Hike Description

Carter Creek Preserve, owned by Cornell, is part of a large forested wild area that includes the state owned Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. Carter Creek cuts between two steep hillsides that are dissected by small tributaries. The vegetation is upland forest in different stages of maturity: old growth, second growth and young forest.  The Preserve consists of two large, forested tracts that were part of a larger parcel given to Cornell University by John P. Young in 1928. The western tract (120 acres) is managed by Cornell Botanic Gardens, and the eastern tract (146 acres) is managed by Cornell’s Department of Natural Resources.  (Info from Cornell Botanic Gardens website.)

We will start on Carter Creek Rd (the section off of Rt 13) where it is closed to traffic.  After walking a half-mile up Carter Creek Rd, we will enter the Preserve, heading upslope to explore the different habitats in this protected landscape.  Eventually hiking north, we will likely return to Carter Creek road along an unmapped trail in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area.

Wear layered clothing appropriate to the weather, sturdy hiking boots, and carry lunch and water. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.

Note: There are no trails at Carter Creek Preserve and the majority of this hike will be off-trail (aka bushwhacking, without the whacking of bushes).  If you are uncomfortable with uneven footing and brushing by saplings and understory plants, this is not the hike for you.

IMPORTANT TRAILHEAD NOTE!  We will meet at Carter Creek Rd, accessed from Rt 13 in Newfield.  (Do not go to the other, northern end of Carter Creek Rd.  See trailhead location, above.)