ithacahikers

Hello Hikers!

Wed Mar 9

Hike report by Jim

Hurd Hill Road, Caroline

9 hikers met in the Town of Caroline for a wintery hike of seasonal Hurd Hill Rd.

Snow was starting to fall when I arrived early at the intersection of Hurd Hill and South Rds. Arriving hikers reported to the group that they had encountered increasingly poor road conditions while en route to the hike.

The snow, now falling steadily, never let up throughout the hike and my return drive home to Freeville. The falling snow and the fresh snow under foot  made for a very winter-like hike experience, with each hiker individually  sheathed in a coat of fresh snow by the end of the hike.

Hurd Hill Rd, from its junction with South Rd, gradually descends through state land. While on todays hike, hikers encountered streams running vigorously alongside and under the roadway; evergreens shielding short sections of the roadway from the falling snow, creating small cocooned sections of road with still air that were protected from the steady snowfall, and nearly bare ground under the limbs. For much of the walk we had  hard crusty snow surfaces underfoot, with random hidden patches of ice concealed by the rapidly accumulating snow. One hiker went down to the ground on one of these ice patches, but thankfully sustained no injury.

The road receives no maintenance during the winter, so the accumulated fallen evergreen boughs and leafless downed deciduous branches along the way added to  the appearance of a very rural hike that’s hard to fully describe. There had been a single vehicle at some recent time that had plowed its way down the road through the hard snow, but otherwise we were walking along an unbroken tract of snow on the roadway.

Most hikers wore some form of foot traction, but the nanospikes proved to be entirely ineffective due to the fresh snow clumping up on the soles of hikers using that form of traction. The hikers with micro-spikes had a much easier go of things.

Reaching the bottom of Hurd Hill Rd ( now in Tioga County ), hikers meet the junction of Hurd Hill Rd and Prospect Valley Rd. On todays hike we made a right turn, choosing to walk along a portion of the Shindagin Hollow basin that we don’t normally get to see on our other hikes of the area. Prospect Valley Rd itself was as -of-yet unplowed when we were hiking there, so it gave the sense of being a seasonal road like Hurd Hill Rd, the only difference being a slightly better road surface that made walking easier.

Soon the group reached the hour mark and turned around to re-trace our steps. The return trip back up Hurd Hill Rd found that our footprints from the outbound leg were already well on the way to being filled in with fresh snow. The incline on the return leg of the trip is so gradual that none of our group experienced any difficulties.

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Sat Mar 12

Hike cancelled — snow, ice and high winds

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Sun Mar 13

Hike report by Jim

Cornell arboretum and Mundy Wildflower Garden, Forest Home

11 hikers met at the Flat Rock parking area, for a hike of Cornell’s FR Newman arboretum, Mundy Wildflower Gardens, the area around Hemlock Gorge near Beebe Lake and the hamlet of  Forest Home

As hikers were arriving before the hike the sun shone with a brilliant intensity across the fresh snow from the previous nights winter storm. Fresh snow lay on the tree limbs, offering a sharp contrast in shading to the eye. Soon enough the cloud cover set in and we resumed our normal overcast Ithaca weather.

Hikers left the parking area and entered FR Newman Arboretum. The roads here had been plowed at some point in the recent past so that while the lanes were a little filled in from blowing snow, it was not an unpleasant hike. There was a layer of ice underfoot that made some form of foot traction much preferred. The air was filled with the sound of birdsong from the trees around us. Other day users of the arboretum were out in small numbers, but for the most part we had the place to ourselves.

The group circled Houston Pond on the Arboretum Rd before exiting onto Caldwell Rd

We crossed into the Mundy Wildflower Gardens but stayed there only long enough to reach the stairs that lead to Judd Falls Rd and the Nevin Welcome Center. The group found that all of the paths we used outside of FR Newman were well-used, and the snow depth did not impede the hike in any noticeable way

Passing by the welcome center we reached Forest Home Drive, crossing at Sacketts Bridge towards Beebe Lake.

The group took the short side loop trail to Hemlock Gorge, where we found the water flowing vigorously over the short falls.

Returning to Forest Home Drive we walked the short distance to the hamlet of Forest Home, passing through the hamlet on our way back to the arboretum.

Once back in the arboretum we jumped on the orange blazed trail which took us back to our cars without incident

Warm welcome to Lori and Judith on their first hike with the group!

Photos by Leigh Ann

You can see Leigh Ann’s complete photo album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Mar 2

Hike report by Jim

Curtis Road, South Danby

Six hikers met at the junction of Hill and Curtis Rd, for a planned hike of the seasonal portion of Curtis Rd.

A seventh hiker went to the wrong intersection and ended up hiking their own hike to Curtis RD via the FLT.

It was a pleasant hiking day, and the wind that so often plagues this hike location was absent on this hike.

Passing Karenville we paused briefly to interact with Tangles the pony, before continuing onwards.

We soon found that beyond the last inhabited residence on Curtis Rd, the road surface turned into a messy slick and hazardous walking surface. Arriving at the FLT crossing point I suggested to the group that we deviate from the planned hike and turn onto the FLT. The trail surface was shown to be crusty but walkable, without the slippery nature of Curtis Rd.

The group hiked Westerly in the FLT, eventually reaching the Abbott Loop. The hikers turned onto the Abbott Loop, walking Southerly until we reached the hour mark, at which time we turned around and re-traced our steps back to Curtis Rd and from there back to our cars.

Overall it was a good hike day, and in view of the season, not entirely unexpected that we encountered the icy conditions.

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Sat Mar 5

Hike report by Jim

Virgil Mountain

Ten Hikers and 2 dogs met in Cortland County at the junction of Odell and Baldwin Rds, for a hike of Virgil Mountain. Two additional hikers arrived late and did their own separate and much longer hike of the Virgil Mountain Loop.

We’ve previously hiked this route only in the summer, and our normal pace is normally sufficient to get us to the peak of the mountain and back to the cars in two hours.

Arriving at the parking area early, I spoke to several day hikers, snowshoers, etc who were there ahead of me. Based on their reports of trail conditions I gave our group the option of hiking an alternative to the planned route, but everyone was enthusiastic for hiking the mountain regardless of trail conditions.

The group walked up Odell Rd and plunged into the woodline. The FLT footpath along this section of trail had seen a minimal level of foot traffic, so it was somewhat compacted; but not to the degree  that the FLT in the opposite direction towards Bleck Rd had been observed to be.

The group proceeded slowly up the mountain, crossing a small number of streams along the way, while passing through stands of evergreens that lent a certain muted ambiance to the hike.

Reaching Van Donsel Rd at the hour mark I discussed with the group that our pace was slowed enough that we could not reach the peak and return to the cars within the allotted hike time. Several of us had afternoon commitments, so the group split into two sub-groups, with half continuing up the hill and my half of the group returning to the cars within the two hour hike time.

Cian reported to me the following day that the subgroup that had summited had hiked an additional hour in order to do so.

Warm welcome to Kris, Louie and Miles on their first hike with the group.

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete album here

Two photos by Casey, who arrived late and did his own walk

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Sun Mar 6

Hike report and photo by Jim

South Danby Road east, Danby

18 hikers and 2 dogs met on South Danby Rd for a hike of the FLT Easterly.

It was the warmest hike day we’ve had in a  while, with highs in the 50s. Turn-out reflected the excellent hiking weather.

As we set off from the parking area, it was obvious that the higher temperatures  were already having an impact, as the streams were flowing with a lot of run-off, and the icy lower sections of the trail were already weakening and collapsing in on themselves.

In a very short time I realized that the FLT itself was an inferior hiking surface to the snowmobile trail that follows alongside the FLT. The surfaces of both trails  were melting, but the snowmobile trail had started as a compacted surface and still easier to hike on. So most of our hike East of South Danby Road was over the snowmobile trail. Cian opted to stay on the FLT and reported later that it had been a long process of post-holing his way along the trail.

Periodically we would meet the FLT as it crossed over the snowmobile trail, and I opted to remain on the snowmobile trail.

The trail climbed the hill, the sun and snow combining to create a mix of light and shadow. In places the needles under the evergreens lay exposed, the surface of snow in those places already melted away. Portions of the path that I recall being muddy in warmwer months were still thankfully quite frozen.

The group chattered behind me, while Casey kept me company at the front of the line.

Eventually the path ended its long climb and we found ourselves descending towards Peter Rd.

Reaching Peter Rd the group turned Westerly and followed Peter Rd to South Danby Rd.

It was here that the group encountered the only other person we saw the entire hike, as  a local resident passed us on his Gator.

Reaching South Danby Rd the group turned around and re-traced our path back to the snowmobile trail. The sun was beating down on us, and the snow underfoot was always beginning to turn into a melting slush. The wind was picking up, causing me to be thankful that we were not conducting this hike later in the day when the melt might have progressed further.

Once back on the snowmobile trail it was mostly a descent back to the cars, and so we found ourselves standing at the parking area with half an hour to spare.

The group opted to jump on the FLT on the opposite side of the road and walk to Fisher Settlement Rd to bring us closer to our normal hike duration.

This was done without incident.

Welcome to Val and Al on their first hike with the group!

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Feb 23

Hike report and two photos by Jim

Monkey Run Natural area, south side of Fall Creek

Nine hikers met on Monkey Run Rd for a hike of the trails on the South side  of Fall Creek.

When I first got to the parking lot I spoke to a woman who was just coming off the trail with her dog; we reviewed a trail map and she advised me of some areas that she had found to be impassible due to trail damage or significant ice that had covered the footpath.

As the group arrived I advised them that we might be forced to deviate from our normal hike route due to trail conditions

The group set off towards the west, the orange-blazed footpath underfoot still slick enough from a layer of ice that traction was a necessity for much of that section of trail. The group climbed upwards, then began a meandering section of trail that climbs and falls as it makes its way towards Varna.

The group emerged from the woods and began the section of road-walking that cuts across the open Cornell fields. Here we found the remaining ice on the road to be extremely fragile, with a significant amount of water flowing below the icey surface.

Soon we turned into the red blazed trail that runs along Fall Creek itself. Here we found the creeks shores to be lined with huge fractured slabs of ice. The accompanying photos depict Bud crossing a pile of such slabs, along with a group photo. The amount of water flowing in the creek today was significant

It was here we encountered  a tenth Ithaca hiker, who had arrived late and opted to hike our usual  route in reverse to meet us.

The group continued onwards, stopping occasionally to view the creek below from the high bluffs, until we arrived at one of the final downhill slopes that was covered with a significant amount of ice. The group conferred on our course of action, with most preferring to backtrack a bit and take the less iced-over yellow blazed side trail back to the cars. One hardy hiker opted to continue on alone over the ice-covered red blazed trail.

The remainder of the group re-traced our steps to the yellow blazed trail, taking that back to the cars with a few minutes to spare.

Despite the trail conditions it was a good hike, with relatively warm temperatures. The group had the trail to ourselves in the time we were there.

Photo by Nancy H

Three shots of the icy conditions by Bud:

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Sat Feb 26

Hike report by Jim

Woodard Road west on the FLT to Rockwell Road, Enfield

13 hikers met on Woodard Rd for a hike Westerly on the FLT.

Two late arrivals chose to do their own hike Easterly on the FLT and will be reporting separately.

It was a sunny day, and after the warm temperatures earlier in the week most of the existing snowpack had melted off the trail. The very recent snows had formed a thin layer of hard crunchy snow that gave no difficulties except on the steepest of hillsides.

The group made its way Westerly on the FLT quickly, the route well-marked for the most part along this popular section of trail. Other than a few glimpses of park road through the bare trees there is little to hint of surrounding civilization until you approach the Treman Conference Center on Hines Rd.

The group passed over Hines and continued on the FLT, stopping just before reaching Rockwell Rd. Here the majority of the group opted to turn around rather than road walk back to the cars. I opted to continue on to Rockwell and road walk the entirety of the return leg.

I met up with the group as they exited the woods on Hines Rd. Here the group split again, with most of the group opting for an out-and-back on the FLT, while some of us opted for a road walk back to Woodard Rd.

Arriving back at the cars I walked into the woods until I met the hikers returning to Woodard via the FLT.

Three photos by Leigh Ann

You can see Leigh Ann’s complete album here

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Sun Feb 27

Hike report by Jim

FLT into Hammond Hill State Forest from Route 38 South of Dryden

15 hikers and 4 dogs met on Star Stanton Hill Rd for a hike of the FLT.

The morning was sunny and clear, although somewhat windy at the meeting location.

The view up and down the valley from Star Stanton Hill Rd was great.

The group started up the hill, a steep climb through snow that was compacted by snowmobiles in recent days. Star Stanton Hill Rd in this area is abandoned, although the road surface is in very good condition due to some logging operations that occurred in recent years.

Soon the FLT turns into the woodline and heads towards the yellow blazed trails on Hammond Hill. The snowpack here was not as compacted as it had been on the roadway, but thanks to recent warm temperatures wwith the ensuing snow melt, the snow depth was not intolerable. The sun shone off the fresh white snow in the woods we passed through.  Here the Trail passes through some stands of evergreen trees and young forest growth; for much of the hike here the view of the valley beyond the forest is visible through the leafless trees.

Eventually the FLT takes a sharp turn and climbs the hillside to join the Hammond Hill trail system. The group passed a couple of snowshoers and skiers, but otherwise had the trail to ourselves. The Hammond Hill trail was very much compacted due to the amount of use its had, so the group managed to move at a fairly good pace for the remainder of the hike.

Eventually the group reached the Hammond Hill radio tower and turned around to retrace our route back to the cars. The return leg, much of it now downhill, passed much quicker than the outbound leg of the journey had.

Photos by Leigh Ann:

You can see Leigh Ann’s complete album here

Hello Hikers!

Wed Feb 16

Hike report by Jim

Kennedy State Forest, Cortland County

7 hikers and 1 dog met in Cortland County for a hike of ( mainly ) the FLT in Kennedy Forest.

The weather at the trailhead was a little concerning, with some good winds whipping through the treetops and enough windchill to penetrate multiple layers of clothing. Ultimately the wind was a non-issue as we hiked deeper in the woods, and only reminded us of its presence as we returned to the cars at the end of our hike.

The trail surface, while not perfect, was better than some I have seen recently. The snow had a decently hard crust that lighter hikers could stand entirely on the crust without breaking through. Thankfully there has been enough hiker traffic on this portion of the trail that the treadway was beaten down and easily traveled, even if the surface was a little uneven and somewhat slippery due to the constant freeze and thaw cycles since the last snowfall. Foot traction was essential on this hike.

It was a pleasant walk, with the streams frozen over and easily passed over. The visual scars of last years logging operations remained buried away from view and only hinted at by the stumps and piles of logs thrusting up from beneath the layers of white. The light from the sun that occasionally reminded us of its presence was a nice light and shadow contrast inside the forest. The snow remained fresh enough along the route that the various and frequent  splashes of small cones across the snows surface made an interesting visual contrast.

The group found the Swedish loop and other side trails much less travelled than the FLT itself, but not unbearably so where we would have found ourselves breaking trail through the deep snow. This was more a case of while not a perfect walking surface but of being “just good enough” that it wasn’t a miserable slog through deep snow.

Soon enough we found ourselves at the yellow blazed shortcut back to the FLT.

The return trip to the cars was uneventful.

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Sat Feb 19

Hike report by Nancy L

Depotron Hollow Road, Danby

10 hikers met at the corner of Miller and Marsh Rd on a chilly windy day.  The hike on Marsh down to Deputron was uneventful.  The road was mostly clear  of ice and snow.  Soon we turned left onto the snow covered Deputron road.  The snow on the road was tamped down enough for easy walking for the hikers most of whom we’re wearing traction devices on their feet.  About half way down we received warnings of a snow squall but most of us decided to go on hiking.  Cian met us at the top of Deputron after hiking from Coddington so he was able to join us for the hike down.  We hiked a fair distance past the unplowed portion before turning around to make our way back.  On the way the promised squall arrived but in the protection of the dense surrounding woods neither the wind or the snow were very intense.  All returned safely to their cars.The following pic is courtesy of Roger Beck:

Photos by Cian

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun Feb 20

Special exploratory hike report and two photos by Jim

International Loop near Kennedy SF

I didn’t have a formal group hike planned for Sunday, as I’d originally expected the days focus to be on the gathering at Chestnut Lean-To that was cancelled.

Once the days events were cancelled, I wanted to check out the International Loop near Kennedy State Forest in Virgil. Stephen had previously advised me that he’s never taken the group through this particular trail system. Other members of our group heard of my plans and asked to come along. With the understanding that this was an entirely new hike location that I was only doing an exploratory walk on, five of us met on Daisy Hollow Rd for a walk of the maze of trails that make up this particular hiking experience.

With only a map awareness of the trail system, I started the group off on a blue blazed trail that meandered along Christina Creek. This part of the trail system had seen only minimal previous use, and we found ourselves breaking trail through hard crusted snow and seeking out the shallower drifts to posthole through.

Reaching the top of the hill we merged into a network of trails, and the group split up into sub-groups to check out different blazed trails, with an agreed-upon trail intersection that we would meet at further  up the hill.

From this point on the going was much easier; the trail register I wrote in indicated that a sizeable number of Tri-city Hikers had used the trails the day before, and they had compacted the footpath enough that the hike became much more enjoyable for our group.

The group eventually reached the Spanish Loop Trail and the Tiny Pond Spur Trail I had intended to use as our turn-around point.

The return trails tended to follow the utility right of ways at points, but did offer some nice green tunnels to hike through stands of evergreens

Overall this was an enjoyable hike location, one I intend to bring the group back to when warmer weather returns and we don’t have to contend with the snow.

Photos by Cian

Complete photo album here