ithacahikers

Wednesday November 30

Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca

Hike report by Jim

Nine hikers met for a hike of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology trail system. The morning was overcast, and light rain fell at one point during the hike.

We started by taking the outer, looping trails immediately behind the Lab of Ornithology visitor center. Here there has been an obvious attempt to cut back the number diseased and dying ash trees, with many of the fallen trees still strewn around the forest floor. Hopefully, the reforestation and replacement with other species will be successful.

At Sapsucker Woods Road, we crossed over and rejoined the trail system on the far side of the road. Initially we stayed on the outer trail loop, stopping at one point for a group photo.

For the return leg of the hike we jumped onto an inner ring of trails on both sides of Sapsucker Woods Road; this resulted in our arrival back at the visitor center only an hour into the hike.

After a short walk along Sapsucker Woods Road we re-entered the more easterly section of trails at another access point and walked our previous route in reverse. This brought us back to the parking area with about five minutes to spare. As the light rain was then picking up in volume I don’t think that anyone was complaining about being at our cars a few minutes early.

Saturday December 3

Finger Lakes Trail, Lower Robert Treman State Park

Hike report by Jim

Fifteen hikers and one dog met in the newly redone FLLT parking lot at Shady Corners, where state routes 13 and 34/96 converge, for a hike of the FLT through Robert Treman State Park.

The day was overcast, a uniform shade of grey that persisted throughout the hike. Other than a solitary trail runner with a dog whom we encountered along the way, we had the trail to ourselves.

Knowing that different hikers would negotiate the hilly terrain at different speeds, we agreed before setting out that everyone would turn around at a little over an hour to complete this out-and-back hike in our two-hour timeframe.

After passing under the Route 13 bridge, we entered  the grounds of R.H. Treman State Park. Soon we encountered the beginning of the nearly continuous uphill outbound portion of the hike. At this point, the group became an elongated line of hikers, the faster hikers quickly pulling away from those walking at a slower pace.

The trail crosses over the YMCA camp access road and then follows along that road for a while before it begins another steep climb, the YMCA pavilion and surrounding areas quickly falling away from view as the trail proceeds to higher elevations.

Eventually the trail reaches a plateau, where it winds route through the woods, and the elevation changes become more gradual. The views here are enjoyable; with summer vegetation died off for winter, the views down the steeply sloping hills on one side and glimpses of open fields on the other make this the most pleasurable part of this hike for me.

The fastest hikers got as far as the junction with the Rim Trail before they turned around. Everyone else simply turned around at the appointed time. The different groups caught up with each other as we all made our way back to the parking lot.

For anyone still tracking their FLT miles for the FLT60 patch, this hike counts as 5 FLT miles.

View Cian’s photo album.

Sunday December 4

Taughannock State Park Gorge and Rim Trails

Hike report by Jim

Twenty-two hikers and three dogs met in the parking lot at Lower Taughannock Falls State Park for a hike of the North and South Rim trails. It was a popular day to visit the park, and we frequently met other hikers and dog walkers along our route.

We paused for a quick group photo before walking to the lower falls observation area. There was a good quantity of water flowing on this day, so it was an enjoyable day to be at the park. The morning was cool, with a crisp wind blowing through the towering stone cliffs. The trees at the top of the cliffs and the upper cliffs themselves were awash in sunlight.

After returning to the parking area we crossed the bridge. The stone stairs for both the North and South Rim trails are now closed, so we took the alternative path though the campground.

At the upper observation area on Taughannock Falls Road, we stopped for a few minutes to take a look at the falls and regroup. Then we continued our trek, circling the upper side of the falls and continuing on the South Rim Trail.

At the closed stone stairs, hikers took Gorge Road in a steep descent to the Taughannock Inn, where we crossed that property back to the parking lot, the faster hikers in the group only a miniute over on our time.

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

View Cian’s photo album.

Wednesday November 23

South Road & Hurd Hill Road, Caroline

Hike report by Jim

Thirteen hikers met on the seasonal Hurd Hill Road where it intersects with South Road. We started with a steady downhill walk of Hurd Hill Road, which for the most part was free of washouts and potholes that otherwise might have slowed us down.

Our route passed through mostly undeveloped state forest land. Not until we approached the intersection with Prospect Valley Road did we encounter any residences or other signs of human habitation.

Hikers turned right at that intersection and then continued on Prospect Valley Road until we reached the seasonal end of Shindagin Hollow Road. Because we’d maintained a good pace, we found ourselves at the FLT crossing on Shindagin Hollow Road exactly an hour into the hike. We turned onto the FLT, hiking to the Shindagin lean-to, where we paused briefly.

We pressed on, hiking to South Road and then walking on that road back to our cars.

For those still tracking their FLT miles toward the FLT60 patch, today’s hike included 1.5 FLT miles.

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

Thursday November 24

Thanksgiving Hike and Get-Together

Hike report by Hank

Eight hikers and one dog named Thor set out at approximately 9:40 from 112 Compton Road under clear skies and temps in the mid 50s.

We proceeded south on Compton Road, crossing NY-96, and got on Comfort Road. From there, we continued south until we picked up the trail that becomes the loop around Treman Lake.  

At approximately the halfway point, where the road leads into upper Buttermilk SP, we turned right, walked about 100 yards, and then turned left and walked up a service road past a now-defunct water tank and onward, finally ending up at  West King Road. There, we stopped to chat for a moment, then we turned around went back down to Buttermilk park and proceeded around the rest of the Treman lake loop. We picked up the Finger Lakes Trail to Yaple, walked Yaple to Comfort, then returned to 112 Compton. 

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

View Cian’s photo album.

Saturday November 26

Stevens Suspension Bridge, Cornell Natural Areas

Hike report by Jim

Twenty hikers and two dogs met on Forest Home Drive for a hike of the Cayuga Trails and surrounding environs. It was a sunny but cool day, perfect hiking weather.

After crossing the suspension bridge we turned west, weaving our way through the woods along the well-travelled trail system. Eventually we reached the golf course, where we carefully skirted the perimeter of the well-groomed greens.

We cut through the woodline to reach the equine barns via the service road. We didn’t see any horses at first; we were nearly past the barns when suddenly a dozen or more horses thundered to the fenceline as we passed by.

There is some construction in progress between the current pastures and the Pooh tree, but we were able to turn toward the woods and the trails along the forested bluffs above the stream.

We hiked the orange-blazed trails along the bluff until we reached the split between the orange- and red-blazed trails. Normally we turn downhill and follow the orange blazes, but today I’d hoped to take the red-blazed trails and return to our cars from another point in the trail system. However, the hikers within our group had by now become so dispersed that I was afraid that the trailing hikers wouldn’t find the main group. So part of the group continued on the red-blazed trail under Norm’s guidance, while I took another group of hikers to retrace our route back to the orange-blazed trails. We  located the formerly trailing hikers near Stevens suspension bridge.

My group of hikers crossed the bridge and hiked the blue-blazed trails along the stream in a loop, returning to our cars at the two-hour mark. By now, the shoulders on both sides of the road in the parking area were lined with cars. Clearly, this trail system was a popular destination for hikers on this beautiful fall day!

Welcome to Pat K. on her first hike with the group!

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

View Cian’s photo album.

Sunday November 27

Owl Creek Trail, lower Buttermilk SP, and Ithaca College Natural Lands

Hike report by Jim

Thirteen hikers and two dogs met in the lower Buttermilk Falls State Park parking lot for a hike of the Owl Creek Trail and surrounding areas. The morning was overcast, with the threat of rain in the forecast.

We set off up the paved service road before turning onto the Owl Creek Trail. The group paused for a quick group photo before resuming our upward trek. Much of the first section of this hike is a steady climb; we go some distance before reaching a level spot where we can catch our breath.

At the overlook area, we paused to take in the view. The forests across the gorge were shrouded in a watery haze.

We resumed our climb and eventually reached Kings Cemetery on to Stone Quarry Road. Here is where we felt the first raindrops.

The group returned to the woods and walked to the Owl Creek trailhead on Stone Quarry Road. Here we crossed the road and got on the red-blazed trails of the Ithaca College Western Natural Lands.

By now it was raining steadily. We completed several of the loops within that trail system before again crossing Stone Quarry Road and retracing our steps down the hill via the Owl Creek Trail back to our cars.

A warm welcome to Kristin on her first hike with the group!

View Cian’s photo album.

Wednesday November 16

Deputron Hollow, Danby

Hike report by Jim

Seven hikers met at the corner of Miller and Marsh roads in Danby for a hike of the seasonal Deputron Hollow Rd. on a cool November morning. We  left the parking area, quickly passing from the paved roadway to dirt and then turning onto the seasonal road portion of the hike.

As we proceeded downhill and the forest closed in on either side of the road, the evidence of human habitation we’d passed at the beginning of the walk receded into the distance. This portion of the road descends in short stretches, leveling out occasionally before resuming its downhill path. All too soon we reached the lower, maintained and inhabited portion of Deputron Hollow Rd.

The main body of the group reached our turnaround time, while the group that was closer to Coddington Rd. continued at their faster pace, turning around only after reaching that intersection.

The return, uphill portion of the hike was uneventful and seemed to pass by quickly. All too soon we found ourselves at our vehicles, another hike successfully completed.

Saturday November 19

Historic architecture walk, Ithaca

Hike report by Randy O.

A group of close to 30 people met on a very chilly, but sunny morning. There were a couple of new hikers, one from Japan who was visiting for a short time. There were at least two dogs. Because of the cold, we departed right on time, with a few hikers arriving shortly after we started.  

We walked past eight historic buildings before climbing up Cascadilla Gorge. The gate was open, and the trail was mostly ice-free. We were warmed up by the time we reached College Avenue. However, the group had now fractured into two, with about 20 in the lead pack. 

We continued onto the Cornell campus, passing an interesting rock garden, Sage Hall, the A.D. White House, and Bailey Hall, before experiencing a colorfully interactive sculpture. 

From there it was all downhill, through the Arts Quad, past Morrill Hall and the clock tower, with frigid views of the lake. Loping down Libe Slope brought us to the Telluride House, notable for its esteemed residents, then down to Llenroc, home to Ezra Cornell, with brilliant sunshine enhancing its Gothic facade. 

A short stroll through the deserted cemetery brought us to Cascadilla Park Road and a steep descent to the flatlands. Walking along Cascadilla Creek was a pleasant way to end the hike/walk, with Gimme! luring some (me) to grab something warm while waiting for the trailing group. Surprisingly, and to the delight of many, we ended the hike in exactly two hours, covering 4.4 miles.

Click here for a list of the historic buildings we saw.

View Nancy L and Randy‘s photo album.

View Cian’s photo album.

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

Sunday November 20

Finger Lakes Trail from Shady Corners parking area to Thayer Preserve

Hike report by Jim

Twenty hikers and two dogs met at the recently paved parking area outside of lower Robert Treman State Park at the Shady Corners intersection of  state routes 13 and 34/96.

It was a cold morning; snow flurries had been falling as I drove to the trailhead, and as hikers gathered the wind continued, although the snow flurries dissipated.

My plan was to hike into the Lick Brook area and do a hike in a reverse direction from the route we normally do at that location.

The group went east, passing through the land recently acquired by the Finger Lakes Land Trust that surrounds the parking area, before entering the lands of the Tapan Mitra Preserve. We quickly crossed the railroad trestle, hiking through the lands of the Cornell Botanic Garden and into the Sweedler Nature Preserve. After stopping by the ice-encrusted falls (which were deep in shadows) for a group picture, we continued upward on the Finger Lakes Trail, traversing the narrow ridgeline the trail follows as it climbs the hill toward the distant Townline Road.

Around this point, the group split into several speed-based groups as some people lingered to take photos of the valley floor below us.

The freshly fallen snow, light enough to not crush the plant life that still rose along the trail, was a nice visual contrast to the browns and greens of now-dead  but still-standing summer plants and the evergreens that surround the trail.

We met several day hikers along the way, many out enjoying this early winter day with their own canine companions.

By the time my subset of the larger hiking group had reached Townline Rd, the main body of hikers had long since crossed the road and continued on the red-blazed trails of the Thayer Nature Preserve. My small group crossed the bridge and jumped onto the blue-blazed Toms Trail, assuming that we would soon meet the main body of hikers as they completed the loop.

This in fact happened, and the reunited group returned to Townline Rd., picked up the few remaining stragglers and headed downhill, hiking the blue-blazed trail that runs along the cliff’s edge.

As we returned to the valley floor, the serpentine line of hikers compressed into a tighter group and continued on the trail back to our cars. The hike took just a bit longer than our normal two-hour time, so I count this as a successful hike route to do again in the future.

View Cian’s photo album.

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

Wednesday November 9

Sessions Hill Road and Forbes Road, Homer

Hike report by Jim

This was a new hike for us, although hike leader Steve S. reported that he often hikes the area roads with his own dogs. Fourteen hikers and one dog met in Homer at the junction of Sessions Hill and Forbes Roads in Homer. This intersection is a nice meeting location, with good views in all directions and wide shoulders for ease of parking. Long-distance visibility was quite clear on this sunny but cool hiking day.

We started the hike by walking down nearby Vern King Rd. until we reached Maxson Rd., which offered a nice, gradual climb past a few houses before turning south and passing through some forested areas. With the leaves now fallen, there were still some good views along this portion of the hike.

Maxon Rd. runs into Sessions Hill Rd., on which we returned to the cars, arriving at just about the two-hour mark.

After the hike, we followed Roger to his nearby business, Beck Equipment, where he gave us an excellent guided tour, fed us pizza and wings, and offered the opportunity to operate some of the heavy equipment on site. Nancy L. was the only one to take up Roger’s invitation to try out the equipment.

Thanks to Steve S. for leading the hike!

Thank you, Roger, for your hospitality!

I enjoyed this new location enough to add it to our hike listings as hike #54-2.

View Mark’s photo album.

Saturday November 12

Eberhard Nature Preserve, Caroline

This hike was cancelled due to weather conditions.

Sunday November 13

Hammond Hill State Forest from Star Stanton Road

Twenty-two hikers and four dogs (+ 5 hikers and 1 dog elsewhere) met on Star Stanton Rd. in Dryden for a hike of the green- and yellow-blazed trails within Hammond Hill State Forest. I chose this hike because we’ll lose our access to the trails there to the skiers for a few months once we get some snow on the ground. It was sleeting as hikers arrived, a foreboding of the cold months ahead of us after the long stretch of warm weather we’ve had this fall.

After an initial descent toward Hammond Hill Rd., we turned onto the green-blazed trails  on the north side of Star Stanton Rd. This trail offered a gentle climb before leveling off into wide loops that make their way through the forest. Although the trail network on this side of the forest isn’t as extensive as those found elsewhere in Hamond Hill, there are still enough junctions and intersections that it is easy to get lost without a firm grasp of the network or a map for guidance.

The green trails gave way to yellow-blazed trails, which we took to the intersection of Canaan and Star Stanton Roads, known as “Times Square” for the convergence of many different trails at that junction.

After a stop at Times Square, we continued on trail Yellow 4. From there, I altered our planned route due to time limits; we turned onto trail Yellow 8, which in turn led to Yellow 5, which took us back to Canaan Rd. Crossing that road took us to Yellow 6, which winds through my favorite part of the forest, with towering and very atmospheric evergreens.

Trail Yellow 6 meets Yellow 1, which took us back to Star Stanton Rd. and our vehicles only a minute past our anticipated end time.

I found out later that a second group of five hikers and one dog were led astray by a Google Maps glitch (see below) and met up elsewhere in the Freeville area. These hikers did their own hike, and so I am adding them to the head count for Sunday’s hike.

View Cian’s photo album.

View Leigh Ann’s photo album.

Other Issues: Google Maps and Timeliness

From Jim

I would like to comment on the Google Maps accuracy issue. On recent hikes, multiple hikers have reported that Google Maps changes its destination en route, switching from a specific address or intersection to a generic pin that marks the town, but not the location of the original pin. Meeting locations that rely on intersections or coordinates seem especially prone to this problem, which often occurs when Google Maps reroutes during the drive. Nancy H and I are aware of this issue and don’t have a solution. However, if you notice that Google Maps is recaluclating your route, you might want to pull over and check that it hasn’t changed your destination. This appears to be a windespread and ongoing problem with the app.

Because of this issue, we have started adding written directions to our hikes. If you are not familiar with a particular meeting location, do not simply rely on Google Maps to get you there. Read the directions before you set out so you can notice if Google Maps sends you a different way. Have the written directions with you, or contact me or other regular hikers for assistance.

Finally, to echo my comments to our email list about being on time, we had a late arrival on the trail Sunday whom I was unaware of until nearly the end of the hike. For accountability purposes, I need folks to show up early enough that we can know during the hike who is hiking with our group. Thanks!