Brief Hike Details

We will hike the Interloken Trail. There are two options: a short hike and a long hike. Choose one:

The long hike is a 12-mile point-to-point hike that involves a car shuttle. This hike will be led by Marsha Zgola.

The short hike is a 4-5 mile out-and-back hike led by Polley McClure.

Both hikes begin and end at the south parking area at the trailhead on Burnt Hill Road, Bennetsburg, promptly at 9:00 am.

Terrain is easy and, for the long hikers, will be hiked in a slightly downhill direction.

Dress in layers for the season, bring water and lunch or snacks.

The Interloken is notoriously wet and muddy in sections. Recommended gear includes waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Carpool available at 8:20 am at EMS Ithaca.

If you will have trouble navigating to the trail head, email the hike leader at the address above.

Check this web announcement the day of the hike for changes or a cancellation.

Detailed Hike Description

Club members Marsha Zgola and Polley McClure will lead special hikes along the Interloken Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest.  Marsha will lead the long hike and Polley will lead the short hike. 

Hikers for both hikes will gather at the south Burnt Hill Road trailhead at 9 am. Those on the long hike will shuttle cars to the north end hike starting point.

The long hike is a 12-mile point-to-point hike that involves a car shuttle. We will meet at the south parking area for the trailhead on Burnt Hill Road and shuttle cars to the beginning point on Parmenter Road. Hikers on this this hike will experience the entire Interloken. 

The short hike is a 4-5 mile out-and-back hike that begins and ends at the south parking area for the trailhead on Burnt Hill Road. Hikers on this hike will experience the southern end of the Interloken.

For those who want to carpool, meet the hike leader at 8:20 am in the lot near Eastern Mountain Sports, 722 South Meadow Street. Please park in front of the store but at the furthest end of the lot away from the store.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic concerns, we’ll take every measure to plan a safe hike, including cancelling this hike if infection rates continue to climb. Masking in the cars and at trailheads will be required of all hikers regardless of vaccination status. We will plan to bring more vehicles than usual to avoid crowding during the shuttles.

This approximately 12 mile hike will travel along dense forests, open meadows and rolling farmland, and passes by several ponds, campsites and a lean-to. The trail is an official spur of the 586-mile Finger Lakes Trail and also encompasses a short segment of the multi-state North Country National Scenic Trail.

The terrain is easy and, for the long hikers, will be hiked in a slightly downhill direction. 

With numerous road crossings and some turns near the end, it is very easy to get off trail, so please stay with your leader or sweep. 

Please dress for the time of year. Layering in warm but breathable garments is advisable. Bring sufficient water and a sandwich or high energy snacks.The Interloken is notoriously wet and muddy in sections. Recommended gear includes waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

If you will have trouble navigating to the trail head, email the hike leader at the address above.

Check this web announcement the day of the hike for changes or a cancellation.