This is a 5.4 mile hike rated moderate in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. The overall route of the hike is a “figure 8” with two loops. We are offering Short Hike and Long Hike options.

Start and end point is a DEC parking area on Connecticut Hill Rd just west of the intersection of Boylan Road and Lloyd Stark Road.  There is adequate road shoulder for parking near the pond.

SHORT HIKE OPTION:  2.5-mile loop north with a return to the parking area.  Ascent/descent will be 170 ft.

LONG HIKE OPTION: For those wishing to continue, we will hike a 3-mile loop south that passes a beaver pond and follows a lovely stream and ravine.  The terrain is moderate, but we will be gaining/losing around 500 ft of elevation.

At 11,237 acres, Connecticut Hill is the largest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in New York State and Connecticut Hill itself is the highest point in Tompkins county (2093 ft).  The WMA is managed primarily for deer, bear, and game birds, and thus has constructed ponds, areas logged to create open meadows, natural streams, and mature and successional forests. The Finger Lake Trail traverses the area, as well as two Finger Lakes Trail System Loops: Bob Cameron and Van Lone.

Dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes, bring water and lunch.

Questions? Email the hike leader at the address above.