Outings

Want to join one of our hikes on the outing schedule? If you are not a member of the Onondaga Chapter and would like to join us, e-mail Outings Committee Lisa Druke at . Guests are welcome to join for 1 or 2 outings to see what we are all about – please contact us!

Walking Wednesday

Every Wednesday

Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park and Ride [in front of Hobby Lobby]

Rating: (E-M)

Leaders: Mary Niemi 446-6725 and Bruce Holloway, (for info)

Every Wednesday some of our members take a hike of 3-6 miles on one of the many trails in CNY (including the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail!). The first Wednesday of each month during Spring, Summer and Fall is usually devoted to trail maintenance. The Wednesday hikers welcome new participants. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. Please call or email the leaders if you have questions.

9186 Gorge Trail Hike

Sun, Mar 23

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Cazenovia Lake Parking Lot (near jct Rt 20 & Rt 92)

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 5.4 miles

Est Hike Time: 3 hours

Long Distance Trail: NCT100

R/T Drive: 14 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Lisa Druke, , (315) 447-4018

Join me for a walk on the Gorge trail hiking from the Freber Rd parking area to Bingley Rd and return. The trail parallels Chittenango Creek and is a gorgeous part of the NCNST. Bring water and a snack.

9187 Jones Hill Loop

Sat, Mar 29

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby), Look for Black Subaru Outback

Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 7.4 miles

Est Hike Time: 4-5 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 42 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O1

Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917

A loop trail which utilizes ~5.8 mi. of the NCT/FLT Onondaga Branch Trail and 1.6 mi. of the paved Shackham Rd. within Morgan Hill SF and Labrador Hollow Unique Area. Overall elevation change is 1,336′ with some steep sections along the way. We will cross just upstream of Tinker Falls, enjoy the views from Morgan Hill, and visit Spruce Pond on the new reroute of this trail section.

9188 Wednesday Trail Maintenance

Wed, Apr 2

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby)

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy,

Est Hike Time: 4-6 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT/NCT100

R/T Drive: 50 miles

Map(s): FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21, FLT-M22

Leader(s): Dick Frio, 315-679-0622,

We will be doing maintenance on a section of the Finger Lakes Trail, North Country Trail. Our chapter currently maintains 72 miles on the FLT and three lean-tos. Fifty-seven miles are concurrent with the NCT. No special skills are required just a genuine desire to ensure that our trails are clear and blazed for all hikers to enjoy. Bring a pair of work gloves, personal hand tools, water, lunch and wear appropriate clothing.

9189 Great Bear Recreation Area Hike

Sat, Apr 5

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Great Bear parking on Rt. 57 north of Phoenix

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 5 miles

Est Hike Time: 4 hours

Long Distance Trail: Great Bear Recreation Trails

Map(s): DeLorme p. 46

Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,

We will hike a loop through this park area bordering the Oswego River. It may be muddy in sections.

9190 Oak Mountain on the NCT – CANCELLED (TO BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE)

Sun, Apr 6

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 10-12 miles (A)

Est Hike Time: 6 hours

Long Distance Trail: NCT100

R/T Drive: 175 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 87

Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917

Let’s explore the Oak Mountain section of the NCT which has been recently completed by our trail crew. We will continue across Rt 30 to follow the Jessup River Rd, turning back at Pole Brook (6 mi.) and retracing our route back to the parking at Oak Mountain. Terrain will be moderate to strenuous, but compensated with lovely scenery! Bring plenty of food and water. Be prepared for variable trail conditions. RSVP to leader by 4/4/25.

9191 Three Falls Woods with Woodchuck Nature Preserve option

Mon, Apr 7

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Three Falls Woods parking on Sweet Road

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3 miles

Est Hike Time: 2 hours for Three Falls

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, Sigi Theresa Evans 315-414-0431,

We’ll walk to the falls and continue on the preserve trails. Dress for the weather and bring water.

9192 Spring Potluck / Business Meeting

Sat, Apr 12 2:00 PM

Open to Non-Members-Bring a Friend

Meeting Place: Collamer United Church, 6865 Fly Rd., East Syracuse. (Enter from back of the Church), Take Rt. 481 North from Syracuse to Exit 7 (Rt. 298), take right onto 298 West to Fly Road, go south on Fly Road (left turn by Adirondack Furniture) the driveway to the church is on your right.

Leader(s): Pat Urban, , Sandy Manca,

Social half-hour at 2:00-3:00 pm. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the club. Our guest speaker at 3:00 pm is Len Sharp. Len was an Earth Science Teacher and adjunct Professor for Science Education/Supervision at LeMoyne College. He will be speaking on the geological development of Clark Reservation SP, wildlife indigenous to the region, its natural history, selected trails and sights unique to the park and the impact of humans upon the site’s ecosystems.

The business meeting will follow at 4:00. A potluck dinner will follow the business meeting. Please bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Reservations are required.

Please check our website at www.adk-on.org for updates, to access the link for registration and additional information about our speaker’s presentation.

9193 Spanish Loop Trail NCT, FLT

Sat, Apr 19

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: McDonald’s 5961 Rt 20 Lafayette, NY

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 5.9 miles

Est Hike Time: 3 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 70 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 77

Leader(s): Lisa Druke, , 315-447-4018

Join me on a hike on the FLT, NCT in the Kennedy State Forest. The Spanish Loop is an interesting hike with hardwoods, hills, birds and wildflowers. This is a moderate loop with an elevation gain of ~784 feet and includes a half mile road walk at the end. There may be some muddy spots. Bring lunch, water, raingear and hiking poles if you have them.

9194 Irish Hollow Reroute

Sat, Apr – NOTICE DATE CHANGE TO SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2 miles

Est Hike Time: 6 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT M21

Leader(s): Harold Kyle () & Erin Potter ()

We’re building new trail to allow year-round access to Irish Hollow and Muncy Hollow in Maxon Creek State Forest. In 2024, hunting closures on private land made access much more difficult during hunting season. We will be building new trail on state land together. No experience necessary, but there will be some heavy lifting and tool use. The chapter furnishes all necessary tools. Bring a pair of work gloves, water, lunch, and wear appropriate clothing.

9195 PLWA Pigeon Lake Trail Clearing

Fri, Apr 25

Meeting Time: Early start, contact leaders

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 4-7+ miles (shorter-n-longer distances offered) (A)

Est Hike Time: 6 – 8 hours

R/T Drive: 200 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 36, ADK West Central Guide

Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, , Bob Rosati, , Dick Frio, , 315-679-0622

Actual date will depend on snow melt/rain conditions, but we also want to beat the black flies. Contact Sigi the week before to sign up. We’ll decide on Windfall Pond or Higby Rd./Constable Pond trail (the new bridge is in place) with the forester shortly before. A shorter version is available for the Higby Rd. in and out section. Well decide which side trail, if any, we can also do, but need a good turn-out. Bring water and food, but a stop on the way home is possible. Pack rain gear, work gloves and hand tools if you have them. We also provide hand tools. Bad weather alternate day is earlier, Tuesday 4/22.

A second work hike is scheduled the following week on Tuesday 4/29 with rain date of Wednesday 4/30.

9196 Gull Lake Backpack

Sat, Apr 26 – Sun, Apr 27

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 2B, Moderate, 9 miles (round trip) (A)

Est Hike Time: 2 – 3 hours (one way)

R/T Drive: 200 miles

Map(s): Delorme p. 49

Leader(s): Jim Bristol 315-935-3623

Let’s take a walk to picturesque Gull Lake in the Black River Wild Forest. We will backpack to the Gull Lake leanto where we will spend the night. Trip size is limited to 8 participants. Head nets and bug dope are advisable as it will be bug season. Inclement weather will cancel. Call leader for details and to confirm gear requirements.

9197 Go Finger Lakes Preserves

Sat, Apr 26

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Green Hills Plaza (across from Green Hills parking lot)

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2-4 miles (dependent on trails we do)

Est Hike Time: 2-4 hours

R/T Drive: 50-60 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, Go Finger Lakes Land Trust Trail map

Leader(s): Theresa Evans, 315-414-0431 or

We will start our exploration of these preserves on the Hinchcliff Family Preserve. We will veer right to a connector trail to the High Vista Nature Preserve and complete that loop. We will return via the connector trail and complete the Hinchcliff Trail. We will stop for snack/lunch, water as our group need dictates. We will arrive back at the parking area for Hinchcliff. We can take another walk across Rt 41 to Ripley Hill Preserve (on looking back to Hinchcliff, there is a great view of Skaneateles Lake), which would be an in/out hike (the alternative is to drive to the parking area for Ripley Hill Preserve and then do the walk in/out). Please come join me in exploring these beautiful preserves not too far from home. Please bring snacks/lunch and water as we explore these preserves.

9198 Onondaga Lake Walk

Sat, Apr 26

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2-3 miles

Est Hike Time: 2 hours

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Brenda Veilleux 315 463 9103

Easy spring stroll along Onondaga Lake at the park. Please call leader at least 1 day in advance and before 8:00 pm, for meeting place.

9199 PLWA Pigeon Lake Trail Clearing

Tue, Apr 29

Meeting Time: Early start, contact leaders

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 4-7+ miles, (shorter-n-longer distances offered) (A)

Est Hike Time: 6 – 8 hours

R/T Drive: 200 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 36, ADK West Central Guide

Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, , Bob Rosati, , Dick Frio, , 315-679-0622

Actual date will depend on snow melt/rain conditions, but we also want to beat the black flies. Contact Sigi the week before to sign up. We’ll decide on Windfall Pond or Higby Rd./Constable Pond trail (the new bridge is in place) with the forester shortly before. A shorter version is available for the Higby Rd. in and out work section. We’ll decide which side trail, if any, we can also do, but need a good turn-out. Bring water and food, but a stop on the way home is possible. Pack rain gear, work gloves and hand tools if you have them. We also provide hand tools. Bad weather alternate day is Wednesday 4/30.

Intro to Backpacking Course with the ADK Mtn Club – In-Person

Class Location: Fayetteville Free Library (FFL), Fayetteville, NY

Registration is REQUIRED to participate:
FFL Calendar Link

Join Jeff Sargent for this introduction to backpacking. In this course, the group will meet 3 times to learn the basics of backpacking and then will plan a backpacking trip for Memorial Day Weekend (trip details TBD). Please only register if you are available for all of the following dates from 5:45-7:45pm.
Thursday – 5/1 Classroom Lesson
Monday – 5/5 Classroom Lesson
Monday – 5/19 Classroom Lesson
For more information about this course or any questions, please contact Jeff Sargent at

9200 “Boots on the Ground” Trail Kick-off at Spruce Pond

Sat, May 3

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Spruce Pond Campsite, Spruce Pond, Herlihy Rd, Tully, NY 13159

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 1 mile

Est Hike Time: 6 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT/NCT100

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O1

Leader(s): Harold Kyle ()

Start the season off with a bang. We will review trail steward maintenance criteria and reporting procedures before a “boots on the ground”, “hands on the tool” hike on a section of the FLT and NCT. Bring gloves, lunch and water and dress for the weather. Tools are supplied. No experience needed. We’ll meet at a campsite location near Spruce Pond off Herlihy Rd in Morgan Hill State Forest. After a quick refresher, we will begin various cleanup and construction work around the area, including some puncheon installation.

9201 Onondaga Lake Walk

Sun, May 4

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2-3 miles

Est Hike Time: 2 hours

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Brenda Veilleux 315-463-9103

Easy spring stroll along Onondaga Lake at the park. Please call leader at least 1 day in advance, before 8:00 pm, for meeting place.

9202 Green Lakes State Park – Spruce Hill Trail

Mon, May 5

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Green Lakes SP Meadowview Picnic Area

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 3-5 miles

Est Hike Time: 2-3 hours

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, Green Lakes SP Trail Map

Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge , Theresa Evans 315-4140431,

We’ll walk up the steep but short section and cross Pierson Rd, walk some of the older and new (last year) loops to return to cars at Meadowview picnic area. Bring water and snack and good cheer.

Monday walk-n-talk group walk almost every Monday. Contact a leader to join.

Map and Compass with the ADK Mtn Club – In-Person

Location: Fayetteville Free Library (FFL), Fayetteville, NY

Must REGISTER to participate:
FFL Events Calendar

Join us for this three-part series on Maps and Topography! Please note that you must attend both of the first two classes to join for the third day at Pratts Falls!
Tuesday, 5/6: Classroom Lesson at the FFL: Map and compass basics
Wednesday, 5/7: Classroom Lesson at the FFL: GPS use
Saturday, 5/10: Practical field exercise at Pratts Falls: Using topographic maps to navigate an orienteering course.

This course meets ADK Leader Level 2 Map and Compass requirements and the course certificate will be provided upon completion of the course.

Please contact Jeff Sargent at with any questions.

9203 Wednesday Trail Maintenance

Wed, May 7

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4-6 miles

Est Hike Time: 4-6 hours

R/T Drive: 50-75 miles

Map(s): FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21, FLT-M22

Leader(s): Dick Frio, 315-679-0622,

9204 Skaneateles Conservation Area Hike

Sat, May 10

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Skaneateles Conservation parking on Gully Rd.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3-4 miles

Est Hike Time: 3 hours

Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, Skaneateles Conservation Area trail map

Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492

We will hike to the Guppy Falls overlook following the looping hilly trails and then cross Guppy Rd. to the Bob Sykes trail by the pond.

9205 Filmore Glen State Park Five Falls Loop

Sun, May 11

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: McDonald’s, 5961 Rt 20, Lafayette, NY, Meet in the semi paved lot behind McDonald’s

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 5 miles

Est Hike Time: 2-3 hours

R/T Drive: 70 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 60

Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917

Enjoy a lovely Mother’s Day walk along the scenic Five Falls Loop trail which includes both the North and South Rim plus .6 mi of the Gorge Trail. If open we will hike the full 1.3 mi. of the Gorge Trail to extend the hike to 5 mi. There are some steep sections which can be slippery. Sturdy footwear and trekking poles are recommended. Elevation gain is less than 700′. Bring water and snack.

9206 Tirrell Pond Backpack

Sat, May 17 – Sun May 18

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 2B, Moderate, 7 miles (A)

Est Hike Time: 2.5 hours

Long Distance Trail: NPT

R/T Drive: 260 miles

Map(s): Delorme p. 37

Leader(s): Jim Bristol 315-935-3623

Let’s take a walk to picturesque Tirrell Pond on the flank of Blue Mountain in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest. We will spend the night at the Tirrell Pond leanto on the north shore of Tirrell Pond. Rumor has it that there is a beautiful sandy beach nearby the leanto. Trip size is limited to 8 participants. Bug nets and bug dope are advisable. Inclement weather will cancel. Call leader for details and to confirm gear requirements.

9207 Chaumont Barrens Wildflower Hike

Sat, May 24

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Camping World (old Gander RV) (Cicero)

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2 miles

Est Hike Time: ~ 3 hours

R/T Drive: 150 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 25

Leader(s): Kathy Disque 315-656-3383 , Theresa Evans 315-414-0431

Hike the unique Alvar landscape at this Nature Conservancy property in Jefferson County. There are many unusual flowers that bloom in this area. The orchids and prairie smoke should be blooming at this time. We will hike slowly with many opportunities to explore the area and take pictures.

9208 DeRuyter State Forest Reroute

Sat, May 24

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2 miles

Est Hike Time: 6 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT O2

Leader(s): Harold Kyle ()

Not everyone enjoys the muddy Slip-n-Slide between Tromp Rd and Stanton Rd in DeRuyter State Forest, so we are rerouting the trail to drier land. No experience is necessary, and we’ll provide the tools. This area is slippery and has uneven footing, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear. We’ll work until the mid-afternoon. Bring pair of work gloves, water, lunch, and wear appropriate clothing.

9209 Rome Sand Plains Unique Area

Sat, May 31

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota) Please contact leader to confirm your attendance.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 3-5 miles (dependent on which trails we do)

Est Hike Time: 2-4 hours

R/T Drive: 100 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 48; https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/mapromesandplains.pdf or CNY Hiking Website – hiking in Onedia County

Leader(s): Theresa Evans, 315-414-0431 or

Join me for a walk on some of the trails in this unique area of Rome. We will start the hike at 7989 W. Thomas St. at Pitch Pine Bog. This is a unique area with oversight of the DEC and funding by the Nature Conservancy. The trail at Pitch Pine is sponsored by Izaak Walton League. This is a bog area and usually is full of spring flowers. Next, we will drive over to the usual trailhead for Wood/Creek/Sand Dune Trails. The lupines should be in bloom. Please call or email leader if plan to attend. There is parking at both Hogsback and W. Thomas St., but is limited. Bring lunch/snack, appropriate footwear and poles, if used.