Brief Hike Details

Carpool Meetup Time: 9:00 am. Trailhead Meetup Time: 10:00 am.

This is is an 6.4 mile loop winter outing rated strenuous due to length. 

We begin and end our outing at the Bear Swamp State Forest west enrance on Hartnett Road, Simpronius, NY.

Bear Swamp is about an hour’s drive from Ithaca. For those who wish to caravan or carpool, we will meet at the EMS parking lot in Ithaca at 9:00 am.

Dress in layers for cold weather that you can easily strip off as you heat up, wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, bring water and a snack. Gaiters and trekking pole recommended.

After ending our hike, those who are hungry will go for lunch at the famous Colonial Inn. You may also head home at this point.

Footwear will be microspikes or snowshoes. Snow cover is reported to be 2-6 inches. The hike leader will email those who register with a heads-up on trail conditions the night prior to the hike.

If you will have trouble navigating to the trailhead, contact the hike leader at the address above.

If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, please plan to meet us there at 10:00 am. If you are using gps, set destination for: Hartnett Road, Moravia.

Check this space the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.

Detailed Hike Description

There are over 14 miles of trail in Bear Swamp, known for its cross country ski trails, but we will experience the trails by hiking or snowshoe today. We’ll hike a large loop around the perimeter of the forest, using a combination of the yellow, blue and red trails.