Braley Hill, Shindagin Hollow
Saturday 02/19/2022 10:00 am
Hike rating:
Event/Trailhead location:
FLT trail-head, Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale, NY
(click for map)
Hike Leader: Gary Mallow
Contact:
Hike leader contact information will be sent in the email acknowledging that you have registered for this hike.
Hike Details:
Quick Hike Details
This is a out-and-back hike of 6 miles rated moderate.
We will hike the Finger Lakes Trail in Shindagin Hollow State Forest. Depending on trail conditions, this could be a bare boot hike, or it might require microspikes or snowshoes.
The hike begins and ends at the FLT parking area on Braley Hill Road in the Town of Caroline.
Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy boots, bring water and a snack.
If you will have trouble navigating to the trailhead, email the hike leader.
Check the website the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.
Detailed Hike Description
Tonight our destination is Shindagin Hollow State Forest. We start at Braley Hill Road and hike eastward for about 90 minutes, then turn back and retrace our steps. This will be an out-and-back hike.
One of the nicest parts of this section of trail runs parallel to, and at the edge of, Shindagin Hollow. We pass over Shindaigin Hollow Creek, and get to see a nice little cataract that flows in high water. Evidence of trail work is abundant. If we make it that far, you will see Shindagin Lean-to, rebuilt in 2004 by a Finger Lakes Trail Conference Alley Cat Crew, and a footbridge over the creek rebuilt in 2013 by another Alley Cat crew. The bridge survived heavy rain in June 2015, due to its sturdy design and construction, but subsequent heavy rains have eroded the creek banks. A ramp was added in 2020 to extend the bridge.
This area was once inhabited by native Americans and later settled by European immigrants, and we hike near a footpath likely used by the former, and at least one old foundation that was dug by the latter. A couple of huge blow-downs just east of Braley Hill Road are evidence of a severe wind and ice storm in 2003. The casual hiker will walk by them without noticing now, due to the incredible regrowth of the forest on both sides of the trail since then.
Depending on trail conditions, this may be a bare boot hike, or it may require microspikes or snowshoes.
Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, sturdy hiking boots or shoes, bring water and a snack.
Directions: if you are using gps, set your destination to 371 Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale. If you need help with navigation, email the hike leader at the address above.