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A single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
- Henry David Thoreau
Photo by Zachary Lipo @2021
Connecting the Southern Tier with the Finger Lakes and North Country National Scenic Trail Systems
Connecting the Southern Tier with the Finger Lakes and North Country National Scenic Trail Systems
One of the goals of the STLC is to provide residents of the Southern Tier increased access to the beautiful landscapes in which we live. One of our big dreams is to establish more local hiking trails that would wind through this spectacular area and enable people to explore the woods, fields, streams, and hills. We would particularly like to connect our region to the network of trails that connect with the Finger Lakes Trail, a system that ultimately links to the North Country National Scenic Trail that stretches from Vermont to North Dakota. Such a trail would offer unique opportunities for adventure and exploration and would connect us to the rest of New York State.
The Dream
The Dream
Currently, as a footpath through the woods, the trail lives only in our imagination. But we like to dream big. What could this trail look like? One possible route would take hikers from Binghamton up through the Maine, Ketchumville State Forest, Oakley Corners State Forest, and the Newark Valley. The length of the trail is roughly 35 miles. Camping is possible at the State Forests to provide convenient way-stops on the way up to the Finger Lakes!
Possible path of the Southern Tier to Finger Lakes Trail.
The STLC is currently looking for landowners that would be potentially willing to work with the STLC to provide through-hiking easements. These could be part of conservation easements, land donations, or simply agreements as to the use of existing trail paths. Since much of this area is linked through winter snowmobile trails, so we hope that at least some individuals would be interested in reaching agreements that would allow through-hikers on existing trails to hike during the summer months. The STLC would love to talk with any interested parties in helping with this effort. Please let us know if you are interested!
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