How to Visit Finger Lakes National Forest
Nestled between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake among the rolling hills sits a 16,000-acre tract of land designated as the Finger Lakes National Forest of New York state. The land was home to the Iroquois nation before this second growth timber forest eventually converted over to National Forest management. Enjoy this outdoor recreational gem all year round while visiting nearby Finger Lakes wineries or the Watkins Glen International Raceway.
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Instructions
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Travel the mile square roads of the Finger Lakes National Forest and search for wildlife to observe or photograph. The forest is home to species such as wild turkey, white-tailed deer, red fox, great horned and screech owls and wood ducks.
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Enjoy a hike on any one of the eight trails in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Interloken Trail is the longest trail covering 12 miles. Take a short one-mile hike on the Gorge and Ravine Trails for breathtaking scenes within the forest.
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Snowmobile in winter on the three designated trails for motorized use: Bunt Hill, Backbone and No-Tan-Takto Trails. The longest trail is only 5 miles long; horses and hikers use these trails as well.
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Camp in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Camping is free in the undesignated areas. The Potomac Camp requires an overnight fee and reservation for this short hike-in shelter and use of cooking grills, primitive toilets and the hand-pumped water.
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Pick blueberries in July and August at the 5-acre plot managed by the Finger Lakes Forest Service. Camp nearby at the Blueberry Patch Camp where tent or small trailer sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
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Cross country ski or snowshoe on the six groomed trails of the Finger Lakes National Forest.
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Horseback ride on any of three beautiful trails: Burnt Hill, Backbone and No-Tan Takto. Stay at Backbone Horse Camp for the night where first come first served campers can corral and water their horses while tent camping.
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Gather the wild fruits of New York State in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Fall apples, late summer brambleberries and wild grapes make excellent homemade pies and jams.
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Hunt for deer, small game, birds and waterfowl in the Finger Lakes National Forest area. Check the New York hunting regulations for rules and regulations and always get approval from the landowner before entering their property.
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Tips & Warnings
Take out any trash that is brought into the Finger Lakes National Forest area. Leave no trace behind is the encouraged philosophy.
Set up camp at least 50 feet from waterways or hiking trails.
Pick up a Finger Lakes National Forest map at any of the visitors centers.
