Category: hike reports

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 24

Hike report by Jim

Dryden Rail Trail, Varna section

14 hikers and 2 dogs met on the unsigned service road to the Stevenson Rd solar farm, for a walk of the recently opened Varna section of the Dryden Rail Trail, as well as a portion of the Monkey Run trail system.

As with most rail trails, this is a wide and fairly level of former railroad bed, better than a road walk but not as enthralling for me as a walk on the FLT through a favorite section of woods

On this particular hike we’d had our first snow accumulation the previous day, and already there was a glazing and surface irregularity to the snow-covered footpath due to others using the multi-use trail.

Soon enough we veered off the rail trail and entered the Monkey Run trail system. This was one of our more commonly hiked sections, but on this particular day we were hiking I in the opposite direction from what we normally do. Things in the woods still have a way of looking different if you just take the time to look at them from a different vantage point.

Coming out onto the Monkey Run parking area we crossed over and back into the woods, and followed the orange blazed trail on that side back to the Rail Trail.

The group took the Rail Trail until the Rte 13 crossing, at which time we turned around and walked back on the Rail Trail to our cars, without incident.

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Sat Nov 27

Hike report by Nancy L

Architectural walk, downtown Ithaca and Cornell, with our retired architect Randy

25 people and 2 dogs gathered in Ithaca on Esty between Albany and Plain street to tour Ithaca and the Western slope of the Cornell campus to look at registered historical buildings.   The ones we visited are of course only some of the ones listed.  There are descriptions on Wikipedia of the buildings:   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register _of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Tompkins_County,_New_York
We compiled a list of the buildings we hoped to visit though we didn’t have time to visit many of the registered buildings at Cornell.  Here is that list:

We first toured in the downtown area managing to stop by those historical buildings listed above that we’re downtown.   Next we headed up a combination of Cascadilla Park Road and short cuts between its bends to Stewart Ave.  From there we  proceeded uphill to the Deke and Telleride houses.  We climbed the rest of the hill to Morrill Hall, one of the earliest “newly constructed” buildings on campus.  The walking was more leisurely on the way over to A.D. White House, the home of Cornell’s first president.  After that, we took in a view from the slope and then headed down to Llenroc, the residence of Cornell’s founder, Ezra Cornell (along with Andrew Dickson White).  It’s a mansion on spacious grounds hidden away on a cul de sac. Most of us headed back through the neighboring cemetery to Cascadilla Park road and along the sidewalks by the creek to the cars.

You can see photos of the buildings the group looked at here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 28

Hike report by Jim

Groton village trail system

18 hikers and 2 dogs met on Spring Street Extension in the Town of Groton for a hike of the Groton village trail system.

There was light snow falling, with a minimal accumulated amount of loose powdery snow on the ground. While it was a generally overcast day it was still enjoyable to look out over the valley at the hills on the opposite side towards Cortland County

The hike starts out from the parking area across open fields before plunging into the woodline.

The trail is initially what appears to be a former logging road that makes its way through the undulating hillside quite nicely. Soon enough the group turned down the hill, starting our first loop through the woods to the West of Sovocool Hill Rd. Theres a very bizarre ( to me ) portion of this part of the trail where the footpath follows a utility right of way, resulting in a hiker being able to almost reach up and touch the utility lines where they run up the hill. A switchback away from the power lines would be better at this point in the hike.

Taking a side trail, the group crossed Sovocool Hill Rd and completed a small loop that included a short portion of the Groton High School track. Returning to the woods, the group completed that loop before returning to Sovocool Hill Rd.

Crossing Sovocool Hill Rd the trail splits again, following a very nice ravine area that had a decent amount of water flowing today. That trail arc brings hikers through some nice stands of pines before returning hikers to the original old logging roadf section of trail that leads back to the parking area.

The trails themselves are well-marked with wooden name placards as well as red trail discs, although the trail names do not appear on the map posted at the trailheads and on-line.

It was good to have long time Ithaca Hiker Casey Creamer hiking with the group again today. Welcome back Casey!

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 17

Hike report by Jim

Hammond Hill SF

14 hikers and 1 dog met in the parking lot on Hammond Hill Rd, for a walk of various yellow trails on Hammond Hill State lands.

The parking lot was cold and brisk with early morning winds, cold enough that one late arrival who never found the group turned around and left shortly after arriving.

The winds encouraged the group to not dawdle in the parking lot, and soon we were churning our way up the first trail section.

Reaching the first trail  intersection the group made a quick right turn and continued our climb.

Soon we were passing through the stands of evergreens that represent my favorite part of this particular forest.

There were still some muddy parts in a semi-solid state, not yet completely solidified into the frozen state they will maintain until next spring.

Reaching the seasonal part of Canaan Rd, and after a quick consult with Susan, we crossed over Canaan Rd and plunged into the forest on the opposite side of the road.

It was my intention to hike the more traditional route that Stephen and Susan take when they lead this particular hike.

Travelling in a large loop, the group soon found itself on the seasonal portion of Star Stanton RD, which we road-walked back towards its maintained portion.

Returning to the woods, the group completed the circuit on the yellow trails and returned to the parking lot and our cars much warmer than we were when we initially set out on the days hike.

Photos by shesse

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Sat Nov 20

Hike report by Jim

Taughannock Falls SP

Including one or two late arrivals, a total of 19 hikers and 3 dogs gathered at the parking lot of lower Taughannock Falls State Park for a walk around the parks Rim and Gorge trails.

It was a brisk, cool frosty morning; winter is certainly closer to us ahead than summer is behind, at this point.

The group started our morning by walking to the falls viewing area at the base of the falls. Patches of frozen ice dotted the pathway, and there were enough other dogs out taking their owners for a walk that the group did not feel alone while on our pilgrimage. The skies were clear and the sun played across the upper cliff faces while ground level remained in subdued lighting.

The more enthusiastic members of the group were off like a shot from the parking lot, setting a rapid pace far ahead of the more casual hikers.

After a short observation period the group turned around and returned to the parking lot, and then crossed over the bridge to get to the Rim Trail. The enthusiastic hikers ,who had built up a head of steam on our foray to the falls viewing area, now took the direct route up the stairs which have not yet been closed for the season. The more casual group took to the road that curves up through the camping area before re-joining the Rim Trail.

The walk along the Rim Trail, past the falls overlook area and shuttered visitor center, was enjoyable.

Reaching the pedestrian bridge linking the Rim and Gorge Trails, the casual hikers reunited with the rapid group, and everyone descended as a group along the Gorge Trail back to the parking area and our cars.

Photos by shesse

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 21

Hike report by Jim

Dryden Rail Trail, Dryden to Freeville

30 people and 8 dogs met on Springhouse Rd for a walk of the more easterly parts of the Dryden Rail Trail.

Being early on a Sunday morning, we avoided much of the road noise that for me is the biggest detractor for walking this particular trail.

Temperatures were in the 40s, but with the sunny conditions, a bit of exercise while hiking and good conversations going on throughout the hike, I don’t believe that many people noticed the temperatures.

It was great to see so many people today; one of the largest groups we’ve had since the start of the pandemic.

I’ll be thinking about starting this hike in the future in the Village of Dryden where  there is more parking, plus we would have more access to the Jim Schug Trail there.

Today the group started the hike by walking towards the village of Dryden; we’ve tried to cut out this section in the past, but it cuts the hike short on time. Once we reached the area near the Dryden sewer plant the group turned around and returned to Springhouse Rd. We picked up a late arrival as we crossed over Springhouse Rd and continued towards the village of Freeville.

The  portion of the Trail West of Springhouse Rd runs through a marshy, overgrown  section of streambed. This time of year is the best time for this hike, as the weeds and leafy brush have died back, allowing hikers to see beyond the immediate footpath in more places than is possible during the summer months.

As the group progressed Westerly, the stream became more defined, confined within its banks and following alongside the footpath. Viewing areas with benches to allow walkers to sit and admire the surroundings were common.

As the Trail approached George Rd it leaves the old railbed temporarily. Once over George Rd the footpath runs through William George Agency property for an extended distance. I had hoped to see an owl near George Rd whose presence was put out over the Dryden Rail Trail listserv, but we had no luck today in that regard.

Continuing through William George land hiker find a  stretch of trail where walkers are crossing a bed of old pine needles; a comfortable walking surface compared to some of the other portions of trail. A turn to the North towards Freeville Village soon has walkers passing by open fields on both sides of the footpath; it would be interesting to explore some of those side trails at some point, but much of the Trail is fairly well posted so I can only assume that curious explorers are not welcomed by property owners.

The trail surface turns to asphalt as the group draws closer to Freeville. As we approached Railroad Street the group turned around and re-traced their path back to Springhouse Rd

Photos by shesse

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 10

Hike report by Jim

Allan Treman Marine Park, Cass Park and the Black Diamond Trail

14 hikers met in the parking lot of Allan H Treman State Marine Park, for a tour of several area walking trails. The group started the hike by walking  the new paved walking trail  that follows the perimeter of the marina. That trail, once it reaches the marina entrance on Cayuga Inlet, follows the lake shoreline in a loop in the direction of the Hog Hole area.

On this day the trees were brilliant in their fall hues, while the lake itself was a sullen grey color. Breezes whipping across the choppy water made me happy that I’d worn an additional layer on this particular hike.

The group, completing this circuit, crossed the park entrance road and jumped onto the Cayuga Waterfront Trail as it follows the Cayuga Inlet. WE followed the Waterfront Trail as far as the Childrens Garden in Cass Park; crossing State Route 89 the group hopped onto the Black Diamond Trail for a quick out and back portion of the hike to burn up some hike time.

Returning to the Childrens Garden the group paused long enough to allow our newest youngest hiker Imogen some time to check out the equipment and to  interact with the other kids who were there.

With our hike time drawing to a close the group walked on the Waterfront Trail back to Cass Park and then to our cars in Allan H Treman.

While not a regular hike in our rotation, it was a good break from the routine of some of our more frequently visited locations.

Photos by shesse

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Sat Nov 13

Hike report by Nancy L

Shortened Van Lone Loop, Schuyler County

15 hikers (including one toddler in a backpack) and 2 dogs gathered on this damp morning.  We started out by hiking along the Fingerlakes Trail for a pleasant walk along the edge of the “Gulf” creek which is the outlet creek for Cayuta Lake. The water was fairly high but the trail was not flooded.  This portion is quite picturesque. The creek meanders around numerous islands.  At the beginning it flows slowly but in later portions runs more rapidly. A mile and a half in, there is an impressive cascade formed by a feeder stream that flows in from van lone hill from the north.  At this spot, the trail leads us over the stream via an elaborate old curving bridge which looks rickety but has been recently shored up.Shortly after crossing the bridge our hike turned away from the finger lakes trail to follow an alternate route that begins with a short but steep uphill trail that connects to a nice old road through a dark forest high on the east side of the feeder stream.  The road goes through a field before rejoining the Van Lone Loop trail.  This portion of the loop is called “School House Road” .  We took a side trip east to look at the ruins of the old School House before heading West on the trail.  The trail led down to the stream where a few of us got our feet wet crossing due to the recent rain.   From there we had to climb to near the top of Van Lone Hill and over.  The hiking trail ends at the top of Gulf Road.  The drizzle was picking up steam as we descended steeply down the road and back to our cars.

Photos by Randy/Nancy

You can see Randy and Nancy’s complete photo album here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 14

Hike report by Jim

Monkey Run, south side of Fall Creek, Varna

23 hikers and 3 dogs met on Monkey Run Rd in the Town of Dryden for a hike of the trails in the area. The group started out in a Southwesterly direction on the orange blazed trails. Crossing the open Cornell fields we jumped onto the red blazed trails, which we followed for the remainder of the hike.

Temperatures were cool, which made for a comfortable hike day.

Recent rains had made the trail muddy and slick in places, with wet leaves adding to that problem.

The streams were well-flowing with run-off, and while the skies over all were grey and a little overcast, the  visibility at lower altitudes was unaffected.

Few other people were on the trails, although we did see the Cayuga Trails Club maintainers for this section at the beginning of the hike, as well as a handful of other dog walkers and day hikers at various points.

Welcome to new hikers James, Nick and Joanna for their first hike with the group

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Nov 3

Hike report by Jim

Ridgeway Road to White Church Road and beyond, Caroline

13 hikers and 3 dogs met on Ridgeway Rd for a hike of the FLT towards White Church Rd and beyond.

It was a cool morning as we met at the parking area. The first frost of the season is expected to arrive in the next night or two, so this was a really nice seasonally transitional day to be on the trail.

The sign that advised of the trail beyond the parking area being closed that used to be on a near-by tree was missing, so I took a chance and took the group through the woods rather than road walk to the trail crossing at the bottom of the hill. I always prefer using trails over road walk alternatives.

It was a pleasant walk through the pines and meadows between the parking area and the long flat stretch that runs through the old railroad right-of-way. Those types of trail environments are always appealing to me

There were a few short stretches of wet and muddy trail in the first section of trail. After reaching the bog the group found that to still be quite impassible, but a quick detour put the group onto the rail bed section of the Trail as it runs along Wilseyville Creek.

The open fields before White Church Rd were a little overgrown  but nothing too difficult to pass through. Recent rains still clung to the grasses, so everyone’s pants were well-soaked by this point in the hike.

Reaching White Church Rd the group paused before pressing forward.

The Trail between White Church Rd and the base of the mountain ( Sorry, I’ve never figured out the actual name for this peak ) had quite a few very wet trail sections, to the extent that some members of the group turned around early rather than traverse through the wet trail sections.

The sun playing over the multi-colored tree leaves on the hillside was very attractive; I stopped to take a few pictures to try to capture the scene, but the pictures as is often the case did not do the scene proper justice.

Passing over the final streams before the mountain we found the water levels to be high and the water flowing quite briskly and louder than I recall ever seeing those streams in the past.

Reaching the base of the mountain the group turned around and made our way back to our vehicles with time to spare.

Photos by shesse

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Sat Nov 6

Hike report by Jim

Stevens Suspension Bridge, Cornell golf course and Cornell horse barns and fields, Forest Home

22 hikers and 5 dogs met on Forest Home Drive at Flat Rock for a hike of the Cayuga Trails system on the North side of Fall Creek: Ithaca Trails – Interactive Map

It was a crisp morning, with the first frost of the season welcoming us to our hike

Crossing the Stevenson Suspension bridge, we turned to the West, our feet crunching through the newly fallen frosty leaves.

The first section of trail was  uneventful, and it wasn’t until we approached the short climb to the golf course that we ran into our first substantial muddy patch of trail that was only partially frozen over.

Arriving at the golf course we carefully navigated the perimeter of the greens so as to not damage the frosty fairway grasses.

Passing by the horse paddocks we walked to Piglet Corner Piglet Corner – Google Maps before turning around and re-entering the woods in the direction of Fall Creek. Walking Easterly along the ridge above the streambed we eventually took a connector trail down the slope. A quick hike in a Westerly direction soon brought us in a loop back to the suspension bridge, which we crossed over before taking the blue blazed trails in the South Natural area:

Ithaca Trails – Interactive Map

Those trails crossed over Forest Home Drive before running along the Arboretum property back to our parking area.

We arrived back to the cars a little bit early…..

Saturdays hike was a first hike with the group for Alyssa and Mike. We were happy to have them join us.

Photos by shesse

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Nov 7

Hike report by Nancy L

Fillmore Glen SP, Moravia

26 hikers and 4 dogs met at the Fillmore Glen parking lot on this crisp but clear Sunday morning.  We started by climbing some steep rock stairs up to the start of the Gorge trail.  The cascades were beautiful from the trail and from the 8 bridges that crossed back and forth over the Glen.  The footing was at times treacherous with melting ice and puddles especially on the parts of the trail with a wavy slate bed.  After completing the gorge trail we continued up the north side of the Glen to the north rim trail.  We soon came to a side trail that afforded another beautiful view. Returning to the rim trail it was not a very long way to the dam where we crossed the Glen to one of several leantos.  We followed a gravel road on the south rim a short way to where we could access the gorge trail again.  It was great to see the cascades from another angle.  When we reached the bottom of the stone stairs again we made the short walk over to the “cowshed’ falls which still features an overhanging rock roof which is apparently not nearly as overhanging as it once was. Afterwards some of us met for refreshments at the very pleasant Summerhill brewery where we were able to sit outside in the sun while we refreshed

Photos by Randy/Nancy

You can see their complete photo album here

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Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Oct 27

Hike report by Jim

Arnot Forest, Newfield

Four hikers met by the North gate of Arnot forest for a hunting season road walk

It was a cool but somewhat windy day, perfect hiking weather even with the cool breezes

Pulling up to the  gate of Arnot Forest, the air was full of the noise from the run-off from recent rains flowing quickly in the adjoining ditches.

Setting off from the cars, hikers are met initially by a short climb that takes you past a small older cemetery. The residents there didn’t appear to take any notice of our passing.

Coming to the first intersection, most people take a left turn to continue hiking, as the road ahead is chained off and somewhat overgrown. We took a few minutes to check out the chained-off road, but quickly found that the previous evenings rains had left the soil there a soggy mess.

Returning to the T intersection the group turned south. The road from here onwards was a series of gradual roller coaster peaks and valleys. The group stopped occasionally to check out the ruins of various foundations along the road.

Climbing one small peak in particular , the group found a very good views over the changing trees of the valley beyond. Stopping for a quick group picture, the group continued onwards.

Arriving at some small ponds at the turn-around time, the group delayed long enough to check out the ponds before turning around and re-tracing our steps to the cars

Photos by Randy

You can see Randy’s complete photo album here

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Sat Oct 30

Hike report by Jim

Lime Hollow Nature Preserve, Cortland County

Fifteen hikers met on Gracie Rd in Cortland County for a hike of the Lime Hollow Nature Preserve.

Temps were cool, and the early morning rain broke just as the hike time started.

The group moved down the Lehigh Valley Trail, turning onto the Hawthorn Connector for a trip around Baldwin Pond on the High Vista Loop. We tried to stop in along the loop for a look at Baldwin Pond, but the weeds and undergrowth presented too much of a challenge.

Returning to the Lehigh Valley Trail the group jumped onto Hermits Way and then Fen Way, which returned the group to the Lehigh Valley Trail.

In most places the trails were perfectly fine for hiking; with only shallow pools of water  and a few muddy areas presenting any sort of challenge.

Once back on the Lehigh Valley Trail the group returned to the parking area on Gracie Road, and then took the Lehigh Valley Trail to Maple Run.

On Maple Run I found the carpet of newly fallen leaves in all of their various hues of yellow and orange to be quite magnificent. Right around this time the rain resumed for a short time, then dissipated into a misty sprinkle that hardly proved to be an impediment to the hike.

Taking the Maple Run Trail to the Chicago Bog the group paused briefly, then walked the Phillips Memorial Trail to the Esker Connector; this in turn led back to Maple Run.

Returning to the cars via Maple Run and the Lehigh Valley Trail, the hike concluded with five minutes to spare; not bad, considering the weather conditions we had expected on this hike day. Several members of todays group commented that this hike had taken them to parts of the Nature Center that they had not previously visited, so I think that it was a worthwhile hike

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Oct 31

Hike report by Nancy H

Halloween hike through two old in-town cemeteries

Thirty-eight hikers (some in costume) and six dogs met in the Ithaca High School parking lot on a cloudy, drizzly morning. The rain soon ended, but the atmosphere was perfect for making our way up the hill through Lakeview Cemetery. At the top, we paused in Sunset Park for a group picture and to take photos of the lake and cloud-shrouded hills on the far shore.

From there we walked through Cayuga Heights and over the bridge above Ithaca Falls to the City Cemetery. We walked along several cemetery paths, then exited at the bottom of the hill on University Avenue. From there, some of the hikers headed north through Fall Creek and back to their cars. The rest of us climbed the Cascadilla Gorge trail. Recent rains have really swollen the creek, making the waterfalls and cascades impressive… and noisy! At the top of the gorge, we made our way to Stewart Avenue and went back down the hill on the trail that goes along the gorge’s rim and eventually opens onto Cascadilla Park Road. We walked along Linn Street, pausing at Fall Creek Elementary School to hear about the gallows that used to stand on that site, before walking past Ithaca Falls and back to IHS parking lot.

Photos by shesse

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here