Quick Hike Details

This is an out-and-back hike of 4 miles rated easy. There is no change in elevation. We will hike part of the Jim Schug Trail.

The trailhead is about a 30 minute drive from Ithaca.

The hike begins and ends at the Dryden Lake Pavilion picnic area at the north end of Dryden Lake, on W. Lake Rd. near Chaffee Rd

Wear sturdy boots, bring water and insecticide or a natural repellant if you use it.

Join Gundy Lee on this week’s Tuesday hike, which takes us to the Jim Schug Trail in Dryden. The trail follows the old Lehigh Valley railroad bed south from the Village of Dryden. Benches every 1/2 mile provide rest stops with interpretive signs marking natural and historic features.

The Schug was created following the purchase of the right-of-way by the Town and Village of Dryden in the 1970’s.  It is a good alternative for hikers during deer season, or when winter conditions make hiking difficult elsewhere.

This will be an “out and back” hike, which means we will traverse only a part of the trail. We will start at the Public Access Parking lot next to Dryden Lake Park and walk through the park to the trail. The Schug Trail will take us south to Cornell’s nature preserve. Once we have done about two miles, we will turn around and retrace our steps.

Bring comfortable hiking boots, water and insecticide or natural repellent if you use it.

Email the hike leader if you will have trouble finding the trailhead, or with any other questions.