Fall Weekend Hikes

Friday Hikes

F1 - She-qua-ga Falls and Montour Falls Historic Loop

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time1:45 PM
Hike StartsShe-qua-ga Falls in Montour Falls
MapMFHL [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage5.5 miles or less
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderKaren Godshall
DescriptionStreet parking on N Genesee St in Montour Falls near the base of She-qua-ga Falls. Admire the very impressive falls right in the middle of the village with a lovely park at the base. Depending on the recent rainfall the water flow over the falls can vary from none to intense enough that the spray reaches N Genesee St. The group can then decide how much of the 5.5 mile Historic Loop through Montour Falls they wish to do. There are 22 noteworthy buildings and sites along the 5.5 miles, including the ‘glorious T’at the intersection of Main and Genesee Sts where a total of 24 structures have been placed on the Register of Historic Places.

F2 - North End of Interloken Branch Trail, Finger Lakes National Forest

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time1:00 PM
Hike StartsSeneca Rd/S Townline Rd
MapI1 [View Map] [Buy Map]
MileageTBD by hiker interest (3 - 5 miles)
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderChris DeGolyer
DescriptionThis hike, near the highest point in Schuyler County, will be through part of the north end of the FLT Interloken Branch Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only National Forest in New York State. The Interloken Trail goes along the ‘backbone’ or ridgeline between the two largest Finger Lakes, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. The terrain is very gently rolling and mostly wooded. Occasionally the trail crosses large, open pastures with views toward Seneca Lake. These pastures are federal grazing lands leased to local farmers who graze cattle in the summer. There may be some brushy parts, so wear long pants and insect repellent.

F3 - Bob Cameron Loop, Passport Hike C09

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time12:45 PM
Hike StartsTower Rd in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area
MapM16 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage2.6 miles
DifficultyModerate
Hike LeaderTBD
DescriptionThis hike is near the highest point in Tompkins County. You begin the hike on the white blazed Finger Lakes Trail, then take the orange blazed Bob Cameron Loop Trail. At the double blaze the group can decide whether to go left or right - it’s a loop so either way you will be back at the junction point. Either way begins with a downhill stretch, crossing a couple of small streams on the way. After crossing the inlet tributary of Cayuta Lake in the hemlock-forested ravine you hike uphill back to the junction point and retrace your steps out the ‘stem’ of the orange trail, back to the main FLT and back to Tower Rd.

F4 - Buck Settlement Loop, Passport Hike C08

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time1:15 PM
Hike StartsLocust Lane
MapM14 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage3.2 miles
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Hike LeaderSteve Ellsworth
DescriptionThis hike in Sugar Hill State Forest is fairly level with some short steep uphills. You will pass a historic cemetery, a waterfall, and a lean-to. A community with a schoolhouse, sawmill, gristmill, and animal pastures existed here between 1850 and 1900. Now it is mainly hardwoods with some conifers.

F5 - Sugar Hill State Forest fire tower to Templar Rd

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time12:30 PM
Hike StartsParking area on Tower Hill Rd
MapM14 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage4.5 miles
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderJanis von Borstel
DescriptionBegin by hiking up the road to the campground and the fire tower on the top of the hill. Continue through the campground and take the DEC Seneca Trail. Turn right on the DEC Mohawk Trail to the Finger Lakes Trail. Continue east (left/straight) on the FLT going gently downhill. In ~1 mile cross CR 21 and cross the abandoned Locust Lane with nearby old cellar holes. Continue downhill with a couple of short, steep bits, on the FLT along Glen Creek. Pass a solid rock foundation, perhaps for a bridge, and then the Buck Settlement Lean-to on your left. The FLT follows a pre-1850’s road to a left turn onto farm road. Follow this downhill, passing the Buck Settlement Cemetery and taking Ebenezer’s Crossing through Glen Creek above a waterfall, then up to Templar Rd.

F6 - Watkins Glen State Park, Lower/east end

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time1:30 PM
Hike StartsEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
MapWatkins Glen State Park Trails [View Map]
Mileage3 miles
DifficultyModerate
Hike LeaderMike Cunningham
DescriptionTake the FLT through the village of Watkins Glen. Enter Watkins Glen State Park on the Gorge Trail to Glen Cathedral. Turn back and exit the gorge at Lover’s Lane. Continue over the suspension bridge to Point Lookout and then return on the Gorge Trail to the main park entrance and back through Watkins Glen to Clute Park.
Saturday Hikes

Sa1 - Interloken Branch Trail Searsburg Rd - Seneca Rd, Finger Lakes National Forest

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time9:30 AM
Hike StartsEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
MapI1 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage2.4 miles
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderKaren Godshall
DescriptionCross a fenced pasture, perhaps with cattle in residence, then continue on a level hike through deciduous forest to Teeter Pond. Hike around the edge of the pond to the bench on the berm on the north side. Pond level depends on the current state of the battle between the beavers and the DEC. Return to your car by the same route. Bring snacks.

Sa2 - Templar Rd to Clute Park/Schuyler County Hike series hike #2

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time9:15 AM
Hike StartsFLT trailhead on Templar Rd, Watkins Glen
MapM14 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage7.7 miles
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Hike LeaderSteve Ellsworth
DescriptionA short walk in the woods is followed by a 1.5 mile road walk on Van Zandt Hollow Rd and Townsend Rd, followed by a pleasant walk down a grassy lane into Watkins Glen State Park. Once in the park you pass by a lake with a remote pavilion, then the Hidden Valley 4-H camp. After a jog on White’s Hollow Rd the trail continues down Punch Bowl Rd, passes under a railroad bridge, and continues along the top of the Glen Creek gorge, past some of the camping sites in the State Park and down into the village of Watkins Glen. This hike is mostly downhill with just enough uphills to keep the blood flowing. Bring lunch.

Sa3 - Watkins Glen State Park/Finger Lakes Trail

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time8:30 AM
Hike StartsEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
MapM15 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage7.5 miles
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Hike LeaderChris DeGolyer
DescriptionWalk from Clute Park - no car needed! Follow the FLT through the village of Watkins Glen to Watkins Glen State Park. Then take the Gorge Trail up through the glen to the Mile Point Bridge, viewing the waterfalls and amazing rock formations created by the power of flowing water. Then follow the FLT past the 4H Hidden Valley Camp and down hill via the FLT/Gorge Rim Trail along the top of the gorge to the Suspension Bridge. Cross the bridge and finish the descent to the park's main entrance via the North Rim Trail. Return through the village of Watkins Glen. Bring lunch.

Sa4 - Bob Cameron Loop, Passport Hike C09

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time9:00 AM
Hike StartsTower Rd in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area
MapM16 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage2.6 miles
DifficultyModerate
Hike LeaderJanis von Borstel
DescriptionThis hike is near the highest point in Tompkins County. You begin the hike on the white blazed Finger Lakes Trail, then take the orange blazed Bob Cameron Loop Trail. At the double blaze the group can decide whether to go left or right - it’s a loop so either way you will be back at the junction point. Either way begins with a downhill stretch, crossing a couple of small streams on the way. After crossing the inlet tributary of Cayuta Lake in the hemlock-forested ravine you hike uphill back to the junction point and retrace your steps out the ‘stem’ of the orange trail, back to the main FLT and back to Tower Rd. Bring snacks.

Sa5 - Van Lone Loop

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time8:45 AM
Hike StartsGulf Rd, Cayutaville
MapM16 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage5.8 miles
DifficultyModerate
Hike LeaderDavid Priester
DescriptionBegin by following the orange blazed Van Lone trail up a seasonal dirt road, and then into the woods with plenty of ups and downs. In 2.6 miles you will reach the white blazed main Finger Lakes Trail. Turn right and follow the FLT over more ups and downs to 2 stream crossings which used to have bridges until they were destroyed in 2 different flash floods. You will then walk along through the Cayuta Gulf along the lovely Cayuta Creek back to your car. Bring lunch.

Sa6 - Three Jewels in the Emerald Necklace

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time9:45 AM
Hike StartsBock Harvey Forest Preserve, Enfield, NY
MapM16 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage4.2 miles (short shuttle) or 5 miles (no shuttle)
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Hike LeaderRoger Hopkins
DescriptionCome hike the FLT/NCNST in three beautiful forest preserves, two owned by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and the third owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve was donated to the FLTC in 2013 and features a special protection zone with an exceptional stand of old Sugar Maples. It also boasts the Locust Lean-to with views of surrounding hills. Riemen Woods was donated to the Cayuga Trails Club in the1970's by the Nature Conservancy, and transferred to the FLTC in 2015. It is a short section of the FLT/NCNST through maturing successional forest. The original section of the Stevenson Forest Preserve was donated to the Finger Lakes Land Trust in 1995 and has expanded to its present size by other donations and acquisitions. Featured are large, old White Pine and Hemlock trees and several beautiful vernal pools. We will also see how climate change and invasive insects are threatening Ash and Hemlock trees and what is being done to protect them. Bring lunch.
Sunday Hikes

Su1 - Interloken-Ravine-Gorge Trails Loop, Finger Lakes National Forest

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time8:30 AM
Hike StartsRavine Trailhead shoulder parking on Picnic Area Road in the Finger Lakes National Forest
MapI1 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage7 miles
DifficultyModerate
Hike LeaderTom Formanek
DescriptionThe hike begins and ends at the Ravine Loop Trailhead on Picnic Area Road. Other than this loop trail, the hike will be an out-and-back hike. We will hike half the Ravine Loop Trail on the way out, and finish the other half on the way back to the cars. After we descend and then ascend the ravine, we will take a gentle uphill on the Ravine Trail about 3/10 of a mile to meet the FLT Interloken Branch Trail. On the Interloken we head south through woods and across a cow pasture (with views of the Seneca Lake valley), then cross Mathews Road, until we intercept the Gorge Trail. We will rest on a knoll within the Gorge before reversing course after 3.5 miles. The Ravine Loop Trail and Gorge Trail both involve descents and ascents, at times steep for short distances. In addition, many sections of trail have modest grades - but for extended distances - as we cross and recross the "spine" between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. On some sections we may encounter bikers or horseback riders, as some sections are multi-use. Although none of the grades and elevation changes we encounter are worthy of classification as "strenuous," the accumulated elevation gain of 750 feet over seven miles is pushing the classification of "moderate" to its limit. Please be aware of your own strengths and limits. As this is the FLNF, these old trails are infamous for muddy sections. Waterproof footwear, gaiters and poles come highly recommended. On this hike we will maintain a moderate pace between 2 and 2.5 MPH. Bring lunch.

Su2 - Upper/west End of Watkins Glen State Park

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time8:45 AM
Hike StartsWhite’s Hollow Rd and Punchbowl Rd
MapM14 [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage3 miles
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderHillary Creedon
DescriptionArguably the better portion of Watkins Glen State Park due to being lesser known and therefore less crowded. This peaceful hike meanders alongside Glen Creek, a feeder stream to Watkins Glen Gorge. We will ascend stonework stairs to a small waterfall, past Hidden Valley 4H Camp's quaint cabins, to a stop at Punch Bowl Lake and camping lean-to and then make our way back. If you want to continue on after we're done, you can hike in the other direction from the parking area down Punch Bowl Road. Bring snacks.

Su3 - Queen Catharine Marsh Trail, west side

Meeting PointEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
Meeting Time9:00 AM
Hike StartsEvent Center, Clute Park, Watkins Glen
MapQCML [View Map] [Buy Map]
Mileage4.4 miles
DifficultyEasy
Hike LeaderMike Cunningham
DescriptionThis hike begins and ends at the Event Center! Walk through Clute Park toward the kayak launch area at the end of Seneca Lake. Notice the sign on the kiosk stating that Watkins Glen is an FLT Trails Town! Carefully cross East 4th St/NY Rt 414 to Rock Cabin Rd. and hike along this dirt road. The expansive marsh on your right is the inlet to Seneca Lake. Queen Catharine Marsh is a major stopover for migrating waterfowl and a haven for many species of birds. Bring binoculars and be on the lookout for birds of all sorts. Climb the observation tower to get a better view of the marsh. You can put a kayak in at the observation tower area if water levels in the marsh are high enough. Much of the marsh is in its original state, although the south end of the marsh was drained and turned into farm fields, and the southernmost extension of the NYS Barge Canal runs along the west side of the marsh. Turn and retrace your steps to the Events Center. Bring snacks.
Explore On Your Own

Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail

  • This 5.5 mile easy hike through Montour Falls begins at the amazing She-qua-ga Falls in the center of the village of Montour Falls.
  • Pick up a copy of the FLTC Montour Falls Historic Loop Map from the registration desk at Fall Weekend.
  • The walk includes 22 buildings and sites of historic interest.

Queen Catharine Marsh Loop Trail

  • This 8.1 mile easy hike begins and ends at the Events Center and goes around the Queen Catharine Marsh.
  • Location: Watkins Glen
  • Pick up a copy of the FLTC QCML map at the registration desk at Fall Weekend.

Ithaca Trails

  • Helpful website listing pretty much all of the trails in Tompkins County. You can search it for waterfalls, easy hikes, length of hike, location of hike and other parameters. Plan your own hike anywhere in Tompkins County!

Finger Lakes Land Trust Preserves

  • Hike in beautiful Natural Areas and Preserves managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust in Tompkins County and surrounding Counties. 
  • See GoFingerLakes.org for an interactive map of over 50 hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and outdoor adventure destinations across the region!

Cayuga Trail along Fall Creek

  • Trail built and maintained by Cayuga Trails Club
  • Hike 4.4 miles, moderate to difficult
  • Location: Cornell Community Gardens on Freese Rd, accessed from Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca
  • This hike follows the Cayuga Trail in the beautiful Monkey Run area of Cornell University’s Fall Creek Natural Area. This is an out-and-back hike.

Black Diamond Trail

  • Drive Time from Clute Park: Approx. 20 minutes – 30 minutes (depending where you start on the trail)
  • Hike Length: 8.5 mile one way rail trail, can do an out and back hike or spot cars for a one way hike.
  • Location: between Ithaca and Trumansburg. Multiple parking spots available including on Jacksonville Rd, Trumansburg near the intersection with Gorge Rd, Cass Park and at the west end of Taughannock Blvd or along road crossings (see map)
  • Description: This rail trail goes from the top of Taughannock Falls in Trumansburg gently downhill to the Ithaca Children’s Garden on the Waterfront Trail in Cass Park in Ithaca. The Black Diamond Trail includes a range of natural landscapes from a towering canopy of mature maple, hemlock, oak, and hickory, to views of pastoral agricultural lands, and dozens of ravines with the sounds of cascading waters.

Taughannock Falls State Park

  • Drive to the Overlook and enjoy the spectacular view of the 215 foot tall waterfall. This is one one of the most photographed vistas in New York State!
  • Drive to the parking area in the lower Park (parking fee) and do the easy out-and-back hike to the base of falls, 2 miles total.

Cayuga Nature Center

  • Want to learn about the natural history of the Cayuga Lake Basin as part of the regional and global ecosystems? The Cayuga Nature Center has exhibits in the Lodge as well 
  • Has 5 miles of walking trails through woods and fields. Visit the six story tall TreeTops Treehouse.
  • Location: 1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
  • More information and hours

Museum of the Earth 

  • Learn about the earth and its prehistoric past at the Museum of the Earth.
  • Location: 1259 Trumansburg Rd., Ithaca 
  • More information and hours

Sciencenter

Ithaca Farmers Market

  • Saturday (10-2PM) and Sunday mornings (10-3PM)
  • Location: Steamboat Landing, Ithaca, NY (545 3rd Street, Ithaca, NY 14850)

Watkins Glen International Racetrack 

Farm Sanctuary 

Seneca Lake Captain Bill’s Boat Tour

Falling Waters Boat Tours

Local Waterfalls 

  • Rainbow Falls
  • Templar Falls 
  • Shequaga Falls 
  • Excelsior Glen
  • Hector Falls
  • Eagle Cliff Falls
  • Aunt Sarah’s Falls
  • Cavern Cascade
  • Deckertown Falls

Seneca Lake Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

Breweries and Distilleries (Please check opening hours)

  • Hop Notch Brewing Co
  • Diversion Brewing Company 
  • Seneca Lake Brewing Company
  • Horseheads Brewing Seneca Lake 
  • Upstate Brewing Company FLX
  • Ithaca Beer Co
  • Tin Bar Brewing
  • Seneca Lake Brewing Company & the Beerocracy
  • Wagner Valley Brewing Company
  • Two Goats Brewing
  • Grist Iron Brewing Company
  • Lucky Hare Brewing Company
  • Finger Lakes Distilling Co.
  • The O’Begley Distillery
  • Graft Wine + Cider Bar
  • Finger Lakes Cider House
  • Bellwether Hard Cider

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake Wine Trail