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

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

We begin and end our outing at the Bear Swamp State Forest parking area 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. If you are not carpooling, the meetup is the parking area on Hartnett Road at 10:00 am.

Dress in layers for the weather, wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, bring water and lunch. Gaiters and trekking pole recommended.

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

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 today. We’ll hike around several loops, using a combination of the yellow, blue and red trails. The view of the pond is particularly lovely, with a small bench for weary hikers. We’ll take a break there to enjoy the view.

There has been extensive logging in Bear Swamp. We’ll walk by some of it, but not through the logged area.