Detailed Hike Description

Join us for an adventurous exploration of Bell Station—the amazing lakeside property in Lansing that was recently saved from development by the Finger Lakes Land Trust with the help of citizens of our region.  This property is now owned by the Land Trust and a portion that we will visit is slated to become a NY Wildlife Management Area. This land has it all: ¾ mile of undeveloped lake shore, diverse mature forest, 3 iconic Finger Lakes gorges (and 4 more in waiting), waterfalls, and a history that demonstrates the importance of protecting our precious public places.

We’ll meet at the Town of Lansing Town Hall parking lot and carpool to the dead end of Nut Ridge Road in the north of Lansing. We’ll warm up by walking back up the road to enter the forest trail near the largest of the gorges. If the water flow and ice cover permits, we will cross Cuddeback Creek to access the more remote southern part. After crossing one more smaller creek we will bushwack to the southern bounday and the third gorge. On the way, we’ll try to find the Goofy Tree to see if we can explain its story. We will then return to the trails and hike the shoreline along the long abandoned railroad line and then return to our cars.

Total length will be slightly more than 3 miles with total elevation gain/loss of 400 feet (mostly gradual). Depending on conditions, the hike is somewhat strenuous but the pace will be relaxed.

More information will be forthcoming based on weather and snow, ice, and water conditions. Traction footwear and hiking pole(s) highly recommended.