Want to join one of our hikes on the outing schedule? If you are not a member of the Onondaga Chapter and would like to join us, e-mail Outings Committee Lisa Druke at lisadruke@gmail.com. Guests are welcome to join for 1 or 2 outings to see what we are all about – please contact us!
Note: DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer (New York) reference is copyright 2011 or later.
Walking Wednesday
Every Wednesday
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park and Ride [in front of Hobby Lobby]
Rating: (E-M)
Leaders: Mary Niemi 446-6725 and Bruce Holloway, b.holloway.adk.on@gmail.com (for info)
Every Wednesday some of our members take a hike of 3-6 miles on one of the many trails in CNY (including the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail!). The first Wednesday of each month during Spring, Summer and Fall is usually devoted to trail maintenance. The Wednesday hikers welcome new participants. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. Please call or email the leaders if you have questions.
9231 Shindagin Hollow and Potato Hill State Forests
Wed, Aug 20
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Behind McDonalds, 5961 US Rt 20, Lafayette, NY, Look for black Subaru Outback
Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 8.2 miles
Est Hike Time: 6 hrs.
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive: 100 miles RT (including spotting cars)
Map(s): DeLorme p. 76 , FLT-M-18
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917, kathy.al.campbell@gmail.com
Traverse these two lovely State Forests in Tompkins Co. We will follow the FLT/NCT through a mostly rolling trek from the western section of the forest, making a sharp descent to Shindagin Hollow Road only to climb back out along portions of wooded gullies. The varied terrain offers several steep climbs. We will stop at a scenic lean-to near a seasonal waterfall, and allow time to explore some surprise artwork found along the trail. We will end this point-to-point hike at the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FFLT) Summerland Farm Preserve N of Potato Hill SF where some excellent views are found.
9232 Little Long Lake Paddle
Sun, Aug 24
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)
RSVP 48 hours in advance
Hike Rating: Paddle Level 1 C, 3 – 4 miles, flat water (A)
Est Paddle Time: 1.5-2 hrs
R/T Drive: 114 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 49
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, 315-447-4018, lisadruke@gmail.com
Let’s explore this quiet Adirondack lake paddling to the inlet and around the lake looking for loons and other wildlife. We will have a snack on the water and enjoy refreshments at my camp after the paddle. Bring snack/lunch/water/sunscreen/sunglasses. The PFD’s are required. Please RSVP the leader two days in advance by Aug 22.
9233 Middle Settlement Lake
Sat, Aug 30
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)
Please contact leaders, Theresa or Jay Evans, at contact info noted if planning to attend the hike.
Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 6.4 miles (A)
Est Hike Time: 4-5 hrs.
R/T Drive: ~140 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 35
Leader(s): Theresa & Jay Evans, 315-414-0431 or tj_evans@verizon.net
Come join us for a hike in the Thendara-Old Forge area of the West-Central region of the Adirondacks. We will be hiking to Middle Settlement Lake via the Scusa Trail, which takes us to a wilderness lake and lean-to. Theresa’s last visit to this beautiful lake was a bit of a shock as beaver activity or other forces of nature had shrunk the lake. We will see how nature has restored it over the last couple of years. Please join us bringing water, lunch, proper footwear and hiking poles (optional) in our quest.
9235 Wednesday Trail Maintenance
Wed, Sep 3
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby)
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4-6 miles
Est Hike Time: 4-6 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive: 50-75 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21
Leader(s): Dick Frio, 315-679-0622, richardfriood@hotmail.com
We will be doing maintenance on a section of the Finger Lakes Trail and North Country Trail. Our chapter currently maintains 72miles on the FLT and three lean-tos. Fifty Seven miles are concurrent with the NCT. No special skills are required just a genuine desire to ensure that our trails are clear and blazed for all hikers to enjoy. Bring a pair of work gloves, personal hand tools, water, lunch and wear appropriate clothing.
9236 Fall Picnic at Land O’ Pines
Sun, Sep 7
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Land O’ Pines (Camden, NY) 8644 Preston Hill Rd.
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3 miles
Est Hike Time: 1.5 hours
R/T Drive: 10 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 47
Leader(s): Mary Dineen, 315-424-1284, Mark del Pozzo 315-245-0772
Come out and join us for our annual fall picnic. We will meet at 10:00 am and carpool for a walk at Forest Park in Camden. Lunch is at 1:00 pm – meat and beverages will be provided – bring a dish to pass. Take Mulholland Rd. out of North Bay – R. on Preston Hill. Look for ADK signs just past Preston Hill Gravel.
9237 Southwick Beach State Park w/ optional Selkirk Shores SP Hike
Mon, Sep 8
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Camping World (old Gander RV) (Cicero), Note: Carpool from my house at 8:30 or from Camping World at 9:00, or direct at Pierrepont Rd. parking off Rt. 3. If meeting at trailhead you must contact leaders in case of last minute change.
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, ~3 miles
Est Hike Time: 2-3 hours
R/T Drive: 120 miles (from Eastwood), 96 miles (from Camping World RV)
Map(s): DeLorme p. 32
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, sigischwinge@aol.com, Theresa Evans, 315-414–0431
From Pierrepont Rd. boat parking, we’ll walk to the beach, north to Southwick Beach SP and back via park trails to our cars. After the hike we can drive south to Selkirk Shores SP and walk the park trails.
9238 FLT Trail Maintenance
Sat, Sep 13
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Contact Leader, RSVP Harold Kyle, harold@cnyhikes.com
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 0.5 miles
Est Hike Time: 6 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive: Less than 100 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O1, FLT-O2,
FLT-M21
Leader(s): Harold Kyle, harold@cnyhikes.com
The “Morgan Hill Meat Grinder” trail race takes place on the FLT on September 20. One week beforehand, we’ll get together to tackle any last minute trail maintenance to prepare for this event. This can include removing blowdowns, cutting back brush, or installing puncheons. No experience necessary, but there will be some heavy lifting and tool use. The chapter furnishes all necessary tools. Bring a pair of work gloves, water, lunch, and wear appropriate clothing. Please RSVP for information on where to meet.
9239 Moss, Bubb, Sis Lakes Hike
Sun, Sep 21
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 4.7 miles, (A)
Est Hike Time: 3 hours
R/T Drive: 180 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 36
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, 315-447-4018, lisadruke@gmail.com
The Pigeon Lake Wilderness has many pleasant trails including the trails around Moss, Bubb and Sis lakes. The autumn colors may just be starting to change. We will start at Moss Lake and hike to Bubb and Sis and then return to Moss to complete the loop around the lake. Bring snack/lunch and water.
9240 Morningside Trail and Oakwood Cemetery Public Arts Pathway
Sun, Sep 28
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Meet at Barry Park Parking Lot off of Colvin St.
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 5 miles (mainly flat).
Est Hike Time: 2-3 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 60
Leader(s): Melanie Stevens, 315-278-2787 or msteve39@gmail.com
This hike is a 5-mile urban trail on the east side of Syracuse. The 5-mile main loop will begin at Barry Park. We will continue past Ed Smith school and walk until we reach Oakwood Cemetery where we will follow an established public arts pathway route through the cemetery. We will be able to view the history, art and special trees that are in the cemetery. Bring water and snacks.
9235A Wednesday Trail Maintenance
Wed, Oct 1
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby)
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4-6 miles
Est Hike Time: 4-6 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive: 50-75 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21
Leader(s): Dick Frio, 315-679-0622, richardfriood@hotmail.com
We will be doing maintenance on a section of the Finger Lakes Trail and North Country Trail. Our chapter currently maintains 72miles on the FLT and three lean-tos. Fifty Seven miles are concurrent with the NCT. No special skills are required just a genuine desire to ensure that our trails are clear and blazed for all hikers to enjoy. Bring a pair of work gloves, personal hand tools, water, lunch and wear appropriate clothing.
9241 Blackhead / Black Dome Mts (Cats 35)
Sat, Oct 4
Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader
Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles
Est Hike Time: 4-5 hours
R/T Drive: 254 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 97
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, (315) 447-4018, lisadruke@gmail.com
Join me on a hike in the Blackhead Range Wild Forest where the 3rd and 4th highest peaks offer some of the best views in the Catskills. We will plan to do a clockwise loop starting from Big Hollow Rd on the Black Dome Range Trail summiting Blackhead first (1740’ ascent) and Black Dome second with an additional climb of ~500’ and with a total ascent of ~2240’. The pace will be moderate. Bring 10 essentials, rain gear, lunch, snacks and water. Contact the leader to confirm the plan.
9242 Bucks Brook State Forest
Mon, Oct 6
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby), Note: If meeting at the trailhead, please contact leaders
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3.5 miles
Est Hike Time: ~3 hours
R/T Drive: 80 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 77, FLT-M22
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, sigischwinge@aol.com, Theresa Evans, 315-414-0431, tj_evans@verizon.net
We’ll shuttle from Bucks Brook Rd to Ridge Rd. and hike back (mostly downhill) to our cars. Optional is a 1 mile and back walk to Ratville Rd. from Ridge Rd. after the main hike. The Monday walk-n-talk group walks every Monday. For more info contact leaders.
9243 Gull Lake Backpack
Sat, Oct 11
Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader
Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 9 miles, (A)
Est Hike Time: 2 hours
R/T Drive: 200 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 49
Leader(s): Jim Bristol, 315-935-3623
Weather prevented me from doing this trip in the spring, but hopefully the weather will cooperate in the fall. Let’s take a walk to picturesque Gull Lake in the Black River Wild Forest. We will backpack to Gull Lake leanto where we will spend the night. Autumn’s color should be on full display making for a beautiful trip. Contact leader for trip details. Group size is limited to 8.
9244 OK Slip Falls – Adirondacks
Sun, Oct 12
Meeting Time: Contact Leader by Oct 10th
Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)
Meeting Note: We plan to carpool, but we would like to know # of folks coming to minimize cars driving.
Hike Rating: Level 2B, Moderate, 6.2 -7.7 mi., (A)
Est Hike Time: 3-4 hours
R/T Drive: 240 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p.37; https://www.cnyhiking.com/OKSlipFalls.htm
Leader(s): Theresa & Jay Evans, 315-414-0431
or tj_evans@verizon.net
Let’s take a trip up to the Adirondacks to see the leaves and to hike OK Slip Falls. Fall foliage, hopefully, will be out in a full array of colors! The trail head is located approximately 7.5 miles east of Indian Lake, NY. We will be parking at a lot off of NY 28 and walking to the trail head about .25 miles from that lot (need to be careful here of traffic). We start on the trail to Ross Pond which can be wet, muddy. The trail to the falls diverges and is generally dry. There is an option to take another short trail to the Hudson River Gorge, which is .75 miles one way and more challenging than the trail to the falls. However, there are now switchbacks most of the descent and ascent that make it more manageable. Please bring lunch, snacks & water. Please wear appropriate footwear, clothing, and bring hiking poles, if used, to navigate the trail. Please contact leader(s) if planning to attend by October 10, 2025.
9245 Dublin Road Reroute
Sat, Oct 18
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: RSVP Harold Kyle, harold@cnyhikes.com
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 0.5 miles
Est Hike Time: 6 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT
R/T Drive: less than 100 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-M22
Leader(s): Harold Kyle, harold@cnyhikes.com
The FLT M22 heading east from Dublin Road has unfortunately been damaged by illegal motorized vehicle traffic. Because the DEC has trouble policing this area, we are moving the FLT trailhead to be less accessible to ATVs and UTVs. We will be building 1/2 mile of new trail on state land together. No experience necessary, but there will be some heavy lifting and tool use. The chapter furnishes all necessary tools. Bring a pair of work gloves, water, lunch, and wear appropriate clothing. Please RSVP for information on parking.
9246 Carpenter Falls & Bahar Nature Preserve
Sat, Oct 25
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Green Hills Plaza (across from Green Hills parking lot)
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3-4 miles
Est Hike Time: 2-4 hours
R/T Drive: 63 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 60
Leader(s): Theresa & Jay Evans, tj_evans@verizon.net or 315-414-0431
With cooler temps and changing leafage, let’s take a hike out in the Skaneateles area locale. We will be exploring the new parking area and boardwalk at Carpenter Falls (observation platform of falls at the end) as well as hiking the trail that connects to the Bahar Nature Preserve. This trail is managed by the Finger Lake Land Trust. The trails are part of a cooperative effort between the NYS and the Land Trust. Our plan is to make this a loop hike (can glean good views of Skaneateles Lake), so we will be hiking the Appletree Point Road back to the parking area at Carpenter Falls. Come out and take a fall hike! Please bring water, snacks/lunch. Please wear appropriate footwear, clothing, and bring hiking poles, if used. Note: the trail does have ups and downs and can be muddy and/or have roots along the way. Please contact leader(s) if plan to attend.
9247 Fulton Chain Trio
Sat, Nov 1
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby)
Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, ~7 miles (total ascent 1633′), (A)
Est Hike Time: 4-6 hours
R/T Drive: 210 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 36
Leader(s): Jack Coleman, 315-491-1230, ADKjack6237@gmail.com
We will meet at the Wegmans/Hobby Lobby in DeWitt at 7:00 am to form carpool. We will drive to Bald Mountain/Rondaxe Fire Tower first for a nice warm up hike of approximately 1.8 miles and 410′ of elevation gain. Beautiful views of 4th lake from tower. Then take a short drive to the parking area for Black Bear and Rocky Mountains in Inlet. We will climb Black Bear first, with round trip 4.8 miles and 790′ of elevation gain. Due to the mileage and total elevation gain this is a moderately strenuous day. Group Size will be limited to a total of 15.
9248 Going to Paradise
Mon, Nov 3
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby),
Note: Contact leaders for meeting at the trailhead shuttle place
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, ~4 miles
Est Hike Time: ~3 hours
R/T Drive: 52 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 77, FLT-M22
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, sigischwinge@aol.com, Theresa Evans, 315-480-0022, tj_evans@verizon.net
The hike is on the Finger Lakes Trail in the Mariposa State Forest near DeRuyter. We spot cars on Rt. 12, shuttle up to Paradise Hill Rd. and walk (mostly downhill) back to cars, visiting and relaxing a bit at the Paradise Garden lean-to. Pack raingear, water and a snack.
9249 November Business Meeting, 2025
Sat, Nov 15 2:00 P.M.
Open to Non-Members-Bring a Friend
Registration Required
Meeting Place: Highland Forest County Park, Highland Park Road, off RT. 80, Fabius, NY.
Leader(s): Pat Urban 315-420-9382, Sandy Manca 315-807-9442
Hiking opportunities available in the morning. See information below. Social Hour: 2:00-3:00 pm. This hour will give us time to relax after hiking, if you
choose to hike, and visit with friends. Drinks and hors-d’oeuvres will be provided by the club. Bill Coffin will provide floral decorations for the Highland Forest Community Room in memory of Mary Coffin. He intends for attendees to feel free to take them home afterwards. At 3:00 pm don’t miss Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. Join us for a special presentation on the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance hiking routes. This spectacular 100+ mile trek loops through the Alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering awe-inspiring alpine scenery, charming mountain villages, and a rich blend of cultures. Chapter members Jamie Condon (Newsletter Editor), Joe Condon, Bob Rosati (North Country Trail Chair and Internet Co-Chair), Kim Putnam (Conservation Chair), Darlene Trytek, Julie Chapman and Theresa Parks completed the trek this summer. Members of the group will share highlights, videos, photos, and insights from this unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Alps. Come hear about the group’s adventure, challenges on the trail, planning strategies, logistics, and unforgettable moments from this self-planned and self-guided bucket-list journey. At 4:00 p.m. we will have our business meeting followed by our potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Please note that they only have one oven to cook and keep food warm. We will have power strips for crock pots. Reservations are required by Wednesday, November 12. Please check our website at www.adk-on.org for updates and to access the link for reservations.
Hikes Available (see below): Registration is not required for the hikes but is required for the potluck dinner.
SHORT HIKE: Highland Forest
Sat, Nov 15
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Highland Forest Skyline Lodge
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4-5 mile loop
Est Hike Time: 2 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2
Leader(s): Ann Furze, 315-263-6719 (call/text), annfurze49@gmail.com.
Hike a 4-5 mile loop on the Main, Kirnan and Tolbert trails. The loop could be extended if some wish to continue east across the park and return on the main trail resulting in 7 miles. Bring water, snacks, and poles. Probably muddy in places. Please contact leader with any questions.
LONG HIKE: Highland Forest
Sat, Nov 15
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Highland Forest Skyline Lodge
Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 8.8 miles
Est Hike Time: 4 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917, kathy.al.campbell@gmail.com
Enjoy this moderately strenuous hike on the Phil Suters Memorial Main Trail at Highland Forest. This loop trail of approx. 8.8 mi. includes an elevation gain of ~1,200′. You will wind through peaceful forests with a few easy stream crossings. There can be muddy sections during wet weather so wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles (optional). Bring snack or light lunch and water. Please contact leader with any questions.
9250 Whetstone Gulf Hike
Sat, Nov 22
Meeting Time: Contact Leader (RSVP to hike leader 24 hrs. prior to hike meeting time)
Meeting Place: Large lot behind Dunkin Donuts (3041 E Ave, Central Square, NY) GPS 43.286382, -76.130635, Note: Meet at Plaza parking lot behind Dunkin Donuts in Central Square, NY, head West on Rt 49 off Rt 81 exit for Central Square. Turn Left at light to plaza parking lot (right goes to Walmart).
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 5.6 miles
Est Hike Time: 3 hours
R/T Drive: 150 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 34
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917, kathy.al.campbell@gmail.com
This 5.6 mi. loop trail takes you around the 3 mi. long Whetstone Gulf gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. The gorge offers spectacular scenic vistas that will be more visible once the leaves have dropped in fall. The Gulf features layers of shale and sandstone with the gorge formed by glacial erosion. Elevation gain for the hike is 860′. The terrain is steep uphill starting on the North Trail side, but plateaus as it travels around the gorge. Many exposed roots cross the trail. Sturdy footwear, water, lunch, appropriate attire for the weather and hiking 10 essentials are required.
9251 Green Lakes State Park Hike
Sun, Nov 30
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Green Lakes West Beach Parking Lot
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 5 miles
Est Hike Time: 3-4 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, lisadruke@gmail.com, 315-447-4018
Let’s work off Thanksgiving dinner with a nice walk at Green Lakes State Park. We will hike the rolling hills above Green and Round Lakes and visit the Old Growth Forest and Indian Ovens Trail.