The Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks is excited to announce the return of First Saturday Hikes. This hike series invites outdoor enthusiasts of various levels to explore State Parks throughout the region with an environmental educator. Featured trails in the series include the favorites, like the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen, as well as some lesser trodden trails, such as the Bear Trail at Buttermilk Falls.
All ages are welcome to get some exercise, build community, and learn a bit more about each park’s history, geology, and unique natural history.
First Saturday Hikes are free to join, and no registration is required. For questions about hike locations, difficulty, or other related questions, email FingerLakesEducation@parks.ny.gov. Note that Hike length and exact route is subject to change due to weather conditions.
First Saturday Hike Schedule:
Note that hike length and exact route is subject to change due to weather conditions.
•March 1, 10 a.m.,
Taughannock Falls State Park
Meet at kiosk at the beginning of the Gorge Trail. Hike to falls and back. Approximately 1.5 miles.
•April 5, 10 a.m., Buttermilk Falls State Park
Meet at Upper Parking Lot off West King Road. Hike Bear Trail to Lake Treman and part of Lake Treman Trail. Hike back to lot on Upper Buttermilk Falls Rd. Approximately two miles.
•May 3, 1:30 p.m., I Love My Park Day
Ganondagan State Historic Site
After I Love My Park Day activities, meet at Seneca Art & Culture Center. Hike Earth Is Our Mother Trail to Great Oak Trail, turn around at overlook, then return to Center via Great Oak Trail. Approximately one mile.
•June 7, 10 a.m., Watkins Glen State Park
Meet at the Main Entrance on North Franklin Street. Begin on the Gorge Trail, hike to Mile Point Bridge, then hike back on the South Rim Trail. Hike over the Suspension Bridge to North Rim Trail. Return to the Main Entrance. Approximately two miles.
•July 5, 10 a.m., Fillmore Glen State Park
Meet at the main parking lot near the pavilion. The hike will start on the Gorge Trail and continue until connecting with the South Rim Trail. The hike will return along the South Rim Trail to the parking lot. Approximately 2.25 miles.
•August 2, 10 a.m., Stony Brook State Park
Meet at the Gorge Trail entrance near the swimming area in the Lower Park. Hike out on Gorge Trail and back on the West Rim Trail. Approximately 1.75 miles.
•September 6, 7 p.m.,
Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
A nearly full moon hike. Meet at the marina parking lot. The full moon hike will follow the level trail beside the water. Enjoy views of the full moon over Cayuga Inlet. Approximately one mile.
•October 4, 10 a.m., Catharine Valley Trail
Meet at the parking area off South Genesee Street in the Village of Montour Falls. Hike the Loop Trail portion of the Catherine Valley Trail and then continue one mile on the Catherine Valley Trail until reaching Cook Street in Montour Falls. Then hike back to the parking area. Approximately 3.3 miles.
•November 1, 10 a.m.,
Robert H. Treman State Park
Meet at the Upper Entrance parking lot by the Old Mill. The hike will begin on the Rim Trail and will continue to the Lower Park then return to the Upper Entrance via the Gorge Trail. Approximately 4.5 miles.
•December 6, 10 a.m., Black Diamond Trail
Meet at the Jacksonville Road parking lot. The hike will go out 2.5 miles on the Black Diamond Trail, then turnaround and return to the parking lot. Approximately five miles.
For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456.
Provided information and photo
