Maps are available by section or the entire trail system can be purchased. There are also maps that can be downloaded for a GPS system. It is a good idea to visit the Trail Conference website before going out, because they will occasionally have notifications on trail conditions.
For those who want to complete an overnight trip, the maps show designated camping sites along the trail. This might be a lean-to or a bivouac area where you can pitch a tent. If another hiker comes along it is expected that you will share the camping site with them.
Designated camping sites also include nearby state or private campgrounds – many of these places are only open seasonally. On private property, camping and campfires are not permitted unless designated.
Camping on State Lands is allowed, however, there are regulations. Such regulations include length of stay at one site, group size, and the distance of your chosen site from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Details about this can be found on the FLTC website. The maps also show which sites have water available, or where a reliable stream is located. Water from streams should always be treated or filtered before use.
Those who would like assistance getting started on the trails can check out some of the affiliate groups. A local group called the Bullthistle Hikers plans weekly activities, including hikes.
The group also maintains 35 miles of the trail. It was founded in 2004 by Ed Sidote to provide information about local hiking opportunities. The Bullthistle Hikers have meetings the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Norwich YMCA. All meetings are open to the public.
As a motivator to get out on the trail, those who hike the main trail from end to end – whether in one trip or several – are listed on the Main Trail Awards on the FLCT website. End to enders also receive a certificate, badges, and a name plate. There is an additional award for those who hike all of the branch trails as well. It you wish to receive the end-to-end award you must document your hike and fill out an award application – see the FLCT for details.
The Finger Lakes Trail is a great opportunity to get exercise and enjoy nature. Plus, this is a free activity. There are plenty of resources available for those who are first time hikers. So grab your hiking gear, and hit the trails on this beautiful trail system that is practically in your backyard. Happy hiking.
– Mayhood's Sporting Goods
Mayhood’s Sporting Goods
CHENANGO COUNTY – For those who are looking for a great family outdoor activity, check out the Finger Lakes Trail.
This trail passes through several of our local townships including McDonough, Oxford, Bainbridge, and more. I have spent many days out on this trail with family and friends. I hope to one day hike the entire length of this trail from end to end.
The idea to create the Finger Lakes Trail was established in 1961. Not long after, in 1962 the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) was established. This organization helps to build, protect, and maintain the Finger Lakes Trail system.
The main trail is approximately 580 miles long. One end of the trail is in Allegheny State Park which is located in western New York, near the Pennsylvania border. The other end of the trail goes to the Long Path of the Catskill Forest Preserve. There are several other trails that connect to the Finger Lakes trail system. These trails are referred to as loop, spur, and branch trails which total about another 412 miles. In all there is approximately 1,000 miles of trails available for recreational use.
The Finger Lakes Trail passes through an even mixture of public and private lands – with the landowner’s permission. If you decide to take a hike along part of the trail it is asked that you show respect to landowners, since they were kind enough to allow the trail to pass through their property.
Some property owners do not permit hiking on their property during hunting season – this will be marked on the FLTC maps. Maintenance of the trail is provided by volunteers who log approximately 15,000 hours each year. The trail is established as a foot path. The use of bicycles, motorized vehicles or equipment, and horseback riding is not permitted unless specifically approved.
Maps can be purchased on the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website. Maps are available by section or the entire trail system can be purchased. There are also maps that can be downloaded for a GPS system. It is a good idea to visit the Trail Conference website before going out, because they will occasionally have notifications on trail conditions.
For those who want to complete an overnight trip, the maps show designated camping sites along the trail. This might be a lean-to or a bivouac area where you can pitch a tent. If another hiker comes along it is expected that you will share the camping site with them.
Designated camping sites also include nearby state or private campgrounds – many of these places are only open seasonally. On private property, camping and campfires are not permitted unless designated.
Camping on State Lands is allowed, however, there are regulations. Such regulations include length of stay at one site, group size, and the distance of your chosen site from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Details about this can be found on the FLTC website. The maps also show which sites have water available, or where a reliable stream is located. Water from streams should always be treated or filtered before use.
Those who would like assistance getting started on the trails can check out some of the affiliate groups. A local group called the Bullthistle Hikers plans weekly activities, including hikes.
The group also maintains 35 miles of the trail. It was founded in 2004 by Ed Sidote to provide information about local hiking opportunities. The Bullthistle Hikers have meetings the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Norwich YMCA. All meetings are open to the public.
As a motivator to get out on the trail, those who hike the main trail from end to end – whether in one trip or several – are listed on the Main Trail Awards on the FLCT website. End to enders also receive a certificate, badges, and a name plate. There is an additional award for those who hike all of the branch trails as well. It you wish to receive the end-to-end award you must document your hike and fill out an award application – see the FLCT for details.
The Finger Lakes Trail is a great opportunity to get exercise and enjoy nature. Plus, this is a free activity. There are plenty of resources available for those who are first time hikers. So grab your hiking gear, and hit the trails on this beautiful trail system that is practically in your backyard. Happy hiking.
– Mayhood's Sporting Goods
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