Report to Hikers — week of May 3 – May 9

Hello Hikers!

Wednesday May 5

This hike report was written by Jim

Star Stanton Road west into Hammond Hill SF, Dryden

Ten hikers and one dog met at the end of the maintained portion of Star Stanton Hill Rd, for a hike of the FLT in the area of Hammond Hill. An eleventh hiker arrived late and met the group on trail.

There was some concern about expected weather conditions at the beginning of the hike; a weather front moving through the area had the trailhead in a misty rain that was barely noticeable.

Hikers climbed the seasonal portion of Star Stanton Hill Rd in a Westerly direction. Passing into the abandoned section of  Star Stanton Hill Rd, hikers found this portion of the FLT well-blazed with fresh paint, which I believe was a change from the last time we’d hiked this section.

Passing a chained off split in the road, hikers soon found where the FLT takes a sharp turn off of Star Stanton Hill Rd and into the forest.

Stepping into the woods we were soon passing through small clumps of  evergreens and passing over small well-supplied water crossings. Our last time through this area the evergreens had been covered in fresh snow. This time, the forest floor was springing forth with new growth that had not yet grown so high as to screen our view of the surrounding forested area.

Climbing a small hill we found ourselves on the yellow blazed trails of Hammond Hill, whose multi-use trails share this part of the woods with the FLT.

The group made quick progress, following the white FLT blazes as we travelled from yellow to red blazed trails. It seemed that a mist hung in the air, resulting in  a sort of diffused lighting along the trail in places. While there were the occasional muddy patches and standing pools of water of trail, even the worst of these were easily circumvented and our journey continued.

I had not planned on using any of the Hammond Hill trails to create a lollipop or circuitous route of travel, and had only brought an FLT map with me, not the more detailed Hammond Hill trail map with which to alter my original thoughts for an out-and-back hike. After an hour we simply stopped, turned around and re-traced our steps along what was now a  mostly downhill trek back to the cars. As we made the return trip, weather conditions worsened slightly, with a rain that was more noticeable, and intermittent winds that seemed to push me down the trail as if to encourage me to leave the hill and return to civilization.

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Sat May 8

Hike report and photo by Jim

Kennedy SF, Cortland County

The trip to Saturdays hike in Kennedy State Forest was as unique as the actual hike.

Those who travelled to the trailhead via Virgil Rd ( State Route 392 ) were treated to picturesque low lying fog hanging over the mountains, and fresh snow layered in the fields almost as soon as crossing into Cortland County

Five hikers set off from the trailhead; two late arrivals met us on the trail in mid-hike.

It was a cool, damp day, the forecasted rain holding off until after the hike was completed.

The chill at the beginning was enough to require gloves and an extra outer layer, much of which were cast off during the hike.

The forest floor, in places where the trail had not been made into a muddy stream, had a unique shock-absorbing quality today which gave the hiker the sensation of walking across a spongey surface. The roots and mud, often a hazard on this trail on wet days, was not particularly bad today for me. A few near-spills, quickly arrested by poles or by sliding onto firmer ground. One hiker wandered far enough off trail at one point to run into the barbed wire, but nothing life threatening.

Water levels in the streams were higher than many hikes in this forest in the past, but this was not unexpected. Hikers were able to find narrower areas to bound across the streams to continue our journey.

The loggers were active in the far distance, and the muddy trails they’re using were encountered a couple of times as we made our way through the forest.

I reversed our normal direction of travel once reaching the intersection with the blue blazed trails; this time we remained on the FLT until reaching the yellow blazed side trail which in turn led to the blue blazed trails which returned us to the FLT on our return leg to the parking lot. There was no particular benefit to this route today, but it seemed to be a nice break from our traditional routes of travel for this forest.

This was a great hike.

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Sun May 9

Hike report by Jim

Yellow Barn SF, Dryden

Ten hikers and three dogs met for a hike of the Yellow Barn State Forest area

The day was cool, with only intermittent short periods of sunlight.

Hikers set off down the seasonal road from the parking area, skirting carefully around the various pools of water which were at their maximum capacity and overflowing due to recent rains. Despite this, the sections of trail were mostly passable, with little in the way of mud to impede our progress.

We initially tried a secondary approach to the horse fields that involved a woods walk along various ATV and snowmobile trails. Green growth of flowers and vegetation stood out on the forest floor along our path. The group eventually chose to return to the seasonal road and approach the fields along a route we use more regularly on this hike.

Entering the equestrian fields we found them to be unoccupied; we quickly skirted the fields to arrive at the entrance to the loop trail on the opposite end of the equestrian fields which was our ultimate destination.

The loop trail was an enjoyable mud-free hiking experience, and at the hour mark the group opted to press ahead to complete the loop rather than turn around immediately to return to the fields.

After completing the loop trail the group returned to the equestrian fields, where we countered the only horse and rider of the day.

A quick retreat down the seasonal road brought the group back to our cars ad the successful completion of another hike.

Report to Hikers — week of April 26 – May 2

Hello Hikers!

Wed April 28

Hike report and 4 photos by Nancy L .

Doll Hill, Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

10 hikers met at the top of Rowell Hill Road on a nice spring morning.  Rowell hill road actually goes up Doll Hill.  The drivable part ends neat the top of the ridge of Doll Hill.  We followed a trail that heads mostly South and relatively level along the side of the hill.  The going was easy.  The forest in this area was nicely lit without much undergrowth or leaves on the trees which provided a nice view to the west of the nearest hills west of Doll Hill including Rowell Hill and Porcupine Hill (listed north to south).  At the south end of this hillside traverse there is a small ruin.  Then the trail heads downhill.  When the trail leveled off we came to a large ruin surrounded by the ubiquitous purple flowered vinca and even a patch of daffodils. The remains of. a carriage can be seen spread around.   In fact we followed an evident carriage road down to Carter creek from there.  It’s lined by a row of large trees probably sugar maples.  The road remains crossed the creek but we didn’t go that way.  We followed a trail near the creek on its east side as we headed back north along the base of Doll Hil. We passed by the remains of a beaver dam. There is another creek crossing at the north end of this section.  At this point we crossed the creek and took a trail up to Carter Creek road.  Some of us took this road north back to Rowell Hill road and then took a right up that road to the cars.  The rest of us went back across the creek to a trail that went up through hummocky hemlocks to doll hill ridge again and our cars.

Three more photos. by Tiger

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Sat May 1

Hike report by Leigh Ann. Photos by Tiger/shesse & Cian

Bald Hill Road to the Abbott Loop and The Pinnacles look-out, Danby SF

Hi, everyone.
This morning, 11 hikers met up at the junction of Bald Hill and Station Roads. We hiked the section of the Abbot Loop that heads east from Bald Hill Road to the Pinnacles and back to Bald Hill Road. This is a steep and reliably enjoyable hike.

Although the weather didn’t look promising at the start, the cold and overcast sky broke open when we were almost to the Pinnacles. Within ten minutes, the sky went from overcast to clear, and the view from the Pinnacles was magnificent. The ponds in Linsday Parsons Preserve were ringed with fresh grass, and the ponds across Route 34 were more evident than usual. These included the pond containing the Rookery, where tree stumps stick out of a pond and provide nesting sites for osprey and other birds.

Under the bright blue sky, every bud was a chartreuse-colored leaf jewel. The top of the hill was dry with only a few tiny patches of snow from last night’s storm. This was a nice change from the water slog that was the first part of the hike, where there were 2-3 inches of standing water across many parts of the trail.

When the Abbot Loop recrosses Bald Hill Road, you get to decide whether you want to retrace your steps over the Pinnacles or take a 20-minute road hike back to the cars. Most people chose to take the road back, to avoid the water slog. The funny thing is that when the sun was out and the day was warmer, the watery parts were more attractive, so it didn’t seem like so much of a slog.

Thanks to Steve and Susan for leading this hike!

Best wishes,

Leigh Ann

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You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun May 2

Hike report by Jim. Photos by Cian

Shindagin Hollow SF — FLT east from Shindagin Hollow Road to South Road

Fifteen hikers and three dogs met on the seasonal portion of Shindagin Hollow Rd for a hike of the FLT towards the Shindagin lean-to and beyond to South RD

It was a bright, sunny day as the individual members of the group arrived at the meeting location. Once under the canopy of new leaves it was  a mixture of direct sunlight and shadows as we moved through the forest. Many other day hikers and outdoor enthusiasts were sharing the same natural spaces as our group.

The flying bugs far outnumbered the members of our group; those without bug headnets were in for a long arduous bug-swatting experience on this hike.

Crossing the footbridge we couldn’t help but observe the high water levels and fast-flowing streams from this weeks snow ( ! ) and rainfall. Climbing the hill on the outbound leg, every few feet of forward movement involved crossing over one of many small rivulets that were running across the footpath ( if you were lucky ) or entirely down the trail thereby turning it into a small streambed ( if you were really unlucky ). The sight of new flowers and forest greenery rising from the ground were welcome sights for everyone.

The group found a small family unit occupying the lean-to, so we passed by quickly so as to not disturb them. Climbing the hill beyond the shelter involved traversing trail that was almost entirely reduced to a soggy mess of roots and mud.

Most of the group reached South RD before turning around and re-tracing their footsteps to the cars.

After reconvening on Shindagin Hollow RD, some members of the group drove to Gulf Creek Rd where the bicycle trails come out onto that roadway. A short hike down the bicycle trails brought the group to the stump where for many years a gold colored shoe has resided. On our recent hike it was found that the shoe was now missing. Thanks to the generous donation by Nancy H, a new gold shoe now resides on the stump.

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Report to Hikers — week of April 19 – April 25

Hello Hikers!

Wed April 21

This hike report was written by Jim

Layen Road to Bruce Hill Road on the FLT, Jersey Hill, Danby

Five hikers met at the junction of Townline and Layen Roads in the Town of Danby, for a hike of the FLT

Getting to the hike involved driving through fog for some members of the group today.

At the meet up location hikers were met with a steady stream of hail and cool temps

As we hiked the hail changed to snow, and the FLT footpath became increasingly obliterated by a growing layer of snow on the trail.

Despite the weather conditions, spirits among the group were high, and frequent observations of the effects of the snowfall on surrounding plant and tree life were common.

The open fields we cross early in the hike had not yet begun their summer growth, which made that part of the hike much more enjoyable.

The change from open fields to overheard forest cover from the snowfall offered some protections from the weather, but snowy conditions still demanded that we pick our way carefully along the downslopes and across the several water crossings on our route, all of which had  high volume of water flow due to the rain of recent days. Some of the steeper hillsides demanded particular attention due to slippery rocks and roots found there.

The group didn’t get as far as we usually do on this particular hike, in large part due to trail conditions. As luck would have it, we reached the first road crossing at exactly an hour into the hike, and so the group turned around and re-traced our steps back to our cars without incident.

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Sat April 24

Hike report by Leigh Ann. Photos by Cian

Logan Hill Nature Preserve, Candor

Hi, everyone.

Thirteen people did this hike, under sparkly blue skies into which floated a few fair-weather cumulus clouds by the end. The best place to park for a group hike in the Logan Hill Nature Preserve is the Candor middle/high school parking lot, and this is where we met up. We crossed Main Street to head southwesterly on Water Street through a residential area that borders Catatonk Creek. Water Street turns into Logan Hill Road where the road transitions from paved to seasonal and ascends to the hilltop, where the trails are. There is no parking lot on the top of the hill, just a place where you can do a three-point turn. It’s not a great place to drive a car, but it’s a satisfying road hike up.

It was already in the 50s by the time we started, and it was a perfect spring day. Flowers were out a bit more than in Ithaca because Candor is farther south. As we left the parking lot, some dudes were firing up the large barbeque in Moyer Park next to where we parked. This was in preparation for a big Mother’s Day chicken barbeque, and it made the whole day feel even more springlike.

This hike is about 4.6 miles total, and it has just a bit over 2000 feet of elevation change, most of which is happens on the road once Water Street turns into Logan Hill Road. At this time of year, there are views through the budding trees all the way down the hill to crayon-green fields alongside Catatonk Creek.

Once Logan Hill Road makes a 90 degree turn to the west, the eastern trailhead is on the right. From there, the trail heads north for about 1/2 mile, turns left to go up to the very top of the hill, and comes out in fields that give beautiful views. There are two ponds up there, and the yellow (longer) trail goes between them into hemlock forest. Hemlock needles were shiny in the sun. The yellow trail loops back to the south and comes out at the top of a wonderfully prairie-like field with gorgeous views. Then the trail comes back to Logan Hill Road about 1/2 mile west of where the initial trailhead is. Along this part of the road were huge clusters of little trout lillies – in numbers I’d never seen before. They were packed like trillium will be along Shindagin Hollow Road in a few weeks.

Nancy Lorr picked an excellent time to lead this hike!

Best wishes,

Leigh Ann

You can see Cian’s full photo album here

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Sun April 25

Hike report by Jim. Photos by Cian

Eastman Hill Road

Ten hikers met at the end of the maintained portion of Eastman Hill Rd at the county line between Tompkins and Tioga County, for a hike of the FLT in that area.

Inclement weather had met some hikers while en route to the hike location; ominous cloud formations still filled the skies at the time the hike started, but overall the hikers encountered no poor weather during this hike.

Venturing onto the seasonal portion of Eastman Hill Rd that runs through state land, we changed our usual direction of travel for this hike on request of a local group member. Reaching the point where the FLT crosses Eastman Hill Rd, we turned Westerly, walking the FLT until reaching Heisey Rd. A few wet patches along the portion of the trail on the immediate sides of Eastman Hill RD were the only issues we found along todays hike.

Reaching Heisey Rd the group paused and then re-traced our steps to Eastman Hill RD. Crossing over Eastman Hill Rd we continued on the FLT. Several hikers appreciated seeing this part of the trail from a different perspective that a change of direction offers on a hike of any local trail.

Carefully picking our way down the hillside and across the logging roads that travel through the area, we remarked on the view of the valley below through the trees.

Soon enough we found ourselves at a convenient point to turn around, and we retraced our steps to Eastman Hill Rd and then back to our vehicles.

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

Report to Hikers — week of April 12 – April 18

Hello Hikers!

Wed April 14

Hike report by Jim

Route 96B to the Tamatack Lean-to on the FLT, Danby SF

Two hikers met on state route 96B in the Town of Danby for a Westerly  out-and-back  hike on the FLT

Immediately after leaving 96B the FLT travels through some nice stands of tall evergreens. Walking on the spongey surface of pine needles was a comfortable start to our hike. In this area the light was subdued, and actually seemed to have a green haze to it due to the filtering effects of the pine needles in the upper levels of the stands of trees we were walking through.

Pretty soon the  walk through stands of evergreens was replaced by what I suspect is some of the sharpest elevation gains anywhere along the Ithaca portions of the FLT; a near straight walk up the hill to the Tamarack lean-to, with few switchbacks or flat areas to offer a break to your climb. Passing through a stone wall and over a couple of decent sized trees  along the trail gives a hiker some opportunities to rest on this particular climb. Temperatures were reasonable, so this climb wasn’t as discomforting as it might be in later summer months.

Here we found nearly the entire hillside along the trails route to be covered with the red petals of Red Maple flowers.

We stopped briefly at the Tamarack lean-to to make a quick trail journal entry, and continued on our way.

Crossing over Travor Rd, we continued on the FLT until it was time to turn around. This final portion of the trail has some young evergreen saplings, and with the recent rain it seemed as if the pines and what little green undergrowth along the trail was an extremely bright shade of green.

The return trip to our vehicles was uneventful.

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Sat April 17

Hike report by Jim. Photos by Cian

Potato Hill SF, Level Green Road to Old 76 Road, Caroline

Nine hikers met on Level Green Rd for a hike of the FLT towards 76 Road.

After the rainfall of the previous day the trail itself for much of the route was an active stream, with water running down the path, or laying in decently sized pools. Portions of the trail that were not in standing water were found to be mud bogs. Water crossings were entertaining due to the speed and levels of water found in a couple of the streams.

Despite the water-filled portions, much of the trail was still quite enjoyable; the hillier portions of the trail  were still quite passable, for instance.

The group found much greenery starting to thrive along the trail, and the contrast between the new growth and the muted colors of fallen leaves and old dead undergrowth was an interesting contrast.

Arriving at the final turn that leads towards 76 Road the group found that the trail was again an active waterway. Rather than continue further the group chose to turn around and re-trace our steps.

Arriving back at the cars early, part of the group opted to cross the road and continue on the FLT on the other side of Level Green Rd, while the majority opted for a short road walk to round out the two hour hike time.

Tou can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun April 18

Hike report by Jim. Photos by Tiger & Cian

Hammond Hill SF ski trails

13 hikers met in the parking lot on Hammond Hill Rd for a hike of various multi-use trails in the state forest

A 14th hiker arrived late and did their own hike.

Arriving in the parking lot, hikers were met by a cool breeze and the threat of rain clouds in the sky.

Setting out on the yellow trails, the group quickly warmed up as we climbed the first of many low grades we were to encounter  on this hike.

Arriving at the first intersection we turned right, which soon had us walking through my favorite stands of tall evergreens in this particular forest.

After passing through the evergreens the group arrived at the seasonal portion of Canaan Rd. We quickly crossed over the roadway to the yellow 5 trails and from there a quick right onto the yellow 7 trail. This trail, one of the few muddy portions we found on todays hike, soon brought us to the lower end of Canaan Rd near the intersection with Red Man Run.

Walking past that road intersection soon brought the group to the bottom of Rabbit Run multi-use trail, which is easy to miss later in the year as the weeds grow up. Today that trail was marked mainly by a decently sized pool of water. Climbing Rabbit Run, we arrived at the intersection with the blue trail that returns hikers to the parking lot we started out on. Some of the group chose to head home early; the remainder turned the other way on the blue trail, doing a quick out and back lollipop hike to burn up remaining time.

Taking the blue trail brought us back to the yellow trails and the parking lot at about the perfect time.

Throughout the hike we had the majority of the trail to ourselves as I saw only a couple of dog walkers in addition to our group on the trail. Weather was just about perfect hiking weather; compared to the literal streams we were hiking in on Saturday, todays trails were a real pleasure.

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You can see Cian’s comlete photo album here

Report to Hikers — week of April 5 – April 11

Hello Hikers!

Wed April 7

Hike report by Jim

Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve

Seven Hikers met in the parking lot of the Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve on Ellis Hollow Creek Rd

The group had the trail mostly to ourselves, although a couple of other dog walking people were present in the parking lot or made appearances as we were leaving the hike.

It was a sunny and warm day, and partially as  a result the water levels on the stream crossings was fairly low.

While it was warm it was not oppressively so, being so early in the year, nor did the flying bug population make an appearance to lessen our enjoyment of the trail. I can’t say the same about the ground crawling bug population which has been a factor in our hikes since the snow melted.

Within a few minutes of starting our hike  the group fractured into a couple of distinct smaller elements; with the main body of hikers charging ahead and completing their first circuit of the trails well ahead of the second group. Turning around, the lead element soon met the second group  of hikers, who continued  on to complete their circuit and begin their second lap on the trails travelling in their original clockwise direction of travel.

The lead element of hikers soon rounded the top of the trail loop in a counter-clockwise  direction, and met the second  element near the stream crossings. Turning around, the second group rejoined the lead element and everyone walked back to the parking lot together.

It was  a great day to be on the trail.

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Sat April 10

Hike report by Leigh Ann. Photos by Nanct L and Cian

Bald Hill Nature Preserve and Bald Hill — Caroline

At 9:30 yesterday morning, ten hikers met up at the corner of Leonard Road and Bald Hill School Road. There were no dogs, which is good because we saw what we think was a deer carcass on the trail – the dogs might have lost their minds. 

We hiked south from the cars about 1000 feet on Bald Hill School Road to the green iron gate that leads into the Cornell Botanic Gardens Bald Hill Natural Area. The trail into this area leads uphill to a boarded-up house or nature center. It looks like it has been boarded up for quite some time, and the structure itself is impressive: stone chimney, beautiful stone all around the outside with a strange, flat concrete roof. It is now a green roof, according to Cian, whose long stick for his camera let him see up there.

The trail leads from that structure down the west side of Bald Hill and makes a sharp right turn to go more steeply down a wet, rocky gully. This gully comes out at a beautiful field. By this point in the hike, the sky was still overcast but it was getting lighter. We turned west to follow the trail/two-track down along a burbling stream and came upon an idyllic-looking cabin and farm up to the south in the woods. The owner of the cabin asked us about the trail/two-track conditions, and we had a friendly conversation with him.

By then, the trail/two-track was heading steeply down. It came out at White Church Road, about 100 feet north of Ridgeway Road. Amodei, who was hiking with Cian and had been racing down the hill, realized that their house was nearby! Going uphill was much harder than coming down for Amadou  who is six. So, on the way back up, the group agreed to spread out and head back a slightly different way that would give us a different view.

The sun was casting shadows and the day was getting warm by the time we returned to the beautiful field and turned south to follow the gully. Instead of turning off the gully to go back to the hilltop structure, we continued south out of the gully a few more hundred feet and followed Bald Hill Trail to where it curved east. This part of the trail, near Bald Hill School Road, goes through what used to be a farm. At this time of year, with no foliage, magnificent views opened to the south-southeast and there were big clusters of daffodils. Vinca minor were everywhere and were starting to bloom. The sky was milky blue, and the sun was warm. We exited the trail between two concrete obelisks and headed back to the cars on Bald Hill School Road

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You can see Cian’s complete photo album here

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Sun April 11

Hike report by Jim. Photos by Cian

Shindagin Hollow SF rim trail

10 hikers, including late arrivals, met at the parking area at the end of the maintained portion of Shindagin Hollow RD

There was a light rain falling, but nothing so severe that it would prevent the group from hiking.

Walking a short distance down the seasonal portion of Shindagin Hollow Rd, the group cut off into the woods on the multi-use rim trail that is popular with both hikers and bicyclists.

Once under cover of the trees the rain became even less noticeable than on the roadway.

Due to the rain the root network on the forest floor was noticeably slippery, although there was minimal mud on the trail and what mud there was was easily navigated around.

The group was alone on the trail; absolutely noone else was out hiking.

Returning to Shindagin Hollow Rd near the Jeep trail, the group found its way a short distance down the road and walked the plunging bike path that leads down to the creek crossing. Water levels were a little higher than the last time we were on this path, requiring the addition of a few well placed rocks in the stream in an effort to get people across the water with dry feet.

The group found its way down the trail towards Gulf Creek Rd.

I’m the unfortunate reporter of the single high heeled shoe on the stump being missing when we passed its former location.

The group came out onto Gulf Creek RD and returned to the cars via a road walk of Shindagin Hollow RD

The portion of Shindagin Hollow Rd that’s often flooded in the spring was dry today, although water levels in the surrounding stream was fairly high.

A couple of members of the group shortened the woods portion of the walk in favor of more of an overall  roadwalk, due to short legs.

Due to the rain it was a fairly dull day visually; lacking the vibrant colors that we often see in the hills on this hike.

Overall it was still an enjoyable hike.

You can see Cian’s complete photo album here