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. Bring traction slip-ons for your shoes; there might icy sections.

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.Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, wear sturdy boots, and bring water.

This week’s Tuesday hike 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 along Dryden Lake and through the Cornell Botanic Gardens Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area which contains active beaver dams and various wetland habitats. The last portion of the Schug trail is shared with the Finger Lakes Trail. We will turn around at Willow Crossings Road (near Purvis Road) and retrace our steps. The trailhead is about a 30 minute drive from Ithaca.

Bring binoculars for the waterfowl on the lake and trail. Bring comfortable hiking boots and water and dress in layers for the weather.

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