Little Rock City
Little Rock City Road
42.20833, -78.70833 GPS Coordinates
This 2.6-mile hike (5.2 miles round trip) features a journey through the giant, moss-covered boulders of Rock City and McCarthy Hill State Forests in the southwest corner of the state between Elicottville and Salamanca. The area is a geological wonder, with myriad pathways created for walking amongst the towering rocks
Mitchellsville Gorge
Urbana town hall, 8014 Pleasant Valley Rd., Bath, NY
42.39071, -77.25911 GPS Coordinates
Just south of Hammondsport in Steuben County, this hike on private land features a walk past vineyard on the Keuka Lake inlet and passage through an Eastern Hemlock forest before encountering Mitchellsville Creek and the gorge. The round-trip hike is 4.8 miles and comes with a warning to avoid the now-unstable gorge rim.
Tinker Falls Labrador Pond Overlook
Shoulder of Shackham Rd. off Route 91 between Tully and Fabius
42.76970, -76.01923 GPS Coordinates
This hike between Tully and Fabius on Route 91 begins with a sturdy climb to the place locals refer to as the “Hang Glider’s Leap” near the summit of Jones Hill, which offers an impressive view of Labrador Pond and the Labrador Unique area as well as most of the Tully valley. This is a hike with options, the most enterprising of which leads back down the hill to the top of Tinker Falls, a 50-foot waterfall with an overhang that can be passed under in spring, summer, and fall. The main loop is a 5.6-mile round trip.
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
Secret Garden parking at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, 3883 Stone Quarry Rd., Cazenovia.
This 5.0-mile round trip weaves through the unique setting of Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia and rewards hikers with scenic views of Cazenovia and Oneida Lakes. We will begin with a short loop to a viewpoint in the Art Park, then descend on the North Country Trail through scenic woodlands, crossing small streams, and a wetland before reaching the Chenango St. trailhead in Cazenovia. The return trip will follow the same route with an elevation gain of over 300 feet back to the Art Park. We’ll finish with another loop in the Art Park through some of the park’s unique outdoor sculptures.
Puffer Pond
Old Farm Clearing parking lot
43.70066, -74.1168 GPS Coordinates
The longest hike in the series, this 11-mile round trip is located in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness in the central Adirondacks near the hamlet of North River. Hikers should be prepared for minor re-routing due to industrious beavers and blowdown. The trail features two lean-tos for rest and snacks, and views of Chimney and Bullhead Mountains.