Finger Lakes National Forest Overview
The Finger Lakes National Forest lies on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton are all within a two-hour drive of the Forest. The forest is an administrative unit of the Green Mountain National Forest and managed out of Rutland, VT. With only 30 miles of interconnecting trails and a little over 16,000 acres, it is the 2nd smallest national forest in the US. The best hikes in Finger Lakes National Forest are below; however there are many great trails in the surrounding areas.
| State | New York |
| Nearest Metro Area | Ithaca, NY |
| Area Size | 16,259 acres |
| Established | October 1, 1985 |
| Hiking Trails | 30 miles |
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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Finger Lakes National Forest
(*** = Best hikes in Finger Lakes National Forest)
Interloken Trail*** – 11.3 miles one-way
The Interloken Trail traverses the Forest from north to south and is a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail system. It passes through various terrain and vegetation. Southern portions are somewhat steeper and more forested; northern portions are flatter, more open, and travel through pasture lands. Please close the gates behind you. This trail can be wet in the spring and fall. Plan a stop at the Foster Pond and Teeter Pond areas or make a shorter loop hike with one of the several intersecting trails. There are outstanding vistas to the west, including views of Seneca Lake.
Featured Image: Finger Lakes National Forest, Photo by SlapTheWorld
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