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.

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.

9211 Pratts Falls Northern Loop and Overlook Trail

Sun, Jun 1

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

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

Meeting Special Instructions: We can meet at the DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride at 9:30 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. at the parking at Pratt’s by the Bathrooms. Let me know if you will meet at the park.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3.4 miles

Est Hike Time: < 2 hours

R/T Drive: 40 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Melanie Stevens, (315) 278-2787

We will follow the Blue Trail (~1.2 miles), a scenic hiking trail located within Pratt’s Falls County Park. We will do a relatively short hike to enjoy stunning views of Pratts Falls, which cascades down a remarkable cliff. The path is well-maintained and features a mix of dirt and gravel surfaces. It does have numerous stairs. The Northern Loop is typically a moderate trail and is ~2.2 miles long. We might want to stop at Heritage Hill Brewery after the hike. It is an enjoyable place to relax with good food and drinks while enjoying the local music scene.

9212 Rogers Environmental Education Center

Mon, Jun 2

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

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

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

Est Hike Time: 3-4 hours

R/T Drive: 70 miles approximately

Map(s): DeLorme p. 78, Rogers Environmental Education Center Map

Leader(s): Theresa Evans, 315-414-0431, ; Sigi Schwinge, 716-238-5347,

Let’s travel to Rogers Environmental Center to walk and enjoy its beautiful system of trails. We will start our trek right at the Environmental Center. There are several trails to explore to view the many wildflowers to smell & see as well birds to hear & see. We can then travel to some other trails close to main center (segregate parking areas) (either one or both) named Farm Tower, Cush Hill Trails. Please come join us on our excursion in the woods of Sherburne, NY. Bring lunch, water and a sense of wonder.

9213 Onondaga Lake Walk

Tue, Jun 3

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Salt Museum

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

Est Hike Time: 2 hrs.

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

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

Join the group for a leisurely stroll along a beautiful lake, enjoying the view and life it shares. We will walk as much or as little as folks wish. We will meet by the Salt Museum. Please call to confirm as bad weather may cancel.

9214 National Trails Day – FLT Maintenance

Sat, Jun 7

Meeting Time: Contact Leaders

Meeting Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 2 miles

Est Hike Time: 6 hours

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 50 – 75 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77

Leader: Bob Rosati,

It’s National Trails Day! Come celebrate the occasion by working on one of our reroutes in process. Depending on how previous outings progress, we will be working in either DeRuyter State Forest or Maxon Creek State Forest. 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.

9215 Onondaga Lake Walk

Tue, Jun 10

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Salt Museum

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

Est Hike Time: 2 hrs.

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

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

9216 Wednesday Trail Maintenance

Wed, Jun 11

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 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 50-75 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, 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 maintains 72 miles on the FLT and three lean-tos. Fifty-seven miles of our section is concurrent with the NCT. No special skills are required just a genuine desire to ensure that our trails are cleared and blazed for all hikers to enjoy. bring a pair of work gloves, personal hand tools, water, lunch, and wear appropriate clothing. Severe weather conditions will cancel trail maintenance.

9217 Highland Forest

Sat, Jun 14

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Manlius Library parking lot, Meet directly across from library in lot behind Sno Top ice cream.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 6.5 miles

Est Hike Time: 4-6 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT / NCT

R/T Drive: 50 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2, Highland Forest Park Map

Leader(s): Monica Aungier, 315-481-5903,

This moderate pace hike will start at the west entrance to the park, off Cowles Settlement Rd. We will take a short section of the FLT, the Main trail, park service roads and possibly ski trails to the Southern-most end of the park and return. We’ll pass the highest point and enjoy some less familiar views from the trails. Inclement weather will cancel. Bring water and a snack.

9218 Onondaga Lake Walk

Tue, Jun 17

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Salt Museum

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

Est Hike Time: 2 hrs.

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

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

9219 FLT Dublin Rd to Paradise Garden Leanto & return

Sun, Jun 22

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

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

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

Est Hike Time: 3.5 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT

R/T Drive: 40 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 77, FLT-M22

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

Join me for a hike in the Mariposa State Forest starting on the FLT from Dublin Road parking and hiking to the Paradise Garden Lean-to and return. We will have lunch at the lean-to. Bring raingear, lunch and water. Be prepared with bug spray or bug net this time of year. Contact leader if weather is questionable.

9220 Fire Tower Road Trip

Sun, Jun 29

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota), Look for black Subaru Outback

Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 6.7 miles (A)

Est Hike Time: 5 hrs.

R/T Drive: 265 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 80

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

If you are working on your ADK Fire Tower Challenge, this hike is for you! We will tackle the far-flung Hadley Mt and Spruce Mt summits which are only 30 min. apart by car. After a 2:30 hr. drive we will arrive at Hadley Mtn (3.6 mi RT, elev. 2,651′, elev. gain 1,525′, spectacular views) with approx. hike time of 2:30 hrs. We will then travel to Spruce Mt (3.1 mi RT, elev. 2,005, elev. gain 1,005′, tallest fire tower in ADKS at 73′) with approx. hike time of 2 hrs. While the hike to both fire towers is considered moderate, there are some steep sections on Hadley and we will accumulate a total elevation gain of 2530’. More detailed trail descriptions can be found in the “Views From on High” Fire Tower Trails publication. Return travel to parking area is 2 hrs.

Bring the 10 hiking essentials, water, lunch and snacks. RSVP to hike leader by 6/26. All times are approximate.

9221 Fellows Hill Loop

Mon, Jul 7

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

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

Contact leaders if joining us at the trailhead.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4 miles (Note: extension up to Jones Hill adds a couple of miles)

Est Hike Time: 3 hrs.

R/T Drive: 40 miles

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

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

We’ll start uphill to the “peak” (sorry no view), then descend to Spruce Pond and complete our loop along scenic creeks with little waterfalls. This is an FLT Finger Lakes Trail passport hike (find info on Passport hikes at www.FingerLakesTrail.org, go to Hiking then Passports. Our walk-n-talk group finds an interesting trail every Monday. Email Sigi for more info.

9222 Wednesday Trail Maintenance

Wed, Jul 9

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

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

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

Est Hike Time: 4-6 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 50-75 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21, FLT-M22

Leader: Dick Frio, 315-679-0622,

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

9223 Little Woodhull Lake Trail Work Hike

Sat, Jul 12

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

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

Est Hike Time: 5 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: NCT100

R/T Drive: 128 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 49

Leader(s): Bob Rosati, 315-766-7054,

The Little Woodhull Trail is a part of the North Country National Scenic Trail adopted by our chapter. We will do trail maintenance involving blowdown removal, posting markers, and clearing the tread. Bring gloves and hand tools but most tools will be provided. Carry lunch, snacks and extra water. Insect nets and repellent are advised.

9224 Erie Canal Hike – Memorial for Mary Coffin

Sun, Jul 13

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Erie Canal Parking at N. Burdick St.

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 3 – 5 miles depending on the group

Est Hike Time: 2-3 hrs.

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, Old Erie Canal State Historic Park Trail Map – parks.ny.gov

Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492, ; Brenda Veilleux, 315-463-9103.

Join us for a walk on a section of the Erie Canal in memory of Mary Coffin. This section from N. Burdick St. towards Green Lakes State Park was one of the last hikes that Mary did with Brenda last year. Bring snacks and water.

9225 NCT to Pillsbury Lake

Wed, Jul 23

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota), Look for black Subaru Outback

Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 10 miles, (A)

Note: (4.3 miles on NCT + ~.7 miles on unmarked trail x 2 for total of 10 miles)

Est Hike Time: 5-6 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: NCT100, NCT portion of French Louie Trail

R/T Drive: 190 miles (incl. 7 mi. each way on a seasonal road)

Map(s): DeLorme p.50, Map reference go to page 26: https://northcountrytrail.org/maps/ny_map_series.pdf OR Nat Geo map #744.

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

This outing is an exploratory hike into the West Canada Lake Wilderness on the North Country Scenic Trail (NCT) NW of Speculator, NY. Our hike will begin at the trailhead to Pillsbury Mt and the French Louie trail, heading to the serene Pillsbury Lake. We will come to the Pillsbury Lake shelter at 3.3 mi, then continue on to the SW end of the lake. Leaving the NCT, we will take a likely unmarked trail to the NW arm of the lake and return by the same route.

This remote area is known to sometimes be buggy, muddy and feature occasional bear encounters. Be prepared with the 10 hiking essentials with plenty of water and food. Boot gaiters and trekking poles will help to navigate the mud. RSVP to hike leader by 7/21.

9226 Rusk Mountain (Cats35)

Sun, Jul 27

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader by Jul 25

Hike Rating: Level 2 B+, Moderately Strenuous, 5.3 miles

Est Hike Time: 5 hrs.

R/T Drive: 320 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 97

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

Join me on a hike up Rusk Mountain located in the Hunter Mountain Wild Forest in the Catskills. The route will begin from the Spruceton trail parking area with an ascent of 1595’ to the summit on unmaintained trails. The return over East Rusk Mountain will be a more gradual descent (easier bushwhack) back to the Spruceton Trail. We will complete the loop and return to our starting point. The hike is considered a moderate climb with marginal views from the summit. Bring the 10 essentials, raingear, lunch, water. Contact leader if interested 2 days in advance of the hike (by July 25).

9227 Tully Lake Paddle

Sun, Aug 3

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Paddle Rating: Level 1 C, < 6 miles, flat water

Est Paddle Time: 2-3 hrs.

R/T Drive: 38 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 61

Leader(s): Brenda Veilleux, 315-463-9103; Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,

Tully Lake is a pretty, local lake with low boat traffic. It is a nice area to spot wildlife, like green herons. Bring PFD, snacks/lunch and water.

9228 Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve

Mon, Aug 4

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 39 (Jones Rd Thruway park-n-ride)

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

Est Hike Time: 2-3 hrs.

R/T Drive: 70 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 59

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

We will be walking this wetland preserve that has been developed by Seneca Meadows, Inc., a waste management and recycling company. This preserve is located in Seneca Falls, NY. It features several trails through diverse native plant communities that include emergent wet prairie, wet mesic prairie, forested wetlands and upland savannas and tall grass prairies. We will be walking the main loop, blue heron loop and probably a couple more dependent on time and desire. Please wear sturdy footwear. It is fairly flat walking trail, but it can be rocky with vegetation growing up thru it. Please bring a camera (I will have mine) if you want to capture pictures of the many wild flowers, some of which are fairly unique. The pace will be slow to medium. Please bring water, lunch/snacks, and sun hat, and sunscreen as much walking is under the sunshine! Option: After our hike we can take a ride thru the nearby Montezuma Wetland to see some of the birds and flora that may be about there.

9229 Wednesday Trail Maintenance

Wed, Aug 6

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 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 50-75 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21, FLT-M22

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

9230 Boreas Ponds Backpack

Fri, Aug 8 – Aug 10

Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader

Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 4 miles (A)

Est Hike Time: 4 hrs.

R/T Drive: 380 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 30

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

Let’s take a walk back to picturesque Boreas Ponds in the High Peaks Wilderness where we will spend a couple of nights camping. Hopefully, we will be able to camp at the relatively new Boreas Ponds lean-to. There will be a full moon that weekend which could make for a couple of beautiful evenings. Campfires are permitted in the southern High Peaks too! Contact the leader for gear requirements.

9231 Shindagin Hollow and Potato Hill State Forests

Wed, Aug 20

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Behind McDonalds, 5961 US Rt 20, Lafayette, NY, Look for black Subaru Outback

Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 8.2 miles

Est Hike Time: 6 hrs.

Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100

R/T Drive: 100 miles RT (including spotting cars)

Map(s): DeLorme p. 76 , FLT-M-18

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

Traverse these two lovely State Forests in Tompkins Co. We will follow the FLT/NCT through a mostly rolling trek from the western section of the forest, making a sharp descent to Shindagin Hollow Road only to climb back out along portions of wooded gullies. The varied terrain offers several steep climbs. We will stop at a scenic lean-to near a seasonal waterfall, and allow time to explore some surprise artwork found along the trail. We will end this point-to-point hike at the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FFLT) Summerland Farm Preserve N of Potato Hill SF where some excellent views are found.

9232 Little Long Lake Paddle

Sun, Aug 24

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

RSVP 48 hours in advance

Hike Rating: Paddle Level 1 C, 3 – 4 miles, flat water (A)

Est Paddle Time: 1.5-2 hrs

R/T Drive: 114 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 49

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

Let’s explore this quiet Adirondack lake paddling to the inlet and around the lake looking for loons and other wildlife. We will have a snack on the water and enjoy refreshments at my camp after the paddle. Bring snack/lunch/water/sunscreen/sunglasses. The PFD’s are required. Please RSVP the leader two days in advance by Aug 22.

9233 Middle Settlement Lake

Sat, Aug 30

Meeting Time: Contact Leader

Meeting Place: Thruway Exit 34 (Canastota)

Please contact leaders, Theresa or Jay Evans, at contact info noted if planning to attend the hike.

Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 6.4 miles (A)

Est Hike Time: 4-5 hrs.

R/T Drive: ~140 miles

Map(s): DeLorme p. 35

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

Come join us for a hike in the Thendara-Old Forge area of the West-Central region of the Adirondacks. We will be hiking to Middle Settlement Lake via the Scusa Trail, which takes us to a wilderness lake and lean-to. Theresa’s last visit to this beautiful lake was a bit of a shock as beaver activity or other forces of nature had shrunk the lake. We will see how nature has restored it over the last couple of years. Please join us bringing water, lunch, proper footwear and hiking poles (optional) in our quest.