The Finger Lakes National Forest is a beautiful area located in upstate New York, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy there.
Photo courtesy of I Love NY.com
Here are some things you can do in the Finger Lakes National Forest:
Hiking: The forest has over 30 miles of trails that take visitors through diverse habitats, including forest, meadows, and wetlands. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there's something for everyone.
Camping: The forest has three developed campgrounds and two primitive camping areas where you can set up a tent, RV or camper. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Fishing: The Finger Lakes National Forest has several streams and lakes where visitors can fish for trout, bass, and other fish species. You'll need a New York State fishing license to fish in these waters.
Hunting: The forest is open to hunting during the designated season, and hunters can pursue deer, turkey, and other game species. Make sure you have the proper permits and follow all regulations.
Birdwatching: The Finger Lakes National Forest is a great place to spot a variety of bird species, including hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: In the winter months, the forest's trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's a beautiful way to experience the forest in a different season.
Horseback riding: The forest has several trails that are open for horseback riding, and visitors can bring their own horses or rent them from nearby stables.
The Finger Lakes National Forest offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of CNY Hiking
Here are a few highlights!
Blueberry Patch Campground has a picnic area, sites for tents or self-contained recreation vehicles, a hand pump well, and vault toilets. Fee for overnight use on a first come, first-served basis.
Potomac Group Campground is for groups of 10 to 40 people and is a hike-in only site. Cooking grills, a picnic shelter, a hand-pump well and vault toilets are available. Fee for overnight use and reservations are a MUST.
Backbone Horse Campground is designed for picnicking or overnight camping by horseback riders. Parking areas with hitching rails, a small corral, water for horses, vault toilets, and cooking grills are available. Overnight use is on a first come, first served basis.