Finger Lakes Trail Condition Reports

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) is providing these Trail Condition Reports from data supplied by persons hiking or maintaining the trail. Reports are based on their interpretation of a trail condition which may change after their report is received. We list the date the condition was observed and who submitted the report.

The condition reports are listed by MAP NUMBER from west to east. (Some reports overlap- please check the maps on both sides of your map of interest.) Main Trail is first, followed by Conservation Trail, Letchworth Branch, Bristol Hills Branch, Queen Catharine Marsh Loop, Montour Falls Historic Loop, Interloken, and Onondaga Trails.

Trail Condition Reports from users should be made to both Joe Dabes and the Finger Lakes Trail Service Center. Clicking this one hot link should feed both addresses to your e-mail program. If it does not, please send your report to kabjnd@msn.com AND FLTinfo@fingerlakestrail.org, or call the office, (585)658-9320 (during times when the office is not open, please leave a message with a daytime phone number where we can reach you for more information), being as specific as possible as to the location of the problem. Use map number(s) if possible, access points or mileage points to locate the problem. Describe the problem clearly. If direction of travel is important in observing the problem (such as blazing) please include the direction you were traveling on the trail.

Click on the small map numbers to jump immediately to that map. Numbers which appear in ORANGE are maps which have HUNTING CLOSURES. Please check the listing for detailed information
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 M19 M20
M21 M22 M23 M24 M25 M26 M27 M28 M29 M30 M31 M32 M33
CT1 CT2 CT3 CT4 CT5 CT6 CT7 CT8 CT9 CT10 CT11 CT12
L1 L2 B1 B2 QCMLT MFHLT I O1 O2

MAIN TRAIL
M1 / CT1
3/4/09 Gene Cornelius - Map M1/ CT1 Because of a bad bridge over Brown Run, Access Point 2 on Wolf Run Rd can no longer be accessed by vehicle. It is now a 1.4 mile walk to Access Point 2 on the FLT/NCT from where a gate and concrete barriers block Wolf Run Rd. Updated map now shows location where the road is blocked. There is only limited parking at gate; please leave room for vehicles to turn around.
10/24/07 Cheryl Peluso - Map M1/ CT1 A reroute of the trail in northern Allegany State Park is now complete. This reroute is 0.9 miles long and replaces 1.4 miles of old trail, thus shortening the trail by half a mile. The new trail is much nicer as it is dry and winds through nice hardwoods. It replaces longer hillier trail that had wet sections with stinging nettles. Clearing the new trail was done by Cheryl Peluso, Annette Brzezicki, and Nick Scarano of the Foothills Trail Club. The map has been updated with a revision date of 10/07.
M2 / CT2
There are no condition reports at this time
M3 / CT3
10/15/09 Joe Dabes - Map M3/ CT3 The trail north of Ellicottville, from Maples-Ellicottville Rd. (Access 7, CR 13) to Poverty Hill Rd (Access 8) is now closed for hunting during the following dates: Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 and Apr. 15 - May 31.
9/14/09 Mary Domanski - Map M3/ CT3 There have been two recent reroutes on this map. The first is between access points 5 and 7, is 3.4 miles in length, eliminates much road walk, and increases distance in that section by 0.8 mile. The second is between access points 11 and 12, is 0.2 mile in length, and decreases the distance in that section by 0.1 mile. The changed map description for the first reroute follows: 8.1: Turn R keeping dike of larger pond and smaller visible pond to your L. 8.3: Bivouac area is to L, at the east end of the visible pond. Follow dirt access road behind ski lifts. 8.9: L for short jog through woods, then R on dirt access road. Follow road descending through Holimont Ski Area. 9.4: R on wide grass trail, descend to base of ski lift. R behind ski lift, then L to cross bridge over stream. 9.6: L on NY 242 for 150 yards. Trailhead is 0.6 miles from US 219 in Ellicottville (restaurants, lodging, and grocery store). 9.7: Access 6 R onto unmarked dirt road. Parking. Follow dirt access road uphill past gate and past reservoir on R. 10.0: R into woods on logging road, soon reaching 2200’. 11.5: Cross meadow and enter woods, leave logging road for trail. 11.7: Begin steep descent through hemlock woods, then left on logging road. Pass pond on right, turn left across foot bridge, and pass barn on left. 12.4: Access 7 Cross Maples-Ellicottville Rd. (CR 13; 1610'). Bear R from trailhead; turn L into evergreens, then L up old logging road. Map M3 has been updated and given a revision date of 9/09.
4/30/09 Joe Dabes - Map M3/ CT3 Ellicottville area: Holiday Valley and Holimont Ski Areas are hosting a competitive archery event August 12 - 15 (Wed - Sat) that would endanger hikers on our trail, so the trail there will be closed for those four days, necessitating a road walk around that hilltop westward on Mutton Hollow Rd and north and east on NY 242. Signs will be posted.
5/17/08 Howard Beye - Map M3/ CT3 Trail from Access 8 (Poverty Hill Rd.) to Cotter Rd. is closed for hunting May 1 - 31 and Oct. 10 – Dec. 21. To bypass, from west to east: north on Poverty Hill Rd., east on Lindberg Rd, south on US 219, then northeast on Cotter Rd. Map has been updated with revision date of 5/08.
9/28/07 Mary Domanski - Map M3/ CT3 Trail from Access 11 (Brennan Rd.) to Access 12 (NY 240) is closed for hunting Oct. 13 – Dec. 9. Use Brennan Rd., NY 242, and NY 240 to bypass. Map has been updated with revision date of 9/07.
10/24/06 Mary Domanski- Map M3/ CT3 The section between Cotter Road and Irish Hill Road is closed for hunting during Oct.15-Dec.20.
M4
6/27/07 Ron Navik- Map M4 mile 14.5. Landowner requests that no one park in either his driveway where the trail goes east off NY Route 98 (traveling eastward on trail) or in any of the adjacent land which he also owns and has POSTED. His business (Zuech's Environmental Services) has many large truck going in and out of his property. The nearest off road parking is at Access 4 near the corner of NY Route 16 and Bear Creek Road 0.8 mile west of here.
M5
9/9/09 UPDATED! 10/3/09 Debra & Joe Borer, Marty Howden - Map M5 Eastern edge of Cattaraugus County, Cattaragus County Forest and Bush Hill SF. The trail is now open from Cattaraugus County Forest east across Peet Hill Rd. (Access 2) through Bush Hill SF to Stebbins Rd. Downed and damaged trees (the result of a tornado-type "microburst") have been cleared and some short reroutes have been established. Reroutes are marked with flagging tape and old trail sections have been blocked off. The DEC plans to salvage many of the downed trees;however, it is not yet known when the salvage operation will commence. Thanks to travelin' trailworkers and sawyers Bob Emerson, Dave Potzler, Dave Drum, Lynda Rummel, Marty Howden, and Paul Hoffman, as well "locals" Deb & Joe Borer, for clearing the mess.
1/17/08 Pat Monahan - Map M5 There has been a reroute of the trail east of Stebbins Rd. in Bush Hill State Forest because of a clear-cut. The back of map description now reads: 5.2 Left onto all-season Stebbins Road (2040'); decent shoulder parking. Quick right off road in 200' into..., 5.5 Left just before clear-cut area., 5.6 Right on Stebbins Rd., 5.8 Right back into woods just after clear-cut area., 5.9 Left into deep woods spruce., 6.1 Back to Stebbins Road; turn right... All subsequent mileages increase by 0.2 mile. Front of map now shows new track and new revision date of 1/08.
9/6/07 Ruth Dorrough - Map M5 On September 2, while hiking on Williams Road we were accosted by two angry, unrestrained dogs that ran off of the property at 9100 Williams Road. I was bitten by one of them and am in the process of following up with the Allegany County Health Department. Note from Howard Beye: Please be careful in this and on other road sections primarily in front of houses that dog(s) may accost hikers. If you are hiking in such areas it may well pay to investigate the use of a high frequency device, which when activated normally will cause dogs to back off.
M6
10/9/09 Bob Emerson- Map M6 The hunting closure on M6 (near Higgins, Allegany County) has been expanded in both time and distance, and the former blue blazed "Hunting Season Bypass" has been removed from the map. The new Hunting Bypass is the same as the High Water Bypass. The map back now reads: "2.15 Access 2 Cross Ballard Road, paved (1600'). Tiptoe through welcoming backyards to cross Rogers Road soon, and then follow path between two field crops to sign at junction with blue-blazed trail. 2.35 Signed blue/white trail junction. Note: White trail 1 mi. ahead is closed for hunting Oct. 13 - Dec. 22 and May 1 - 31; take blue blazed High Water/Hunting Bypass to left (N). Note: High water danger! When creeks may be running high, follow same blue trail 0.2 mi. to check water level of Sixtown Creek at bridge. If water is high, crossing Sixtown Creek is unsafe at the ford to Access 3 on white Main Trail, 4.5 miles ahead (normal water level there is about 6 inches over flat rock). During high water and hunting periods take the blue High Water/Hunting Bypass for 2.8 road miles to Access 3 (very few blue blazes). Blue trail also allows access to Sixtown Creek Campsite in 0.25 mi., just across the bridge. Campsite is on left (N) side of road on donated property in woods. Ahead from blue/white trail junction white blazes bear right to follow edge of field, and then turn right into long delightful wooded section. Cross wooded horse-pasture fence on ladder-type and then 3-legged stiles.” The map has been updated with a revision date of 9/09.
M7
There are no condition reports at this time
M8
11/30/09 Ron Navik and Don McClimans- Map M8 The Robinson Loop trails have been constructed between Swain (access point 3) and Garwoods (access point 4). This adds 6 miles of new side trail running through woods and occasionally along the edge of a field, all of it maintained as a private wildlife preserve. You can make loop hikes with a variety of distances by combining the trails. Access is from Isaman Hill Road and from the main FLT. Map M8 has been updated and given a new revision date of 11/09.
9/22/07 Ron Navik- Map M8 At the request of several landowners the trail will be closed each year for hunting between October 13 and December 15, and May 1 to May 31. Closed sections are located beginning about 1/2 mile to the east of Fox Hill Road and extending to near Swain Hill Road. Signs have been placed at Fox Hill Road, Delude Hill Road and Swain Hill Road and at the boundaries of the property indicating the closed periods. Through hikers can by-pass the closed trail (traveling east) by continuing south on Fox Hill Road, turning left on Snyder Road, turning left on French Hill Road, continuing straight on Delude Hill Road, left then quickly right on Chautauqua Hollow Road for 0.1 mile east to reach NY Route 70. Turn right on NY 70 and follow to County Road 24. Turn right and pick up the trail in Swain, NY at Mill Street turning left to head east out of town. Trail closing notice will be placed on map M8.
M9
9/30/09 Ron Navik & Don McClimans- Map M9 A new blue blazed trail has been constructed from Webb Rd (mile 16.9, now new Access 8) to the Kanakadea Lean-to on Steuben County land. The distance is 2.0 miles and is presently still a dead end trail, replacing a former 2.4 mile dead end trail to this lean-to. Map M9 has been updated and given a new revision date of 9/09.
4/30/09 Ron Navik- Map M9 On the dead-end trail spur from Webb Rd south and west across Fitzgerald Rd, toward the Kanakadea Lean-to in the Steuben County Park, the trail has been closed by the landowner. Negotiations are in process with nearby landowners for an alternate route. For now, there is no longer any access to the lean-to except through the tunnel under I-86, accessible from CR 66 parking area.
11/6/07 Howard Beye- Map M9 Access 1- Landowner requests the blue gate near the top of the hill going south from Slader Creek Road (CR 13C) be left as you found it, either open or closed. Sometimes the cows are kept in the upper pasture, and sometimes they have to go through the gate to the lower pasture, and the creek.
11/10/04 Ron Navik- Map M9 Trail closed by landowner during hunting seasons Oct 1 to Dec 31 (Deer) and May 1-31 (Turkey) between Stearnes Rd. and Bishopville Rd. East of Bully Hill State Forest. When trail is closed and coming from the West, take Stearnes Rd. South .9 miles, go left .9 miles on Karr Valley Rd., then left 1.2 miles on Bishopville Rd. Reverse directions when coming from the East.
M10
3/8/10 Irene Szabo - Map M10 temporary trail closure from four corners where Upper Glen Avenue and Tobes Hill Rd cross (Access 4) northward to route 70A. Temporary, we hope, re-route while landowner problems are being dealt with: westbound: at Access 4, corner of Upper Glen, Laine, and Tobes Hill Rds, continue for now straight north on Upper Glen Road, with a few blazes to reassure you, then curve left onto Dewey Rd. Blazes take you on two farm lanes past end of Dewey to meet up with original trail route. Coming eastbound from NY 70A, watch for new turn blazes to take you on farm lanes toward Dewey Road
1/22/10 Irene Szabo - Map M10 Just east of Hornell: between Access 3 on Co 70A and Access 4 at the junction of Tobes Hill Rd and Upper Glen Avenue, a major property has been closed to us by means of signage discovered by a hiker only yesterday. Obviously the landowner did not contact the FLTC, so we will initiate an inquiry. In the meantime, please avoid this segment.
6/11/98 Irene Szabo - Map M10 Rumored large patch of hogweed, the tall plant that causes a rash capable of hospitalizing the unwary, is near the trail along dirt Spencer Hill Road, 0.3 mile east from South Woods Rd. Don't touch! Trail sponsor has installed warning sign.
9/29/08 Ken Reek and Terry Meacham - Map M10 Because of a lost landowner permission, the Finger Lakes Trail in N. Hornell at mile 0.9 no longer goes up the driveway to the EconoLodge (and over the hill), but instead continues south on Seneca Rd N for 0.7 miles, and then turns left on CR 70A rejoining existing trail after an additional 0.9 mile. New trail (this used to be the blue hunting bypass) has been blazed white, and the old trail has had the white blazes blackened out. Map M10 will soon be revised with a new revision date of 10/08.
6/17/08 Irene Szabo - Map M10 between Hornell and Howard, recent bear sighting on trail south of NY 70A.
8/2/07 Kim & Terry Meacham - Map M10 From west to east: Upon reaching Cunningham Creek Road at mile 8.1, turn right (south) for 0.1 mile. Then turn left uphill on an ATV track. After 0.2 more miles leave ATV track on left following pleasant berm. After 0.2 more miles cross under power line, downhill, and soon right on logging road. In 0.4 more miles rejoin old trail heading northeasterly. 0.9 mile of new trail replaces 0.7 mile of previous trail that was mainly on road. Trail is blazed and map M10 has been updated.
M11
6/21/08 UPDATED! 4/22/09 Gary Haff and Lynda Rummel - Map M11 SW of Bath TRAIL CLOSING Heading east, the trail is now closed across the eastern-most property in the stretch between Cochrane Rd. and Knight Settlement Rd., at the request of the new landowner. The new landowner's property adjoins Knight Settlement Rd; consequently, hikers can no longer hike through from Cochrane to Knight Settlement Rd. The off-road trail can still be hiked between Cochrane Rd. and the interior boundary of this new landowner's property; however, hikers must respect the new landowner's wishes and turn around and retrace their steps once they reach the new landowner's property line. Long-distance hikers heading east should stay on Cochrane Rd. until it T's with Knight Settlement Rd., then turn left and follow Knight Settlement Rd. north to 415 and thence to off-road sections of the trail. Hikers heading west should continue southwesterly on Knight Settlement Rd., then turn right on Cochrane Rd. and head north and then west. No further information is available at this time.
M12
5/24/10 Lynda Rummel Map M12 A very large tree is down across the main trail roughly in the vacinity of the access trail to Hickory Hill Campground. According to trail sponsor, Darlene Squires, the tree is "3-pronged and necessitates crawling under the top section and over the bottom 2 sections simultaneously." The situation will be addressed following approval from the landowners.
10/12/09 Irene Szabo and Lisa Treichler - Map M12 Because of loss of a landowner permission the trail south of Hammondsport between Winding Stairs Road and County Route 113 is now closed year round. Instead use the hunting bypass shown on that map: From west to east, turn right (south) on Winding Stairs Road for 1.1 miles, and then left (east and north) on CR 113 (Mt. Washington Argus Hill Rd.) for 2.4 miles to rejoin existing trail going east on Longwell Road. This 3.5 mile bypass replaces 2.5 miles of former trail. Efforts will be made find an off road alternative.
9/5/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummell - Map M12 ~2 m. SW of Hammondsport. Approx. 3 mi. east of the trailhead off NYS 54 in Pleasant Valley (Access 6) on Mt. Washington, the '09 Alley Cat crew built several switchbacks on the hillside above the register box and the trail to the bivouac area. Winter winds removed the pink+black flagging and rain made some of the blazing paint run; however, you can find most of the new trail and we expect the trail sponsors to clear up the situation fairly soon. New map not necessary.
8/22/09 UPDATED! 9/5/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummell - Map M12 ~2.5 m. SW of Hammondsport. From the trailhead off NYS 54 in Pleasant Valley (Access 6) east up Mt. Washington, the trail has been rebuilt. Steep trail sections (~35-45% grades) have been replaced with 28 switchback legs that have grades of ~10-15% and ~5% outslopes. Trail sections in the valley and on the lower slopes have also been relocated. Unused old sections have been closed off with branches across the trail. Blazing is complete. Drive in the pot-holed gravel road and park in the field areas near the FLT/NCT Carsonite post. As long as you follow the blazes, a new map is not necessary.
M13
10/7/08 UPDATED! 4/22/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummell - Map M13 SW of Bradford (NY) The Town of Urbana, at the request of the DEC, has prepared an area on the north side of Rhinehart Rd. (on the east side of CR 96, Birdseye Hollow Rd.) for parking. Drive N past the trail crossing to the end of the clearing where the road ditch is shallow. (Parking is on your left.) Deep ditches and steep slopes on both sides of road at trail crossing; recommend crossing road near E end of clearing where ditches are more shallow.
10/7/08 - UPDATED! 4/22/09 Lynda Rummell - Map M13 As a result of having cut back both sides of Rhinehart Rd. into state land prior to receiving permission, the Town of Urbana, at the request of the DEC, will be building a 3-car parking area on the north side of Rhinehart Rd. (on the east side of CR 96, Birdseye Hollow Rd.). The parking area will be just north of the trail crossing. The trail crossing is now cleared, although several trees remain down across the trail. Trail sponsors Gary & Penny Shaw are determining whether to relocate the trail closer to the probable parking area.
9/26/08 - UPDATED 10/7/08 - UPDATED 4/22/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummell - Map M13 Hamlet of South Bradford TRAIL REROUTE Three segments of trail between Access 4 (South Bradford) and Access 5 (Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd.) in South Bradford State Forest were rerouted and the outhouse at the Moss Hill Shelter was repaired, Fall, 2008. Parking: Heading east, park near the end of the asphalted part of Moss Hill Rd. (You can park on the side of the road -- just leave enough room for one lane of traffic, do not block any parked trailer or vehicle, and do not block any driveways). Notes: At the bottom of the hill, you will have to pick your way across wide pile of rocks carried onto the trail by flash flooding (9/28/08 - 10" rain). At Dennis Rd. trail crossing: Parking and emergency bivouacing. (Level areas but no water.) Between Dennis Rd. and Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd.: Rough bivouac sites on E side above creek. Treat water. A few additional puncheons may be added across sedge areas this summer (~0.3 mi. W of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd.).
8/21/07 Joe Dabes - Map M13 From west to east: A 0.6 mile reroute to avoid natural gas drilling on both sides of Switzer Hill Rd. that was never GPSed has now been put on this map. At about mile 18.3 the new trail turns left (north) then east to turn left on Switzer Hill Rd. at mile 18.7. Go north 100 yards, then right (east) to cross badly eroded stream in 0.1 mile. Also a one mile mistake in previous map mileages shortens the distances from here east by 0.9 mile. Trail is blazed and map M13 has been updated.
2/1/07 - UPDATED 6/1/07 - UPDATED 4/22/09 - UPDATED 4/22/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M13 Off Sexton Hollow Rd., E of hamlet of South Bradford TRAIL REROUTES Remember, the trail has been rerouted into and out of Corbett Hollow! Do NOT use old maps issued before 6/1/07 or you will miss the new sections of trail and the bivouac area. Note that the new route eliminates about half a mile of trail on the west side of Corbett Hollow, and it completely eliminates the steep route that was coincident with the Oneida horse-snowmobile trail on east side of the hollow. Note, too, that there are now two gates on Guerin Rd. (at the top of Goundry Hill) and the trail passes between them.

Corbett Hollow Rd. is a seasonal road that opens April 1st. Although the road may be quite rough due to flood damage, it should be possible to drive to the turnaround at the north end of the road; however, scout ahead if in doubt! Ignore any obnoxious warning signs that falsely claim that the road is private (there is a public ROW), but do stay on the road until you get into Goundry Hill SF (approx. 0.7 mile N of the obnoxious signs). When passing through the private property, do not stray from the road.

To get to the trail crossing in winter conditions, park where the gas line crosses the road (by the obnoxious warning signs) and walk about a mile north towards the end; the trail coming in from the west will be on your left just before you cross the culvert. The trail to the east will take off to your right, from the right side of the turnaround. In winter, do not drive past the warning signs, as you will not be allowed to park on the private properties and the road is not plowed through the state forest.
9/20/06 - UPDATED 6/2/07 - UPDATED 4/23/09 - UPDATED 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M13, M14 Between Bradford (NY) and Watkins Glen Between Sugar Hill Rd. and Schuyler Co. Rd. 22, the trail is sometimes difficult to follow because it passes along the edges of several crop fields and then crosses through woods that were disturbed by logging. Blazing is not particularly good, so follow these general directions: From the trail crossing at Sugar Hill Rd. (at the big old "Yorski Oak"), head east by following a farm road for a short distance, then jog left, then pass through a strip of woods, then angle left across a "road" between the fields and turn right to follow along the north edge of hedgerow (walk at the south edge of the field), then turn left at the east side of the field and follow along the west side of another hedgerow (again, walk at the edge of the field) until you reach the register box. At the register box, turn sharply right, cross one more field by staying near the fence line on your left, and enter the woods. Sections of the trail may be rerouted into the hedgerows, where possible, in the future.
5/10/06 - UPDATED! 4/22/09 - UPDATED 4/22/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M13 SE of Bradford (NY) TRAIL REROUTE Just east of Switzer Hill Road, the trail has been rerouted around logging debris. Heading east, follow the blazes to the edge of the creek; turn sharply right and go approximately 86 paces downstream to a point where the creek narrows and the bank allows access. Cross the creek and angle left to rejoin the original trail. Caution: creek banks are fairly steep.
M14
4/20/09 - UPDATED! 4/30/09 - UPDATED! 8/22/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M14 TRAIL HUNTING CLOSURE TIME REDUCED W of Watkins Glen State Park. Between Van Zandt Hollow Rd. and the western boundary of Watkins Glen SP, the trail is now open for the entire month of May. The landowners have reduced the fall hunting closure time as well. The section is now closed for 2 weeks starting the 3rd Sat. in Oct., and for 2 weeks starting the 3rd Sat. in Nov. Be aware that erosion has occurred near where the trail crosses the Empire Pipeline. Be aware, also, that you should continue to monitor creek levels in advance of trying to cross Townsend Creek at Julie's Crossing. The blue-blazed bypass route (shown on FLT map M14) runs south on Van Zandt Hollow Rd. across the bridge at Townsend Creek, then east on Townsend Rd. to a service road into the park (park on the S shoulder of the road and walk N on the service road).
9/3/07 - UPDATED! 4/23/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M14 Red pine has been thinned and logged on both sides of Maple Lane, in Sugar Hill SF, near the trail crossing, due to confirmed mortality caused by the sirex woodwasp. (This was the first confirmed attack in Sugar Hill SF). All operations were supposed to be completed by January 31, 2009; however, extensions may have been granted. The contractor was required to keep the trail "passable" during operations and to brush back, remove slash, and re-mark the trail at the conclusion of the work or during periods when the sale is shut down for weather and ground conditions. Please report any problems found in this area. For more information about the sirex woodwasp, visit: Forest Service Woodwasp infoForest Service Woodwasp info
9/20/06- UPDATED! 6/2/07 - UPDATED! 4/23/09 - UPDATED! 5/25/10 Lynda Rummel - Map M13, M14 Between Sugar Hill Rd. and Schuyler Co. Rd. 22, the trail is sometimes difficult to follow because it passes along the edges of several crop fields and then crosses through woods that were disturbed by logging. Blazing is not particularly good, so follow these general directions: From the trail crossing at Sugar Hill Rd. (at the big old "Yorski Oak"), head east by following a farm road for a short distance, then jog left, then pass through a strip of woods, then angle left across a "road" between the fields and turn right to follow along the north edge of hedgerow (walk at the south edge of the field), then turn left at the east side of the field and follow along the west side of another hedgerow (again, walk at the edge of the field) until you reach the register box. At the register box, turn sharply right, cross one more field by staying near the fence line on your left, and enter the woods. Sections of the trail may be rerouted into the hedgerows, where possible, in the future.
M15
9/10/08 Gary Mallow - Map M15 There is a new reroute in Texas Hollow State Forest that eliminates the short road-walk on Texas Hollow Road. Hiking west to east, come down the driveway on a private landowner's property to Texas Hollow Road. Continue straight ahead, crossing Texas Hollow Road (we used to turn right), and find the trail-head marked with FLT signs, new white blazes, and discs. Continue to follow new white blazes through mixed hardwood forest and some boggy areas, roughly parallel to the road, for 0.3 miles. The new reroute brings you out on the DEC driveway that leads from the road down to the pond. Turn left and continue to follow older white blazes on old established trail eastward, headed towards Newtown Road.
11/27/06 Tom Reimers - Map M15 The generous landowner on Rogers Hill (between Steam Mill Road and Carley Road) wants to alert hikers that there are two major events happening each summer near the Roger Hill Lean-to on his property. One is in the last week of July when the Land of the Senecas Muzzleloaders have their annual rendezvous. The second event is a World War II re-enactment during the second weekend in September. So, hikers should not feel that they have time-traveled back to the 1940s. The landowner emphasizes that the FLT and lean-to are always open during these events.
7/12/05 Gary Mallow - Map M15 A 50 yard shortcut through people's yards has been eliminated in Bennettsburg. Traveling from west to east, the FLT now follows Burnt Hill Road all the way until it terminates at Route 79. The trail turns left (east) and continues until it hits South Hill Road, where it continues as it has for years.
7/12/05 Gary Mallow - Map M15 The trail in Watkins Glen no longer follows Glen Creek. East bound hikers, at about mile 0.2 should stay on Tenth St, rather than turning right on N. Porter St. After two blocks on Tenth St the trail turns left on N. Magee St.
M16
7/18/08 Gary Mallow - Map M16 There is a new reroute in Robert Treman State Park, due to closure of an old road bridge suffering from infrastructure deterioration.

Hiking west to east, cross Woodard Road and proceed straight ahead on the grassy service road. Note the stone monument on the left describing the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that was located here during the Great Depression. At this point, take a sharp right turn and follow new white blazes through a brushy area along the Fish Kill Creek to a ford approximately 300 yards upstream. Ford the creek and follow new white blazes through brushy areas downstream approximately 300 yards, rejoining older section of trail. Continue eastward up the steep hill on switchbacks and onwards to Routes 13/34/96.

New High-Water Alternative over Fish Kill Creek
If water in Fish Kill Creek is too high to ford safely, return to the stone monument and take the blue-blazed/orange-blazed Old CCC Camp Spur Trail to the Old Mill in upper Treman State Park. Continue to follow the blue blazes along the parking area to the South Rim Trail. Follow blue blazes past the overlook and junction with a service road on your right. Soon after you pass the service road take a right turn off the South Rim Trail to connect with the main FLT, blazed white. At this point, the blue blazes end; turn left on the FLT and continue to follow white blazes eastward to Routes 13/34/96.
10/12/07- UPDATED! 5/27/08 Gary Mallow - Map M16 The off-road trail from Rumsey Hill Rd. to Trumbull Corners Rd. is now closed. From west to east at the intersection of Rumsey Hill Rd. and Connecticut Hill Rd., turn right (hikers used to turn left) and continue 0.6 mile until you reach the road's end at Trumbull Corners Rd. Turn left on Trumbull Corners Rd. and continue 0.3 mile to the parking area and follow the white blazes into the Stevenson Forest Preserve. The map has been updated with a revision date of 5/08. Total distance on this map decreases by 0.7 mile.

Hikers are welcome to go off the main FLT and take a 0.2 mile side hike on the blue blazed dead-end trail in the Stevenson Preserve, a nature preserve owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Be alert to signs indicating where the preserve boundaries exist, and please respect landowner requests by not crossing onto neighboring properties.
M17
4/2/10 Gary Mallow - Map M17 The Tamarack Lean-to, located in Danby State Forest between NY 96B and Travor Road, will be dismantled in preparation for construction of a replacement lean-to in late June. Dismantling is scheduled to begin April 3rd and may last several weeks. Campers and hikers should be aware that the shelter will not be available for use, beginning April 3rd. Tent camping at this site is still available and permitted.
11/23/09 Gary Mallow - Map M17 The trail from Town Line Road to W. Jersey Hill Road (mileage 1.6 to 3.0) has been closed indefinitely by a landowner (use Town Line Rd. to bypass). However, the trail from Town Line Rd. to the orange Buttermilk State Park Spur and beyond to Buttermilk Falls State Park is still open, except during the hunting season Oct. 13 - Dec. 22. The map will be updated and given a new revision date of 11/09.
6/29/09 Gary Mallow - Map M17 A small section of the orange-blazed Buttermilk Spur Trail between Town Line Rd. and W. King Rd. in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, has been rerouted for a short distance due to withdrawal of permission from a landowner. Hiking west to east, you emerge from woods into a hay field and find a good view to the north and northwest. Continue hiking but be alert for new blazes that direct you back into the woods after a short distance, and stay on the blazed trail. Please help us maintain good relations with local landowners by respecting their preferences and following blazes.
4/10/07 Tom Reimers - Map M17 The Danby Grocery Store on NY 96B just north of Gunderman Road recently closed. There are now no stores open in the hamlet of Danby.
9/28/06 Howard Beye - Map M17 The west end of the orange-blazed Buttermilk Falls S. P. Spur Trail on M17 (from junction with main FLT to W. King Rd.) is closed for hunting from Oct. 13 - Dec. 15. Use Town Line, Sandbank, and W. King Roads to bypass this section. Map M17 has been updated for this closure.
M18
11/23/09 Gary Mallow - Map M18 The trail east of Eastman Hill Rd. (mileage 0.1 to 1.1) is closed by the landowner for hunting from Oct. 13 - Dec. 25. To bypass, hiking west to east, continue hiking north on Durfee Hill Rd. past the trail-head (mileage 18.5 on M17). Turn right on Steam Mill Rd., right on E. Miller Rd., and right on Coddington Rd. to reach the trail-head on Coddington Rd. This is a lengthy bypass. The map will be updated and given a new revision date of 11/09.
7/14/09 Joe Dabes - Map M18 At mileage point 21.1 (about 4 miles south of the village of Dryden) a 0.4 mile reroute has taken the trail out of a wet muddy area on private land and put it onto a hardened multi-use trail in Hammond Hill State Forest. From west to east, the reroute starts 0.1 north of the microwave tower. The back of map now reads: "21.1 Take second left on multi-use Trail Red 2. Mountain bikes, XC skiers, and horses are allowed on the trail for the next 0.9 mile. 21.6 At "Y" take right on multi-use Trail Yellow 4. 22.0 FLT leaves multi-use trail on right and starts descending with views to the east." Map and GPS data have been updated.
6/29/09 Gary Mallow - Map M18 High Water Alert: the flood plain area just off Route 79 in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County is being flooded by at least one beaver family. 168 feet of puncheon and raised boardwalk have been constructed to allow hikers to pass unimpeded. However, it is possible that later in the season the water will continue to rise, flooding the puncheons. If this is the case, be prepared to use the blue blazed alternate route along the following roads: Route 79, Level Green Rd., and Blackman Hill Rd.
12/16/08 Gary Mallow - Map M18 New off road trail (2.4 miles) replaces a road walk of 3.9 miles between Blackman Hill Rd. and NY 79. This new trail is closed to hunting May 1 to May 31 and October 1 to December 20. Please do not violate these closings, and be sure to hike on marked trail only. Use Blackman Hill Rd., Level Green Rd., and NY 79 to bypass during the closings. From west to east, turn right on Blackman Hill Rd for 0.1 mile then left following east side of field. Proceed in a northerly direction to NY 79, turning right following existing trail. The map has been updated with a revision date of 12/08.
8/18/05 Joe Dabes - Map M18 There is a 0.7 mile reroute on FLTC map M18 (near Caroline) required because of construction of a new house next to the trail in the field where the trail previously went north along a hedgerow. The new trail is now blazed and old blazes have been removed. Revised description below starts at mile 17.8: NY Route 79..... Turn right (east) along highway AND CONTINUE EAST PAST OLD TRAIL HEAD FOR 0.1 MILES......, 18.2: Leave NY Route 79 turning left (north) on Robinson Hollow Rd. Do not park here next to trailer park; cars may be towed. 18.5: Turn left (west) entering state forest on old DEC logging road and follow it uphill (1300'; limited off road parking). 19.0: Leave old DEC logging road forking right on narrow woods road (1550'). Add 0.3 miles to all mileages that follow.

There is lots of parking at the snowplow turnaround at mile 17.8 (May to October) [this has been on the map description and still is] and offroad parking for 2 or 3 cars on the west side of Robinson Hollow Rd trailhead at mile 18.5.
M19
7/6/09 Alex Gonzalez - Map M19 I have the following information from NYSEG about power-line construction along the FLT, Spanish Loop Trail, and Irvin Trail (all in SW Cortland County): Flagging is "to begin in early July. This work will be followed by selective vegetation clearing later in the month. Construction will begin this fall and continue through next spring. The construction completion date is June 15, 2010." Sounds to me as if hiking in the area will be unaffected this summer.
12/16/08 Joe Dabes - Map M19 The hunting closure between Lake Rd. and Daisy Hollow Rd. (Cortland County) has had the fall closure extended in time. The trail on Cotton Hanlon land is now closed May 1 to May 31 and October 1 to December 20. Use Willow Crossing and Daisy Hollow Roads to bypass during the closings. The map has been updated with a revision date of 12/08.
9/1/07 Joe Dabes - Map M19 From west to east from Daisy Hollow Rd to Bleck Rd: Six short reroutes have been completed since May 2007, either to get the trail off logging roads or put in switchbacks on steep grades. These range from 0.1 to 0.7 mile, and add 0.9 mile to the total distance of Map M19. The most recent is 0.3 mile after crossing Babcock Hollow Rd. Very shortly after entering state forest, turn right to avoid a very steep hill, entering private land. Soon after a very sharp switchback to the left, go gradually downhill to rejoin old trail after crossing a stone wall fence. This latest reroute has increased trail distance 0.2 mile, but a steep uphill and downhill and problematic briars have been eliminated. All reroutes are clearly blazed and map M19 has been updated.
M20
8/21/07 Tony Rodriguez - Map M20 From west to east: At the former mile 13.5 the main trail now follows the former blue blazed hunting bypass east for 0.3 mile, then turns left (north) across a field (follow stakes) with a great view to the east with picnic table at the top. Upon reaching the end of the field, turn left and follow edge of fields west and north to rejoin old trail. 0.6 mile of old trail has been replaced with 0.8 mile of new trail. Trail is blazed and map M20 has been updated.
2/1/07 Tony Rodriguez - Map M20 Hunting closure dates expanded. Trail from the blue hunting bypass trail west of Stone Road to Underwood Hill Road is now closed from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. Eastbound: Hikers during hunting season should take the blue blazed trail 0.5 miles north of Hoxie Gorge State Forest east to Stone Rd, then north bearing right on Atkins Rd, then left (north) on the McGraw Marathon Rd, then right (east) on Baker Schoolhouse Rd for about a mile to the trailhead. Map M20 has now been updated.
1/17/07 Tony Rodriguez - Map M20 At the landowner's behest the trail on both sides of McGraw Marathon Road is closed. To continue east upon reaching Underwood Hill Road, proceed north 0.8 mile on that road, then south 0.7 mile on McGraw Marathon Road, then east 0.9 mile on Baker Schoolhouse Road to the trailhead. If traveling west proceed in reverse to the trailhead at Underwood Hill Road. Map M20 has now been revised to show this road walk.
M21
7/16/09 Joe Dabes - Map M21 Trail Closure of FLT in eastern Cortland County: Due to several years of defoliation by Forest Tent Caterpillars the NYS DEC is now conducting salvage timber harvests on three parcels between Cheningo Solon Pond Rd (mile 7.6) and Randall Hill Rd (mile 11.8). To bypass these closures eastbound, turn left (north) on Cheningo Solon Pond Rd, right on Cuyler Hill Rd, and right on Randall Hill Rd until you reach the trailhead on the latter road. This trail closure due to harvests will likely continue through most of the summer.
11/2/08 Tony Rodriguez - Map M21 There has been extensive logging in Cuyler Hill State Forest south of Stoney Brook Rd, including a clear cut on a short trail section on the approach to Randall Hill. This will require rerouting in the spring. Because of the recent wet snow there are also trees down on the approach from Stoney Brook Rd. This section can be bypassed by using Cortland Six Rd. There has also been logging on two other short sections, going north from Randall Hill Rd and west of Potter Hill Cemetery Rd.
4/22/03 Bill Coffin - Map M21 The bridge just to the west of the Taylor Valley Road has floated off its foundations. Crossing in normal flow levels should be possible but wet feet will likely occur.
M22
8/31/06 Joe Dabes - Map M22 ADK-Onondaga has completed a reroute that cuts the tedious 7 miles of road walk at the western end of map M22 in half. Now there is easy access to the Paradise Garden Lean-to. The total distance on this map is shortened by 0.7 mile. The main FLT now follows the Onondaga Trail north for 1.0 mi., Cuyler Hill Rd. north 1.1 mi., Lincklaen Rd. east 1.4 mi., Chenango CR 12C east 0.1 mi., CR 12 north 0.5 mi., and Madison CR 53 north to the new trailhead, which is 0.2 mi. north of the Madison Co. line. Junction with the orange-blazed 0.2 mi. side trail to the Paradise Garden Lean-to is 0.7 mi. ahead. The map has been updated (Rev. 8/06) and is now available from the FLTC Service Center.
M23
4/30/08 Ed Sidote - Map M23 The post office in East Pharsalia is open M - F 8:00 - 10:00 and 3:30 -5:00. Note that the hours given in the FLT End-to-End guidebook are wrong.
12/30/06 David Cook - Map M23 The Balsam Inn located in East Pharsalia has changed owners. The new telephone number is 607-647-9292. Also the First Time Market located across the street is closed.
9/15/05 Ed Sidote - Map M23 Trail from NY Rte 23 to Center Rd is now routed along Fred Stewart Rd; white blazes have been painted on this road and map updated.
8/19/05 Joe Dabes - Map M23 A new lean-to has been built by the NYS DEC, thanks to a grant secured by Ed Sidote, just south of Church Hill Rd. There is no side trail to this lean-to from the main FLT as yet. To access the lean-to from where the trail crosses Church Hill Rd, go west on this road for 0.3 mile, then turn left on rough truck trail just past fine crushed stone fill parking area with Wildlife Management Area signs on left -- this very nice lean-to is 0.2 mile to the southwest on this rough road. Water -- get it on the way (from 2 culverts you go over) from where you left the FLT as the stream below the lean-to is not very reliable.
M24
5/29/10 Ed Sidote - Map M24 The bridge over Ludlow Creek (mile 9.9) is closed for repairs and is not passable. It will be at least a month before work is done and it reopens again. The gorge here is very steep so descending and ascending it here is probably not possible. However, Ludlow Creek might be passable in the vicinity of the Ludlow Creek Lean-to. To try this means bushwhacking southeast 0.3 mile from Tucker Road to the lean-to.
4/30/09 Ed Sidote - Map M24 The Outpost Restaurant on NY 220 0.2 mile east of the FLT in East McDonough is presently closed. It plans to reopen about June 1, 2009 under new management.
M25
7/12/05 Edward Sidote - Map M25 The trail between Wilcox Rd and Basswood Rd has been (hopefully temporarily) closed. Eastbound hikers should at the junction of Wilcox and Basswood Roads (about mile 6.3) stay on Basswood Road. In 1/4 mile turn right on the FLT.
M26
10/7/05 Jim DeWan - Map M26 The trail is closed for hunting from Oct. 15 to Dec. 20 for hunting by the landowner. Please detour using NY Rte 206 and Butts Rd. This landowner is very sensitive and we do not want to lose our trail across his land.
M27
5/25/10 Kathy Klopchin - Map M27 The NYS DEC has posted signs at the east end of Dunbar Rd. near Schofield Rd. (near mile 9) that the road is closed because of down trees. The signs say: "TRAIL CLOSED" and "NOTICE Fallen Trees will Impede Travel." Thus driving to "Summit" on the map is probably not be possible. However, you may to able to hike up this road. It is not known when this road will be drivable again.
7/5/08 Joe Dabes - Map M27 If you purchased this map before the summer of 2007 please be aware that these old maps show Dunbar Rd connecting to NY 8 from near "Summit" on that map. This is not the case; Dunbar Rd ends at the eastern boundary of Arctic China State Forest.
M28
5/21/05 Joe Dabes - Map M28 & M29 The trail has been removed from most of Beers Brook Road and has been re-blazed. On M28 at mile 11.7 turn R on Houck Mt. Rd. At mile 13.9 turn L on Tower Rd. After 1.3 more miles enter private land and follow FLT discs soon to enter Bear Springs W.M.A. and follow Horse Trail #7 and FLT disc blazes. Cross W. Trout Brook Rd. and continue on Fork Mt. horse trail (this is the FLT). This next section of 3.7 miles has also been more heavily marked with FLT discs. The total distance in this stretch has been reduced by 1.8 miles and there are great views from Houck Mt. Rd.
M29
10/15/09 Rick Roberts - Map M29 A very long road walk has been shortened with 3.9 miles of new and nice off road trail, which also shortens the total distance on this map by 1.3 miles. The map has been updated with a revision date of 9/09 and sent to the FLTC office. The following is the new description on back of map: 5.5: Bear Spring Wildlife Management Area ends. 5.6: Turn left (NE) off Trout Brook Rd (1260’). Note: Trail ahead is closed by landowner for hunting from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 (all day) and May 1 to 31 (4 AM to Noon). Bypass by continuing south on Trout Brook Rd, crossing E. Branch Delaware River and turning left on River Rd. as shown on map. 6.2: Bear left (NE) at trail junction (1660’). 6.7: Bear right (S) at trail junction, a high point (2160’). 6.9: Sharp left (SE) at trail junction (1980’). 7.0: Straight (SE) where side trail to right goes steeply downhill. 7.4: A high point (2210’). 7.5: Right (S) on Dump Rd., a wide access road (2160’). Views to south. 7.8: Cross under a major power line (2010’). 8.4: Cross small stream, running across road. 9.0: Pass gate and in 50’ leave Dump Rd. on left (E) following an old logging road (1400’). 9.2: Leave old logging road on left (E) and descend steeply into a stone quarry at 1250’. 9.5: Left (N) on somewhat busy NY 30 (1090’). 9.9: Right (E) across steel deck bridge over East Branch of the Delaware River on Corbett Rd. Some parking on east side of bridge. 10.3: Enter Corbett (1110’) and turn left (N) on River Rd. No services, but parking and a large community pavilion next to the town hall.
7/12/05 Joe Dabes - Map M29 A reroute takes 0.3 mile of the FLT off of W. Trout Brook Rd and onto a blue horse trail in the south end of Bear Spring W.M.A. Eastbound: about 3.6 after crossing W. Trout Brook Rd (note the reroute of 5/21/05) take the left turn near the south end of Bear Spring W.M.A. onto a blue horse trail and emerge 1/4 mile later in a big DEC parking area near the junction of E. Trout Brook Rd and W. Trout Brook Rd. Then continue south and east on Trout Brook Rd.
5/21/05 Joe Dabes - Map M28 & M29 The trail has been removed from most of Beers Brook Road and has been re-blazed. On M28 at mile 11.7 turn R on Houck Mt. Rd. At mile 13.9 turn L on Tower Rd. After 1.3 more miles enter private land and follow FLT discs soon to enter Bear Springs W.M.A. and follow Horse Trail #7 and FLT disc blazes. Cross W. Trout Brook Rd. and continue on Fork Mt. horse trail (this is the FLT). This next section of 3.7 miles has also been more heavily marked with FLT discs. The total distance in this stretch has been reduced by 1.8 miles and there are great views from Houck Mt. Rd.
M30
7/2/09 Margaret Reek - Map M30 The Mary Smith Hill Rd parking area is accessible only from the north, as the road is closed for bridge repair coming from CR 152. The north part of Mary Smith Hill Rd is poor. It is drivable without 4 wheel drive, at least when it isn't really wet, but it isn't a road to be recommended if one can avoid it. Also in places the nettles were so thick you could barely see the trail. Long pants are definitely recommended.
6/11/08 Joe Dabes - Map M30 Much of the trail in the Catskills region is now quite difficult to hike, because of rugged terrain, lush and rapid growth (especially of briars), and sometimes infrequent maintenance. Note that these are very rugged mountains, not hills. So if you plan to hike these trails, take the following precautions: (1) Expect to hike in a day only 1/2 to 2/3rds of what you are capable of hiking on other FLT trails. (2) Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy hiking boots (expect huge briars, many stinging nettles, and loose rocks). (3) Carry lightweight loppers and a bow or pruning saw, if possible, for briars and downfall. We thank all those that maintain these difficult trails. If you can help maintain these trails, please contact me at kabjnd@msn.com
M31
6/11/08 Joe Dabes - Map M31 Much of the trail in the Catskills region is now quite difficult to hike, because of rugged terrain, lush and rapid growth (especially of briars), and sometimes infrequent maintenance. Note that these are very rugged mountains, not hills. So if you plan to hike these trails, take the following precautions: (1) Expect to hike in a day only 1/2 to 2/3rds of what you are capable of hiking on other FLT trails. (2) Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy hiking boots (expect huge briars, many stinging nettles, and loose rocks). (3) Carry lightweight loppers and a bow or pruning saw, if possible, for briars and downfall. We thank all those that maintain these difficult trails. If you can help maintain these trails, please contact me at kabjnd@msn.com
11/18/04 Edward Sidote - Map M31 The Little Pond State Campground is closed from shortly after Labor Day to a week before Memorial Day. No camping is allowed in Campground when Closed, violators will be arrested by DEC Forest Rangers.
M32
6/11/08 Joe Dabes - Map M32 Much of the trail in the Catskills region is now quite difficult to hike, because of rugged terrain, lush and rapid growth (especially of briars), and sometimes infrequent maintenance. Note that these are very rugged mountains, not hills. So if you plan to hike these trails, take the following precautions: (1) Expect to hike in a day only 1/2 to 2/3rds of what you are capable of hiking on other FLT trails. (2) Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy hiking boots (expect huge briars, many stinging nettles, and loose rocks). (3) Carry lightweight loppers and a bow or pruning saw, if possible, for briars and downfall. We thank all those that maintain these difficult trails. If you can help maintain these trails, please contact me at kabjnd@msn.com
6/18/03- UPDATED! 11/25/07 Ed Sidote - Map M32 Black Bear Road has been changed to Wild Meadow Road due to installation of 911 system. Basily Road off Wild Meadow Road is closed as there is a bridge out on this route. The northern end of Wild Meadow Road is private property; parking is not allowed by the landowner. Park in the NYS DEC parking area, found 0.4 mile before reaching the end of Wild Meadow Road on the east side of the road. Maps have been updated.
M33
11/30/07 Ed Sidote - Map M33 The Claryville General Store has moved 0.3 mile east to the former site of the Blue Hill Inn. The building was completely remodeled into a restaurant, deli, pizza parlor, with groceries, ice cream, etc. The FLTC trail Register notebook on windowsill of the store. Liquor license is pending. Also the motel behind the General Store is now open after being completely renovated. Map M33 has been modified to reflect this information.
6/18/03- UPDATED! 11/25/07 Ed Sidote - Map M33 Black Bear Road has been changed to Wild Meadow Road due to installation of 911 system. Basily Road off Wild Meadow Road is closed as there is a bridge out on this route. The northern end of Wild Meadow Road is private property; parking is not allowed by the landowner. Park in the NYS DEC parking area, found 0.4 mile before reaching the end of Wild Meadow Road on the east side of the road. Maps have been updated.
CONSERVATION TRAIL
CT1
10/24/07 Cheryl Peluso - Map M1/ CT1 A reroute of the trail in northern Allegany State Park is now complete. This reroute is 0.9 miles long and replaces 1.4 miles of old trail, thus shortening the trail by half a mile. The new trail is much nicer as it is dry and winds through nice hardwoods. It replaces longer hillier trail that had wet sections with stinging nettles. Clearing the new trail was done by Cheryl Peluso, Annette Brzezicki, and Nick Scarano of the Foothills Trail Club. The map has been updated with a revision date of 10/07.
CT2
There are no condition reports at this time
CT3
10/15/09 Joe Dabes - Map M3/ CT3 The trail north of Ellicottville, from Maples-Ellicottville Rd. (Access 7, CR 13) to Poverty Hill Rd (Access 8) is now closed for hunting during the following dates: Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 and Apr. 15 - May 31.
4/30/09 Joe Dabes - Map M3/ CT3 Ellicottville area: Holiday Valley and Holimont Ski Areas are hosting a competitive archery event August 12 - 15 (Wed - Sat) that would endanger hikers on our trail, so the trail there will be closed for those four days, necessitating a road walk around that hilltop westward on Mutton Hollow Rd and north and east on NY 242. Signs will be posted.
5/17/08 Howard Beye - Map M3/ CT3 Trail from Access 8 (Poverty Hill Rd.) to Cotter Rd. is closed for hunting May 1 - 31 and Oct. 10 – Dec. 21. To bypass, from west to east: north on Poverty Hill Rd., east on Lindberg Rd, south on US 219, then northeast on Cotter Rd. Map has been updated with revision date of 5/08.
9/28/07 Mary Domanski - Map M3/ CT3 Trail from Access 11 (Brennan Rd.) to Access 12 (NY 240) is closed for hunting Oct. 13 – Dec. 9. Use Brennan Rd., NY 242, and NY 240 to bypass. Map has been updated with revision date of 9/07.
10/24/06 Mary Domanski - Map M3/ CT3 The section between Cotter Road and Irish Hill Road is closed for hunting during Oct.15-Dec.20.
CT4
6/16/05 Mary Domanski - Map CT4 ACCESS 3: DO NOT PARK ON KRUSE HILL RD NEAR THE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE TRAIL. Park on Kruse Rd. This section of trail from the junction of the Finger Lakes Trail to access 3 is closed for hunting from May 1 - 31 and Oct 1- Dec 25.
CT5
6/2/10 David Potzler - Map CT5 Due to loss of a landowner permission the Conservation Trail has been rerouted just north of Access 2 on CT5. Hiking south to north existing trail turns left (north) off of Folts Rd. at Access 2. In ~0.2 mile the new trail turns right (east) from existing trail to reach Folts Rd. in ~0.3 mile where it turns left (north) on Folts Rd. for ~0.4 mile. Where Folts turns right (east) the new trail heads northwest for ~0.3 mile to join existing trail. The reroute is finished and blazed orange.
10/16/09 David Potzler - Map CT5 The trail from Access 5 (Genesee Rd.) to Access 2 on Map CT6 (Matteson Corners Rd) is newly closed for hunting from Oct. 1 - Dec. 31. Bypass by taking Genesee Rd. east, Warner Gulf Rd. north, and Matteson Corners Rd. west. Map CT5 has been updated and given a new revision date of 10/09.
6/18/09 Joe Dabes - Map CT5 Northbound at mileage point 3.8 heading easterly (nearly midway between Folts Rd. and Bolton Rd.) there is a new gas pipeline being built. At this stage there is simply logging of the narrow path. Upon emerging at the pipeline path simply head east on it 400 feet, then leave on the left (north) following the usual orange blazes.
CT6
4/18/10 Dave Potzler - Map CT6 A reroute is in progress from Access 2 to Access 3, Matteson Corners Rd. to Warner Gulf Rd. From Access 2 follow existing trail north for 0.9 mile, then turn right (east) following orange flagging tape 0.8 mile to Warner Gulf Rd. Turn left (north) on Warner Gulf Rd. for 0.8 mile to Access 3, which then turns right (east) leaving Warner Gulf Rd.
9/1/08 Mary Domanski - Map CT6 If hiking on Map CT6 between Vermont St. and Humphries Road be aware that some logging has taken place. The section is not long. Flagging has been put up. So follow the flags. Paint blazes can still be seen. The loggers should be done in 2 weeks. A clean up crew will come in and fill in the ruts on the logging road (they are huge due to rain). The clean up crew may not come until spring.
11/13/07 Mary Domanski - Map CT6 The trail from Vermont Street to Humphries Road has been closed by two different landowners for hunting from Nov. 1 - Dec. 20 and May 1 - 31. From south to north bypass this section by following Vermont St. northeast, Vermont Hill Rd. north, and Humphries Road west.
8/3/07 Lynda Rummel - Map CT6 The FLTC’s July Alley Cat crew rebuilt and/or relocated trail crossings in three of the steepest ravines between Vermont St. and Carpenter Hill Rd., northeast of Holland (including "Granddaddy," the worse of them all). They rebuilt or rerouted trail includes stairs and over 40 steps (some of which were cut out of solid shale!), plus a number of new switchbacks with grades of only 10-15%. These improvements follow on the work done on this section by participants in the Western NY Trail Building Workshop (held in early June) who improved one ravine crossing with switchback legs and began work on relocating another. This section of the Conservation Trail is managed by the Foothills Trail Club; as you hike the new ravine crossings without slipping, sliding or falling, please say a "thanks" to the many "Foothillers" who worked as crew members, provided dinners, or assisted in other essential ways – these major improvements could not have been done without them! Note: You are advised to take hiking sticks when hiking the Holland Ravines.
7/9/06 Mary Domanski - Map CT6 Access 6 Humphries Road: After crossing the bridge at the Mabel James sign turn left on Humphries Road. Follow the evergreen hedgerow walking on the new road construction. Just before the end of the hedgerow there is an opening on your right in the trees. The trail continues through those evergreens heading straight for the orange blaze on the hardwood directly ahead.
9/25/05 Mary Domanski - Map CT6 Access Points 1 to 2 (Allen Rd to Matteson Corners Rd): Trail is closed by landowner for hunting October to third week in December.
CT7
4/13/2010 Dave Potzler - Map CT7 Due to winter logging, about 1/4 mile of the trail between Access 8 (NY 354) and Access 9 (Getman Rd.) has been damaged. The logging is about 1/2 mile north of NY 354 near Red Brook. You can get around the logging damage by following orange flagging tape bearing northwest uphill then north, then east back to Red Brook. It is anticipated that the trail will be restored to its previous location over the summer.
10/24/06 Mary Domanski - Map CT7 A reroute is complete between Bailey Road and Folsomdale. When reaching Bailey turn left and walk 0.4 mile. Turn right and walk inside the hedgerow following the orange blazes.
3/25/06 Mary Domanski - Map CT7 The trail between Old Big Tree Road and Bear Road is closed for hunting from Nov. 1 to Dec. 22.
8/2/05 Mary Domanski - Map CT7 Access 8 Clinton St (NY Rte 354) to Access 9 (Getman Rd). Be sure to follow all the blazes. An additional reroute has been made after crossing the metal bridge. The trail will basically follow the stream. Some bushwhacking may be needed for a few hundred yards.
6/16/05 Mary Domanski - Map CT7 ACCESS 8, CLINTON STREET (ROUTE 354): (PARKING: Please park on the shoulder of 354 near Schad.) This section has been recently re-routed. Do not walk north on Schad Rd. Instead turn right or east on 354 and walk 0.33 miles to a white house with a red garage. Route 354 is marked with orange blazes. Just past the garage turn left (north) down the drive and take an immediate right to follow the field edge. There is a yellow FLTC sign on the phone pole. The trail is clearly marked with orange blazes. Just follow the blazes to continue walking north.
CT8
5/1/09 Gary Borek - Map CT8 If you plan to use the Darien Lake Lean-to in Darien Lake State Park, a free permit is required. Call (585) 547-9481.
6/27/07 Jacqui Wensich - Map CT8 Be on the lookout for a large amount of poison ivy between Access Point 4 Sumner Road and Access Point 5 Reynolds Road. It is all over the trail along farm road and trail into woods.
CT9
There are no condition reports at this time
CT10
There are no condition reports at this time
CT11
There are no condition reports at this time
CT12
There are no condition reports at this time
LETCHWORTH BRANCH
Letchworth Branch Trail, August 9th, 2009 HALF-MARATHON: from dam parking lot (access B) south to access E and park trail 16...and back again...there will be plus or minus 100 runners engaged in a race, morning only, so all others users would be advised to avoid the trail in that area until afternoon. It will be crowded with fast-moving people!
L1
There are no condition reports at this time
L2
There are no condition reports at this time
BRISTOL HILLS BRANCH
B1
5/25/10 Tom & Donna Noteware - Map B1 Because of logging the trail is temporarily closed from Access 4 (Seman Rd) to Pleasant St. in the Village of Naples. Use the marked hunting bypass on this map to avoid this section: From north to south from Access 3 turn right (south) on West Hollow Rd (CR 33) and then left (north) on NY 21. Or alternately use Seman Rd, Rhine St. and CR 12 to bypass.
11/21/09 Donna and Tom Noteware - Map B1 The trail from Access 2 (entrance to Camp Warren Butler BSA) to the junction of NY 21 and NY 245 (in downtown Naples) is closed during big game season, mid Nov. - mid Dec. Southbound from Access 2 take CR 33 south and east, turn left on NY 21, and right on NY 245 to bypass the closure. Map B1 has been updated and given a revision date of 11/09.
B2
9/29/08 David Marsh - Map B2 Between Access 7 and Access 8, tenting is no longer available at the former Kitzel residence on 3882 DeWolf Road. However, Water is still available for hikers from a hydrant 100 feet up the driveway of the now Colle home at this address.
10/10/06 Tom Noteware - Map B2 A small reroute has been made between access points 11 and 12. Instead of crossing Ford Road the map now reads (going north to south): Turn right (west) on Ford Road for 90 yards, then turn left continuing south on trail.
QUEEN CATHARINE MARSH LOOP TRAIL
QCMLT
3/3/08 Jay Zitter - Map QCMLT The 1.5-mile section of the QCMLT between Fairgrounds Lane in Watkins Glen south to NY 14 in Montour Falls is now open. The NYS OPRHP has replaced the rotting railroad bridge, and the trail has been widened to eight feet with a packed cinder surface. This section of the QCMLT is congruent with the Catharine Valley Trail, which is now open from Fairgrounds Lane in Watkins Glen south to Millport. Eventually the CVT will run for 14 miles from the Watkins Glen waterfront to Horseheads.
10/26/06 Jay Zitter - Map QCMLT The two mile portion of the QUEEN CATHARINE MARSH LOOP TRAIL that is on the abandoned Chemung RR rail bed has been closed indefinitely by State Parks as they prepare the roadbed to become part of the CATHARINE VALLEY TRAIL, a multiuse rail trail from Horseheads to Watkins Glen.
7/13/06 Jacqui Wensich - Map QCMLT The 0.4 mile portion of the trail (starting at mile 3.1) that ran along the levee tops is being abandoned due to uncontrollable weed growth on the fertile dredgings piled on the levee tops. Giant bull thistles taller than a human are no fun to hike through. The trail will now follow the 0.3 mile former blue blazed bypass trail along Marina Drive, which is in the process of having the blazes changed to orange. Also a new 0.2 mile blue blazed trail will travel east from where the trail used to ascend the levees to the east end of the "Willow Walk", creating a nice 1.0 mile loop.
11/1/04 Jay Zitter - Map QCMLT At mileage point 2.18 the trail to Aunt Sarah's Falls has been cleared and it has been blazed blue as a loop which passes by a very good observation point on the east side of NY Route 14. The loop continues to the left following Route 14 until rejoining the Orange Trail which leads to the Montour Falls Marina entrance road. Turn left off NY 14 on to entrance road.
The quarter-mile section north of the Diversion Channel, mileage point 3.2, follows the top of a levee. That section is being bulldozed to raise the levee another six feet. The trail is passable, but most blazes are gone, and the footing in the loose soil is slow.
Signs have also been installed at either end of the Watkins Glen Athletic Fields, so hikers will know how to circumvent the athletic fields which now block the old trail route.
MONTOUR FALLS HISTORIC LOOP TRAIL
MFHLT
3/24/06 Jay Zitter - Map MFHLT The bridge behind the Fire Academy is closed and barricaded. We have recently learned that it will not be repaired any time soon. So, at mile 4.53, take the 0.80 mile blue-blazed north on L'Hommedieu St., then west on NY 224, then south on College Ave. to rejoin the orange blazes on E. Main St. to avoid having to ford the Diversion Channel.
INTERLOCKEN TRAIL
I
There are no condition reports at this time
ONONDAGA TRAIL
O1
7/16/09 Joe Dabes - Map O1 Trail Closure of Onondaga Branch of FLT in northeastern Cortland County: Due to several years of defoliation by Forest Tent Caterpillars the NYS DEC is now conducting a salvage timber harvest on a parcel between Chickadee Hollow Rd (mile 11.8) and Morgan Hill Rd (mile 14.4). To bypass this closure northbound, simply continue straight north on Morgan Hill Rd from its intersection with Chickadee Hollow Rd for about 1.3 miles to the northern trailhead on Morgan Hill Rd. This trail closure due to the harvest will likely continue through most of the summer.
11/2/08 Tony Rodriguez - Map O1 There has been extensive logging in Morgan Hill State Forest on both sides of the power line north of Morgan Hollow Rd. This section can be bypassed by using Morgan Hollow Rd.
9/28/07 Mary Coffin - Map O1 n the last month or so a continuous 5.7 miles of new trail has been opened up on the northeast end of this map. This new trail starts at the NCT kiosk on the west end of the dam of Spruce Pond and runs just south of Onondaga One Road to cross Shackham Road. It then soon passes a cemetery and the dam of Shackham Pond and heads northerly to cross Onondaga One Road and then Rowley Hill Road. It then runs easterly to emerge on W. Keeney Road just north of Bardeen Road, where this map ends. NCT certification for uncertified sections will be applied for and Map O1 has been updated with a revision date of 10/07.
3/24/06 Tony Rodruigez - Map O1 Due to loss of landowner permission (he cited loose dogs and hikers wandering around the property) the trail has been rerouted onto roads from Chickadee Hollow Road (unsigned road off Morgan Hill Road) to W. Keeney Road. Traveling north to south, after reaching Chickadee Hollow Rd. (0.7 mi. after crossing a power line), turn north on Chickadee Hollow Rd. After 0.6 mi. on it turn left (south) for 2.8 miles on Morgan Hill Rd. until turning left (east) on NY 13. After 1.6 miles turn left (northeast) on W. Keeney Rd., traveling 1.2 miles to the now closed trailhead. Continue 0.1 mile to Tripoli Rd., turning right to pick up the existing trail.
O2
9/18/09 Joe Dabes - Map O2 There is a gorgeous new section of trail from Webber Rd. to Smith Rd. on the east side of map O2; the distance is 3.6 miles. This is wonderful trail (that I have now hiked twice in the last two weeks) that has no more than a 10% grade. However, the trail from NY 13 to Smith Rd is closed for hunting Oct. 1 - Dec. 31; to bypass from the east end of Webber Rd take School St. to New Woodstock, right on NY 13, then quickly left on Damon Rd to the trailhead going north from from Damon Rd. We thank Mary Coffin and her ADK-Onondaga crews for building these great new trails. Map O2 has been updated and given a new revision date of 9/09.
12/16/08 Mary Coffin - Map O2 Trail has been constructed in the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area, eliminating a long road walk. From west to east, in New Woodstock turn right on NY 13 and in 200' left uphill on Damon Rd. In 1.6 miles trail turns left (north) across field and creek on private land. After crossing creek trail turns right and soon enters Tioughnioga W. M. A. following its step like boundary north and east to Holmes Rd. (gated by DEC and closed to vehicles). Holmes Rd. is the junction with existing North Country Trail going north and east constructed by Central New York Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The map has been updated with a revision date of 12/08.
12/16/08 Mary Coffin - Map O2 New trail (0.4 mi.) has been constructed between Stanton Rd. going east to Tromp Rd. (latter road not shown on earlier O2 maps, but is now) in DeRuyter State Forest. From Tromp Rd., to avoid 4+ miles of road walk, there is a short bushwhack option between Tromp Rd. and Fairbanks Rd.: If no logging is taking place east of Tromp Rd. follow orange flags (or compass or GPS unit) almost due east 1/2 mile to Fairbanks Rd. Turn left (north) about 1/4 mile to reach existing trail turning right (east) off Fairbanks Rd. The map has been updated with a revision date of 12/08.
9/28/07 Mary Coffin and Joe Dabes - Map O2 This is a brand new map showing the Onondaga Trail/NCT connecting to the Link Trail/NCT in the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area, where the NCT then heads northeast to the Adirondacks. The trail goes through Highland Forest County Park, DeRuyter State Forest, and private land. This is still a work in progress. At present on the eastern end there are some long road walks where trail still needs to be built in portions of DeRuyter State Forest and the Tioughnioga W. M. A. Most of the constructed trail is certified NCT and the revision date on the present map is 8/07. Present miles on this map are 20.2, but when the eastern road walks are eliminated the total distance will be about 15 - 16 miles.

If you have questions or comments about the reports above, please contact both Joe Dabes and the Finger Lakes Trail Service Center. Clicking this one hot link should feed both addresses to your e-mail program. If it does not, please send your questions and comments to kabjnd@msn.com AND FLTinfo@fingerlakestrail.org, or call the office, (585)658-9320 (during times when the office is not open, please leave a message with a daytime phone number where we can reach you for more information, if need be).


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