Best hikes on Finger Lakes Trail?

**Speedogomer** · 05-18-2016, 15:34

Doing an overnighter with my brother this weekend. We originally planned to head south to the Pinchot Trail in PA, but the weather looks better north of us. I've never been on the finger lakes trail, my brother and I would like a great overnighter hike, close to the central part of the trail, like Ithaca to Hancock NY area of the trail. (I'm near Binghamton NY). Any hike with some great sights, or beautiful views only accessible by hiking in would be great

Let me know some first hand knowledge of the trail. Thanks in advance.

**Speedogomer** · 05-19-2016, 15:08

Bumping since we plan on going in less than 48 hours...

**mbal1856** · 05-19-2016, 19:52

Only did a few sections of it in WNY. This past Feb did a short out and back in Allegheny SP. Parked at ASP3 and hiked South to the Willis Creek Leanto. 4.2m one way, set camp and then slack packed couple more miles to the old fire tower. If you have time, only a couple more miles to the PA border. There is a spring coming out of a PVC pipe for water source at the leanto. Mostly flat hiking.

Couple years ago did just under 20m right around Ellicotville. Very hilly, trail actually goes up part of the ski slopes at Hollimont . Lots of logging roads. Started at Poverty Hill Trail head and headed south

Outside of that only other part iv'e done is the Interloken trail.

**Philsweep** · 05-19-2016, 21:08

It does go through Watkins Glen State Park, but camping near there is limited except at Watkins Glen state park which is awesome.

**cmseeley** · 05-19-2016, 21:30

Just south of Ithaca, Danby State Forrest is nice. The Abbott Loop is one of my favorite spots close to home. There is a pretty nice view at the Pinnacles a few miles from the trail head, with plenty of trees to hang from nearby. The loop is about 10 miles total.

**Speedogomer** · 05-20-2016, 01:17

Originally Posted by cmseeley

Just south of Ithaca, Danby State Forrest is nice. The Abbott Loop is one of my favorite spots close to home. There is a pretty nice view at the Pinnacles a few miles from the trail head, with plenty of trees to hang from nearby. The loop is about 10 miles total.

Thanks, I was looking at the Abbott loop earlier today, I may just end up there.

**cmseeley** · 05-20-2016, 07:56

Originally Posted by Speedogomer

Thanks, I was looking at the Abbott loop earlier today, I may just end up there.

No problem. Here is the google coordinates to where I normally park and start.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/42...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0

I will see if I can find my gps track from my last hike up around there Feb/March, and post it for you to see. At the lookout there is a picnic table and a fire ring. I usually camp a few hundred yards into the woods from there. This is a real good gear test spot for me as it's only about a 45min drive from home to the trail head.

**DuctTape** · 05-20-2016, 08:16

For the future, I would recommend the trails in the Sugar Hill State Forest, which include the FLT. Also those in the Finger Lakes National Forest, and the Bristol Hills branch of the FLT.

**cmseeley** · 05-20-2016, 10:31

Originally Posted by DuctTape

For the future, I would recommend the trails in the Sugar Hill State Forest, which include the FLT. Also those in the Finger Lakes National Forest, and the Bristol Hills branch of the FLT.

I was actually thinking about heading up towards Sugar Hill State Forest myself on Saturday depending on the timing. I have not been there as of yet, but looking at the topo maps the way the FLT follows the ridge from Ghaundry Hill State Forest towards Sugar Hill State Forest I bet it would have some awesome views! Maybe a half an hour longer drive maybe a bit more for Speedogomer if he is coming from Binghamton?

I want to get out myself for an overnight Saturday night. I have Saturday night, and Sunday clear, I just have a bunch of crap I have to get done at the house first.