Discovering the New Trail Enhancements on the Cayuga Trail
Saturday 07/06/2024 10:00 am
Hike rating:
Event/Trailhead location:
Cornell Community Gardens is located on Freese Road. To get there turn onto Freese Road from Hanshaw Road; do not approach from Route 366 since the bridge over Fall Creek is closed. The driveway for the parking area is on the left side of Freese Road and can be difficult to see (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:
This is a six mile loop hike rated moderate. We will hike the eastern end of the Cayuga Trail in Cornell’s Fall Creek Natural Area, sometimes referred to as Monkey Run.
The hike begins and ends at the Cornell Community Gardens, Freese Road, Ithaca.
Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, wear sturdy boots, bring water. We will stop briefly for a bite to eat about the halfway point.
If you will have trouble navigating to the start point, email the hike leader at the address above.
Check this space the morning of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.
Detailed Hike Description
This year saw dramatic improvements to the Cayuga Trail in Cornell’s Fall Creek Natural Area (Monkey Run). On the north side of the creek, a new 40-foot suspension bridge now spans a troublesome little ravine, thanks to volunteers and students of Cornell’s Engineering Department, supervised by Charlie Trautmann. On the south side of the creek, our club put in a full day on National Trails Day to repair a small bridge and build five entirely new puncheons in places where the mud just never seems to dry up. We also hauled in hundreds of pounds of gravel to improve the trail tread in places.
The Cayuga Trail has always been a great place to hike, but you’ll find the hike easier to navigate and more fun now. We’ll discover how on our hike Saturday.