HIKE DESCRIPTION

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.

On this hike, we will follow a figure-eight route that includes lesser known, unofficial trails.  We will start at a DEC parking area on Connecticut Hill Rd (just west of where Boylan and Lloyd Stark Roads branch off; by a pond).  The parking area is small, but there is additional parking on the road shoulder.

SHORT HIKE OPTION: Our figure eight route will include a 2.4 mile loop north and then we will 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.

It’s fall in the Finger Lakes, so weather is likely to be cool and might be rainy. Dress accordingly and wear sturdy hiking boots.  Carry water and lunch or a snack.  Hiking poles are strongly recommended. 

Email the hike leader if you have questions about directions to the trailhead, or anything else!  You’ll get an email the evening before about the weather forecast, etc.