WEATHER UPDATE- Our hike in on! The revised forecast calls for possible thunderstorms after 1 pm; and we should be done by then. 

Hike Description

SHORT & LONG HIKE OPTIONS: Polley will lead the short hike & Ross the longer hike. Everyone will hike together on the first part of the hike of 2.0 m. to Teeter Pond & back to Searsburg Rd. Ross will then lead the long-hike group south to Foster Pond and back, for ~ 5 m. while Polley leads the shorter-hike group on the same route, albeit shorter, ~ 1.5 to 2 additional miles. 

The Interloken in Finger Lakes National Forest features dense forest, open meadows and rolling farmland, and passes by Teeter and Foster Ponds. The trail is an official spur of the Finger Lakes Trail and also encompasses a short segment of the multi-state North Country Scenic Trail. There is ample parking at the Searsburg Rd./ Interloken Trail juncture. 

The terrain is easy. The first part of the hike heads north from Searsburg Rd. to Teeter Pond, then back to Searsburg Rd. Those who only want a shorter, 3.5 to 4 mile hike can bale at this point, but please let the hike leader know you are leaving. The second part of the hike will proceed south to Foster Pond, then return to Searsburg Rd.

This area was forested hunting territory for the Native American people 250 years ago. Just 100 years ago, it was nearly treeless, the result of logging, farming, and grazing practices by Euro-American settlers. Today it is a mix of second growth woodland, pasture and lots which are in a transition from pasture to woodland. The cellar holes, stone walls, artifacts, and other surviving evidence of the former residents of this area are an unwritten reminder and historical record of their lives. They are protected by Federal Law. There are a number of archaeological sites on lands managed by the Finger Lakes National Forest, most from the post-Revolutionary War period.

Prior to the European rediscovery of eastern North America, Native Americans lived in this part of New York for more than 10,000 years. The Iroquois are the last in a series of Native American cultures to have lived here, and two of the six Iroquois Nations’ homelands border the Forest. The lakes around which much Native American life took place now bear their names: Cayuga and Seneca. 

Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots, bring water and a snack or sandwich.

Please dress in layers for the time of year with particular care to protect from ticks. Be sure to check for ticks when you get home. Light colored long pants and long sleeve shirt are recommended to mitigate the potential for ticks. Bring insecticide if you use it.

If you will have trouble navigating to the trailhead, or have questions about the hike, call Ross at (607) 351-1573.

Check this space the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.