Because of a "bad" bridge over Browns Run, Access Point 2 on Wolf Run Rd can no longer be accessed by vehicle. It is now a 1.9 mile walk to Access Point 2 on the FLT/NCT from where a gate and concrete barriers block Wolf Run Rd. Updated map now shows location where the road is blocked. There is only limited parking at gate; please leave room for vehicles to turn around. - Gene Cornelius

The Elkdale RV Resort (just north of the trail and Access 6 on NY 353) has been removed from this map and M3/CT3) as it is presently closed. - Joe Dabes

A lean-to is available for use by backpackers on Holiday Valley Ski Area lands near Ellicottville.  At Mutton Hollow Rd. (map mileage 7.5) a new blue-blazed trail goes 0.3 mile northeast to this gravel floor lean-to.  Inside there is a large steel picnic table.  No water source is nearby, except from a pond 0.4 mile to the west uphill.  In good weather a better choice is the nearby bivouac area at a nice pond (map mileage 8.4). - Joe Dabes and Dave Potzler

The recent tornado damage from Access 2 (Little Rock City Picnic Area) to Access 3 (Old CCC Camp) is 0.7 mile long and 0.2 wide and has flattened most trees, closing the trail.  A timber salvage operation and trail restoration may take ~2 years, so in the meantime bypass by using Little Rock City and Hungry Hollow Roads.  Mountain bike trails (purple dashes) can also be used to bypass the damage area shown below.

- Joe Dabes

The first is between access points 5 and 7, is 3.4 miles in length, eliminates much road walk, and increases distance in that section by 0.8 mile.The changed map description for this reroute follows: 8.1: Turn R keeping dike of larger pond and smaller visible pond to your L. 8.3: Bivouac area is to L, at the east end of the visible pond. Follow dirt access road behind ski lifts. 8.9: L for short jog through woods, then R on dirt access road. Follow road descending through Holimont Ski Area. 9.4: R on wide grass trail, descend to base of ski lift. R behind ski lift, then L to cross bridge over stream. 9.6: L on NY 242 for 150 yards. Trailhead is 0.6 miles from US 219 in Ellicottville (restaurants, lodging, and grocery store). 9.7: Access 6 R onto unmarked dirt road. Parking. Follow dirt access road uphill past gate and past reservoir on R. 10.0: R into woods on logging road, soon reaching 2200’. 11.5: Cross meadow and enter woods, leave logging road for trail. 11.7: Begin steep descent through hemlock woods, then left on logging road. Pass pond on right, turn left across foot bridge, and pass barn on left. 12.4: Access 7 Cross Maples-Ellicottville Rd. (CR 13; 1610'). Bear R from trailhead; turn L into evergreens, then L up old logging road.

The second is between access points 11 and 12, is 0.2 mile in length, and decreases the distance in that section by 0.1 mile. Map M3 has been updated and given a revision date of 9/09. - Mary Domanski

Mile 14.5: Landowner requests that no one park in either his driveway where the trail goes east off NY Route 98 (traveling eastward on trail) or in any of the adjacent land which he also owns and has POSTED. His business (Zuech's Environmental Services) has many large trucks going in and out of his property. The nearest off road parking is at Access 4 near the corner of NY Route 16 and Bear Creek Road 0.8 mile west of here. - Ron Navik

UPDATED Closure Information -- Eastern edge of Cattaraugus County, Reroute Opened between Kingsbury Hill Rd and Peet Hill Rd., thanks to section sponsors Joe and Deb Borer:  Eastbound -- At M5 Access 1 (Kingsbury Hill Rd.) walk east on FLT for about 2.7 miles; turn left at the pink-and-black flagging tape; follow along Harwood Lake, thence to Peet Hill Rd. Turn R onto Peet Hill Rd., walk .5 miles; at M5 Access 2, turn left Westbound -- At M5 Access 2 (Peet Hill Rd.), turn right and walk .5 mile down Peet Hill Rd.  Turn left into woods at pink-and-black flagging tape, walking toward Harwood Lake.  Follow pink-and-black flagging tape along Harwood Lake and back to FLT.  Turn right onto the FLT towards M5 Access 1.  Old News:  Between Peet Hill Rd. and Stebbins Rd., the trail is open.  The off-road section on the east side of Stebbins Rd. is still closed.  To avoid this latter closure, stay on Stebbins Rd.  Closures have been due to loggers salvaging trees damaged in the October, 2009, tornado-like microburst and harvesting a small stand of evergreens.

  - Marty Howden, Dave Potzler, Lynda Rummel

Caution: There may be two dangerous pit bulls on Williams Rd., just east of Mink Hollow Rd. which belong at a trailer at #9100. We have encouraged hikers to file complaints with the Allegany Co. Sheriff's Department and believe that at least one complaint has been filed. We do not know if the dogs have been restrained or removed or are able still to get loose; so please report any negative experience immediately to the Sheriff's Dept. and to the FLTC. You can also contact the Allegany Co. ASPCA. Be advised to carry a hiking stick and pepper spray. If you are bitten, be sure to follow up with the Allegany Co. Health Dept. - Lynda Rummel, Marty Howden, Kathy & Tim Jones, Ruth Dorrough

Because of a lost landowner permission, the trail is closed between Pond Road (just east of Access 4) and Camp Road (Access 5), requiring a roadwalk around this section. A new landowner has agreed to allow the trail, but the new trail will not likely be built until sometime in 2012.

Hiking west to east: Continue east on Pond Road to Armison Road. Turn left (north) on Armison Road to Camp Road. Continue north on Camp Road to Access 5.

Hiking east to west: From Access 5 go south on Camp Road to Armison Road. Continue south on Armison Road to Pond Road. Turn right (west) on Pond Road and continue to Lapp Road.

The trail from Access 5 west to the shelter on Camp Sam Woods (BSA) property remains open as a side trail (no through hiking). - Peter Wybron

The map back now reads: 

"2.15 Access 2 Cross Ballard Road, paved (1600'). Tiptoe through welcoming backyards to cross Rogers Road soon, and then follow path between two field crops to sign at junction with blue-blazed trail. 2.35 Signed blue/white trail junction. Note: White trail 1 mi. ahead is closed for hunting Oct. 13 - Dec. 22 and May 1 - 31; take blue blazed High Water/Hunting Bypass to left (N). Note: High water danger! When creeks may be running high, follow same blue trail 0.2 mi. to check water level of Sixtown Creek at bridge. If water is high, crossing Sixtown Creek is unsafe at the ford to Access 3 on white Main Trail, 4.5 miles ahead (normal water level there is about 6 inches over flat rock). During high water and hunting periods take the blue High Water/Hunting Bypass for 2.8 road miles to Access 3 (very few blue blazes). Blue trail also allows access to Sixtown Creek Campsite in 0.25 mi., just across the bridge. Campsite is on left (N) side of road on donated property in woods. Ahead from blue/white trail junction white blazes bear right to follow edge of field, and then turn right into long delightful wooded section. Cross wooded horse-pasture fence on ladder-type and then 3-legged stiles.”

The map has been updated with a revision date of 9/09. - Bob Emerson

TRAIL CLOSURE - Temporary closure  from Swain (Access 3) to Access 2 on Delude Hill Road due to logging operations possibly for two years' duration, effective January 31, 2011.

Recommended alternate routes:

You can walk NY 70 in the valley below from the bottom end of Delude Hill Rd (from signed Chautauqua Hollow Rd at NY 70 junction, seasonal road Delude Hill branches left then goes west uphill just past RR crossing) to the village of Swain, but be forewarned that NY 70’s west shoulder is only three feet between edgeline and guiderail, while the east is a mere two feet!  Moderate amount of traffic is going at least 55 mph. This route is approximately 4.5 miles long.

More scenic, way more peaceful, but about 2.5 miles longer:

Eastbound:  stay on trail to Delude Hill Road (NOT accessible in winter) Access 2, then walk uphill onto French Hill, staying westbound until you hit signed Allen Rd.  Go left (south) on Allen Rd, which turns into Ridge Rd to Swain Hill Rd. All junctions are signed.  Views, some woods, some open fields but very quiet area.  Turn left (east) on Swain Hill Rd and descend dramatically into the village, where you can pick up blazes again near the bottom of this same road.  These roads are well maintained dirt, plowed in winter; however, do not park on the shoulders and thereby interfere with plowing chores.  Tickets can result.

Westbound:  stay on trail in Swain up Swain Hill Rd, continuing dramatically uphill (west) past trailhead (Access 3).  At junction with Ridge Rd, concealed on our map beneath the corner of our legend block, turn right (north) and  follow Ridge, then Allen Rd, through open farm country, woods, some views, on wide well maintained dirt roads with all junctions signed.  At junction marked Snyder Road, at the north end of Allen and the county line, turn right and head straight east on French Hill Rd.  Where French Hill (unsigned at this point) turns right, continue straight onto seasonal Delude Hill Rd (unmarked except by Seasonal sign), downhill to trailhead (NOT accessible in winter) at Access 2.

This alternate upland route is approximately 7 miles long with a   tough hill to climb either way. - Steve Catherman/Irene Szabo

At request of landowner, per dangerous parking on Bishopville Road:

Access 7 Bishopville Road (1580'), paved, some traffic, and homes. Left onto road, and descend to 1520' over creek bridge, then right immediately. Park across from here on the mowed area on the west side of road just south of driveway, not on the road. - Joe Dabes

West of Bath:  TRAIL SECTION RELOCATED OFF-ROAD, signed and blazed!  At 8.5, the sharp right turn on Cochrane Road, continue straight (east) into a farm field, then down the hedgerow to the end of the field.  Cross into the adjacent field; make a quick left and then right and follow the edge of the field east on the left side of the hedgerow.  At the bottom of the field, turn left, then quickly right towards the large high power electrical line.  Follow the marked path through the field and all the way downhill to CR 15 (Knight Settlement Rd.).  Cross Knight Settlement Road (CR 15) to other side and proceed north a very short distance, then turn right and enter the marked trail again.  Follow the trail northeasterly, then northwesterly down the hillside through woods and fields back to CR 15 where it crosses Knight Creek.  Access 6 has been moved to this new location at CR 15 bridge across Knight Creek but new mileage has not been calculated yet.  At Access 6, turn right (northeasterly)  on Knight Settlement Rd. (CR 15).  Caution:  Heavy traffic.  Gradually downhill to Cohocton River and NYS 415.  Will continue to attempt to get more of trail off of Knight Settlement Rd. Map M11 with revision date of 11/11 is available.
- Gary Haff and Lynda Rummel

At mileage 20.1 just a few hundred yards west of Birdseye Hollow Rd. (CR 96) in Birdseye Hollow State Forest, the trail has been slightly relocated so that two new bridges could be built over Birdseye Hollow Creek.  The bridges were constructed by an Alley Cat crew and inmates from the Monterey Shock Camp in early June.  The bigger of the two bridges is dedicated to FLT end-to-ender #242, Mahlon Hurst, who supplied the white oak used to build the bridges. - Lynda Rummell

A new lean-to has been added this map at mile 1.8.  Built recently by an FLTC Alley Cat trail crew, the lean-to sits on Hickory Hill Campground property.  It has a privy, picnic table, fire ring, and a great view. Potable water is available at the campgound 0.6 mile (and 400' descent) away. A pond is 0.1 mile to the south, but treat this water. 

Randy Lehman is the owner of Hickory Hill Campground.  The logs for the lean-to came from Randy's property; and Randy is this year's, and the first-ever, recipient of the North Country Trail Association's Private Landowner of the Year Award.  THANK YOU, RANDY, for your great generosity!

  - Joe Dabes and Lynda Rummel

At mileage 10.2 near the crossing of NY 54, the convenience store there has closed. After being closed for several years, it reopened last year, but is closed once again.  So prospects of it reopening anytime soon are not good. - Kirk House and Joe Dabes

Because of loss of a landowner permission the trail south of Hammondsport between Winding Stairs Road and County Route 113 is now closed year round. From west to east, turn right (south) on Winding Stairs Road for 1.1 miles, and then left (east and north) on CR 113 (Mt. Washington Argus Hill Rd.) for 2.4 miles to rejoin existing trail going east on Longwell Road. This 3.5 mile bypass replaces 2.5 miles of former trail. An off road alternative is being sought. - Irene Szabo, Lisa Triechler, Lynda Rummel

~2 m. SW of Hammondsport. Approx. 3 mi. east of the trailhead off NYS 54 in Pleasant Valley (Access 6) on Mt. Washington, several switchbacks have been built on the hillside above the register box and the trail to the bivouac area, near the blue-blazed June Bug trail.  The Hammondsport scouts recently reblazed and added definition to the switchbacks, so should be easier to follow.  Register box leaking.  New map not necessary. Thanks to the '09 Mt. Washington Alley Cat Crew for building the switchbacks and to the Hammondsport Boy Scout troop for continuing to work on this project. - Lynda Rummel

~2.5 m. SW of Hammondsport. From the trailhead off NYS 54 in Pleasant Valley (Access 6) east up Mt. Washington, the trail has been rebuilt. Steep trail sections (~35-45% grades) have been replaced with 28 switchback legs that have grades of ~10-15% and ~5% outslopes -- the hike up the mountain is now almost pleasant! Trail sections in the valley and on the lower slopes have also been relocated away from persistently wet and eroded areas and drainages have been dug out.  Unused old sections have been closed off with branches across the trail. Blazing is complete. Drive in the pot-holed gravel road and park in the area near the FLT/NCT sign. As long as you follow the blazes, a new map is not necessary. Thanks to the '09 Mt. Washington Alley Cat Crew for finishing all this in less than 3 days! - Lynda Rummel

Trail Closure: The trail has been closed between AP6 and AP7 on Map M13 due to a loss of landowner permission. The temporary reroute beginning at AP6 is 2.1 miles north on Switzer Hill Rd, 0.6 miles west on Fish Hill Rd, 0.8 miles east on Grandview Rd and 0.4 miles east on Sugar Hill Rd. - Steve Catherman

UPDATED! Logging Imminent: Per Region 8 NYS DEC, hardwoods on the top and east side of the hill east of Dennis Rd. (South Bradford State Forest) will be logged, starting probably in early 2012. The operation will involve skidding the trees on the trail where the trail is coincident with old skid roads or roads; however, logging on the hillside has the potential of damaging the switchbacks built by the ADK-Pro Crew as part of our 2008 RTP grant. The trail is expected to be kept open. The logger will be required to restore the trail to its original or better condition and the forester in charge of the sale will be monitoring the impact carefully.  Please report any damage to the switchbacks or worked (benched, ditched) trail. - Lynda Rummel

UPDATED!  Logging Imminent: Per Region 8 NYS DEC, hardwoods on the top of the hill east of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd. (Goundry Hill State Forest) will be logged, starting probably in early 2012. The operation will involve skidding the trees on the trail where the trail is coincident with old skid roads or roads. The abandoned gas well pad will probably be used as the staging area. A few trees felled down the side of the hill may potentially damage the switchbacks built by AlleyCat crew late August/early September (2011); however, most of the damage is expected to be to the abandoned horse trail that the FLT was relocated onto fall 2010. The trail is expected to be kept open. The logger will be required to restore the trail to its original or better condition and the forester in charge of the sale will be monitoring the impact carefully.  Please report any damage to the switchbacks. - Lynda Rummel

UPDATED INFO.  TRAIL REROUTED AND IMPROVED! From the top of the hill E of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd. E into Corbett Hollow, two sections of trail have been relocated onto an abandoned horse trail, old sections have been blazed-out and posted closed; and signage and paint blazes are in place.  The first relocation starts where the FLT crosses the gas well road and re-enters the woods (approx. 0.4 mi. E of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd.) Shortly the trail is blocked off and a path leads right to the old wide horse trail (looks like woods road). Turn left and follow the wide trail up and over the hill; swing N and gently descend along the hillside. Cross old trail crossing and continue on wide trail.  When wide trail starts to descend steeply, turn sharply right onto new switchbacks built by AlleyCat crew the end of August ('11).  At the bottom of the hill, cross new "sturdy style" small puncheon bridge (built out of 4x4's), turn right and rejoin wide abandoned horse trail. Continue on abandoned horse trail (completely bypassing wet, rooty section of old trail) till come to drainage ditch. Cross ditch on second new "sturdy style" puncheon, then turn sharply left, leave wide trail, and return to path through woods. After descending hill (drainage creek on left), return briefly to abandoned horse trail, cross it (note signage) and continue down into Corbett Hollow on single track path. Soon begin series of 18 puncheons built in the traditional style of wide long planks sitting on sills, also built by AlleyCat crew, followed, some distance later, by short reroute uphill and small bridge over top of side gully.  Continue down into Corbett Hollow, descend to road, turn left on road and cross over stream (culvert).  Follow righthand side of road to trail ascending east side of Corbett Hollow.  Nice bivouac site at turn around.  Filter water from creek and watch for beaver at dusk.  NOTE:  Between the gas well road and the top of the switchbacks, logging is scheduled to take place starting as early as winter, 2011.  The trail will be used as a skid road, but will be kept open.  All the big hardwoods with blue paint on them will be cut.  Lynda Rummel - Lynda Rummel

UPDATED!  The last "phase" of relocating, rebuilding, and improving the trail between the hamlet of South Bradford and Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd. (South Bradford State Forest) has been completed!  Two sturdy style puncheons have been placed across side gullies between the Moss Hill Lean-to and Dennis Rd. and water control improvements have been made in that section of trail by AlleyCat crewmembers, including students from RIT, mid-September ('11).  (Note: An anti-slip application will be applied to these two puncheons in a year or two.)  Six puncheons plus some stepping stones were installed earlier ('10) in the third-of-a-mile stretch that leads up to Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd. Asphalt shingles added to these puncheons, for traction.   Consider playing checkers on the puncheons and enjoy your dry feet!  Once everything settles, additional stepping stones can be placed; please let us know if/when more are needed.  - Lynda Rummel

The hand pump at Birdseye Hollow Day Use Park (mileage 2.3) has been chained, so water from it is no longer available. - Joe Dabes

E of hamlet of South Bradford TRAIL REROUTE Heading east, on the east side of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Road, approximately 0.5 mile of the trail has been moved northerly in order to avoid an access road associated with the drilling of a new gas well. The relocation is finished and easy to follow. The reroute starts from the original trail crossing, then swings away from the gas well access road, and then uses the new access road to cross a drainage before shortly rejoining the old trail.   Note that the trail soon turns sharply right, leaves the old trail (which is now closed off), and connects to a new section of trail that runs on an abandoned horse trail.  Trail users can still park 2-3 vehicles at the trail crossing, on the west side of Monterey/Sexton Hollow Rd. - Lynda Rummel

Between Sugar Hill Rd. and Schuyler Co. Rd. 22, the trail is sometimes difficult to follow because it passes along the edges of several crop fields and then crosses through woods that were disturbed by logging. Blazing is not particularly good, so follow these general directions: From the trail crossing at Sugar Hill Rd. (at "Yorski Oak"), head east by following a farm road for a short distance, then jog left, then pass through a strip of woods, then angle left across a "road" between the fields and turn right to follow along the north edge of hedgerow (walk at the south edge of the field), then turn left at the east side of the field and follow along the west side of another hedgerow (again, walk at the edge of the field) until you reach the register box. At the register box, turn sharply right, cross one more field by staying near the fence line on your left, and enter the woods, where you will soon find a series of puncheons.  Sections of the trail may be rerouted into the hedgerows, where possible, in the future. - Lynda Rummel

SE of Bradford (NY) TRAIL REROUTE Just east of Switzer Hill Road, the trail has been rerouted through logging debris and a new creek crossing has been created.  Blazing complete.  Heading east from the DEC Trail sign, follow the blazes straight to the edge of the creek (note 1st bivouac site off to right). Ford creek and climb up rocks stabilizing bank on E side of creek.  Trail heads left past 2nd bivouac site.   Cautions:  (1) Rocks used to reduce bank erosion may be slippery when wet. (2) Pine Creek can flash flood.  - Lynda Rummel

New lean-to at Parks Hollow!  A new lean-to has been built in a nice drier location about 100 feet up the hill from the old Parks Hollow shelter in Sugar Hill State Forest.  The two Parks Hollow lean-tos are located near the Mohawk horse/snowmobile trail, east of Maple Lane and north of Sugar Hill Rd., south of the Fire Tower area.  Hikers can access the lean-tos via a quarter-mile blue-blazed side trail which leaves the FLT ~.4 mile E of Maple Lane.  The short trail into the new lean-to is rutted and wet from construction. The Forest Ranger/trail section sponsor intends to post  signs into it this winter and will take in a refurbished table when the road dries a little more.  The old shelter will stay for awhile and can still be used.  The new lean-to was an eagle scout project. UPDATED INFO:  There is still no outhouse but the Forest Ranger has identified a scout who is interested in building one for his eagle project.  - Lynda Rummel and Bill Meehan

Be aware, also, that you should continue to monitor creek levels in advance of trying to cross Townsend Creek at Julie's Crossing. The blue-blazed bypass route (shown on FLT map M14) runs south on Van Zandt Hollow Rd. across the bridge at Townsend Creek, then east on Townsend Rd. to a service road into the park (park on the south shoulder of the road and walk north on the service road).  Alas, this is also the road walk you'll have to take if you want to hike the trail during fall big game hunting season.  - Lynda Rummel

High-water alternative over Fish Kill Creek in Treman State Park:

If water in Fish Kill Creek is too high to ford safely, return to the stone monument and take the blue-blazed/orange-blazed Old CCC Camp Spur Trail to the Old Mill in upper Treman State Park. Continue to follow the blue blazes along the parking area to the South Rim Trail. Follow blue blazes past the overlook and junction with a service road on your right. Soon after you pass the service road take a right turn off the South Rim Trail to connect with the main FLT, blazed white. At this point, the blue blazes end; turn left on the FLT and continue to follow white blazes eastward to Routes 13/34/96. - Gary Mallow

The Finger Lakes Trail between Bruce Hill Rd. and Comfort Rd. in the Town of Danby south of Ithaca is closed due to withdrawal of permission by local landowners. The new route (hiking west to east) is a road-walk along Bruce Hill Rd., Gunderman Rd. and Comfort Rd. Please respect the preferences of our local landowners by staying off the closed section. We will be attempting to find a good reroute, but it will take time to plan and build.

Map M17 has been updated and given a new revision date of 7/10. The total distance for this map remains the same at 18.8 miles. - Gary Mallow and Joe Dabes

The FLT is closed until further notice from the trail crossing on Old 76 Road in Caroline NY (M18 mileage 9.5) to Level Green Road. From west to east: turn left (NW) on Old 76 Road for 0.9 mile, turn right (NE) on Yaple Road for 1.2 miles, and turn right (SE) on Level Green Road for 1.1 miles to FLT trail entrance on left side of road. This section is closed until further notice due to withdrawal of permission from a landowner. Please respect this and stay off of this section of trail. Note: the trail is still open from Level Green Road east for 0.9 mile until reaching the private land section closed. - Paul Warrender & Joe Dabes

The trail on Cotton-Hanlon land (mileages 3.8 to 4.4, between Lake Rd. and Daisy Hollow Rd.) is closed immediately for logging.  This logging should be completed in 6 - 8 weeks. - Alex Gonzalez and Joe Dabes

The DEC has constructed a large off road parking area along the FLT just east of the north trailhead on Daisy Hollow Road in southwest Cortland County.  Map M19 has been updated. - Alex Gonzalez and Joe Dabes

A new blue-blazed Swedish Loop has been added to this map.  It is 1.4 miles long with a 0.1 mile spur, creating a 3.4 mile loop with the main trail:

- Alex Gonzalez and Joe Dabes

Mile 1.4, Lake Rd: Here a hiker had his van towed away as he parked next to (but not blocking) a private driveway by a landowner who dislikes hikers. Here there is official Jim Schug Rail Trail parking on the west side of Lake Road, as shown on the front of the map, but the hiker chose not to park here, but on the other side of the road. You can recognize the official parking because of the large partially fenced rock filled area with a dispenser for doggie crap bags. The back of map M19 been modified to state that the parking here is on the west side of Lake Rd.

Mile 9.8, Babcock Hollow Rd.: There is no longer any shoulder parking where the trail crosses the road as recently Cortland County significantly widened this paved road, eliminating all off road shoulder parking. Do not park with any wheels on pavement or your vehicle may be ticketed or towed. However, you can park at a snow plow turn around area 0.3 mile to the north (except in winter). Map M19 has been modified to show this. - Joe Dabes

Just east of Elmer Jackson Rd. (mile 5.3) the NYS DEC this spring had posted a sign that the bridge was closed because of a gully next to the dam.  The gully has now been repaired and the trail east of here is open. - Tim Davis

Just east of where the FLT crosses Buckley Hollow Rd. (map mileage 3.1) make sure you stay on the trail. Do not go down to Bowman Creek for bathing or other purposes as that area is on a parcel of land that the trail does not go through, and that landowner is very annoyed with trespassers. "Stay on the Trail" signs are being posted by the sponsor, Triple Cities Hiking Club. - Roy Dando and Joe Dabes

A trail relocation by the Triple Cities Hiking Club removes 1.0 mile of trail from busy narrow highway NY 206. The new trail is 1.8 miles long and is almost entirely in gorgeous woods, with a crossing of a scenic gorge containing Newton Brook.  Map M26 has been updated and given a revision date of 9/10.  From west to east the back of the map now reads:

    4.3  Reach Case Road (1310'); follow it left uphill (north). Note: There is another crossing of Newton Brook 1.7 miles ahead. If water is high you should follow the blue-blazed high water bypass by turning right on Case Rd., then left on (busy, with narrow shoulders!) NY 206 until rejoining the trail at the Village of Bainbridge sign.

    4.5     Right off Case Road just after reaching tree line; climb gradually (1400').

    4.6     Right (east) on old woods road.

    4.7     Pass end of the field on the right.

    5.0     Right off woods road descending into gully (1400'), and then climb out of gully.

    5.2     Just before a meadow, turn right staying in the woods.

    5.4     After crossing a small meadow turn right on a woods road.

    5.9     Right off woods road 200 ft. after passing a junk vehicle. Descend steeply to Newton Brook.

    6.0     Cross Newton Brook and climb steeply.

    6.1     Left onto NY 206 at Village of Bainbridge sign; wide shoulder parking (1200').

    6.3     Village sidewalk begins.

    6.8     Bainbridge....

- Joe Dabes

5.5 Turn left (east) off road just before bridge near south boundary of Bear Spring Wildlife Management Area (1280')and cross E. Trout Brook (Note: If water is too high use the hunting bypass that follows).

Note: Trail ahead is closed by landowner for hunting from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 (all day) and May 1 to 31 (4 AM to Noon). Bypass by continuing south on Trout Brook Rd, crossing E. Branch Delaware River and turning left on River Rd. as shown on map.

6.1: Bear left (NE) at trail junction (1660’). 6.6: Bear right (S) at trail junction, a high point (2160’). 6.8: Sharp left (SE) at trail junction (1980’). 6.9: Straight (SE) where side trail to right goes steeply downhill. 7.3: A high point (2210’). 7.4: Right (S) on Dump Rd., a wide access road (2160’). Views to south. 7.7: Cross under a major power line (2010’). 8.3: Cross small stream, running across road. 8.9: Pass gate and in 50’ leave Dump Rd. on left (E) following an old logging road (1400’). 9.1: Leave old logging road on left (E) and descend steeply into a stone quarry at 1250’. 9.4: Left (N) on somewhat busy NY 30 (1090’). 9.8: Right (E) across steel deck bridge over East Branch of the Delaware River on Corbett Rd. Some parking on east side of bridge. 10.2: Enter Corbett (1110’) and turn left (N) on River Rd.

The trail between Van Slyke Rd. (map mileage 7.1) and Middle Rd. (Access 4) has been closed due to a loss of permission of a private landowner.  From south to north simply continue north 0.5 mile on Van Slyke Rd. to Middle Rd., and turn right (east) on Middle Rd. for 0.2 mile until reaching the trailhead at the south end of the Erie County Forest. - Dave Potzler

At the request of a private landowner the Conservation Trail is closed from where Folts Rd. turns from north to east (present map mileage 3.5, which is NNE of Access 2) to Access 3 (mileage 5.1).  Northbound, from mileage 3.5, please follow Folts Rd. east, then Bolton Rd. north to Access 3. The Bunic Bivouac Area can still be accessed from Access 3 by heading west 0.3 mile from Access 3 on Bolton Rd. - Dave Potzler

Due to loss of a landowner permission the Conservation Trail has been rerouted just north of Access 2 on CT5. Hiking south to north existing trail turns left (north) off of Folts Rd. at Access 2. In 0.3 mile the new trail turns right (east) from existing trail to reach Folts Rd. in 0.3 mile where it turns left (north) on Folts Rd. for 0.3 mile. Where Folts Rd. turns right (east) the new trail heads northwest for 0.3 mile to join existing trail. The reroute is finished and blazed orange. Map CT5 has been updated with a revision date of 7/10. - Dave Potzler

Northbound at mileage point 4.1 (0.6 miles north of Folts Rd.) there is a new gas pipeline. Turn right on the pipeline road and head east on it 400 feet, then leave on the left (north) following the usual orange blazes. Map CT5 has been updated with a revision date of 7/10. - Joe Dabes

The trail has been rerouted between Access 2 (Matteson Corners Rd.) and Access 3 (Warner Gulf Rd.) From Access 2 follow existing trail north for 0.8 mile, then turn right (east) following new orange-blazed trail. Beware of orange plastic reflective blazes in this area (used for a snowmobile trail); follow the orange paint blazes. Follow the new trail 0.8 mile to Warner Gulf Rd. Turn left (north) on Warner Gulf Rd. for 0.8 mile to Access 3. Turn right (east) leaving Warner Gulf Rd. on existing trail. - Dave Potzler

The trail has been rerouted at Reynolds Rd. From south to north the back of map now reads:

8.9     Access 5  Reynolds Rd. (limited shoulder parking). Turn left (west) along road.

9.2     Right (north) up east side of hedgerow that turns into a farm lane.

9.6     Cross old rail bed and follow heavily used farm lane. Lane is first in woods and then through cultivated fields. In 0.5 mi. reach farm house and Etzold Rd. Continue north on road. - Joe Dabes

A new lean-to has been built at the bivouac site by the beaver pond between Ontario County Park and Access 2.  Called the Beaver Pond Lean-to, the shelter was built as an eagle scout project in part to honor the memory of longtime scout and FLT trail sponsor, Peter Bushnell.  Coming south from Ontario County Park, follow the blue blazes, cross a new bridge, and find the rebuilt picnic table and stone fire pit.  (Reliably running stream.)  Privy nearby. Going back to the main trail, turn left crossing another new bridge heading toward the register box and the beaver pond. Then there are several amazing raised walkways before you arrive at Ct. Rt. 33. - Tom and Donna Noteware, Lynda Rummel

The section of Bristol Hills Trail from Access 4 (Seman Rd.) to Access 5 (Naples) that had been closed because of logging is now open. A reroute around the logged area has been built.  This reroute starts 1.9 miles south of Access 4 and continues for 0.5 mile.  The total length of the trail remains essentially the same. - Tom & Donna Noteware

New Outback Inn Open.  Thanks to Otetiana Council Troop 37, a new lean-to has been built near the old Outback Inn site on Italy Hill and a new wilderness privy has been installed on the opposite side of the trail.  Note:  The fire ring has been placed off to the side of the new lean-to, next to a new picnic table. The troop is in the process of finishing the grounds, demolishing the old Outback Inn and outhouse, and arranging for unburiable and unburnable materials to be removed.  The new Outback Inn has already seen many dayhikers (there is at least one geocache hidden nearby) and overnight campers.  The lean-to, privy and grounds may be used by anyone who is willing to keep the area clean.  Please remember to take your trash and garbage out with you and cook and store your food in canisters outside the lean-to.  Please note that the state forest lands in the vacinity are hunted heavily, so wear blaze orange and take other appropriate precautions if you are hiking during hunting seasons.  - Lynda Rummel, Tom and Donna Noteware

NOTICE:  Old (abandoned) Dunn Rd. and the old Bristol Hills Branch (BHB) route south from the Outback Inn on old Dunn Rd. are closed to all uses by the public, except where they cross public lands.  Years ago, the BHB trail used to follow parts of abandoned Dunn Rd. south from near the Outback Inn to the parking lot at the north end of drivable Dunn Rd.  Years ago, the trail was relocated to run east from the Outback Inn and then south along the east side of abandoned Pulver Rd. to the parking lot at the north end of drivable Pulver Rd., and then proceed southwest across state land to old Dunn Rd. where the trail turns south.  Please do NOT follow old FLTC maps that show the old route marked with triangles or explore off the current trail onto private lands.  Much of old (abandoned) Dunn Rd. is under private ownership.  Private property boundary lines have been recently posted, making it clear that old abandoned Dunn Rd. and the private properties around it are off limits.  Landowners have been dismayed recently by hunters and geocachers trespassing onto their lands.  - Lynda Rummel, Tom and Donna Noteware

On map B3 (at mileage 9.8 to 10.5) there is a 0.7 mile long reroute from the the junction of Two Rod and Hungry Hollow Roads (latter formerly signed Dineharts) to just east of Granma's Campsite. From north to south: From the junction of Two Rod and Hungry Hollow Roads proceed westward uphill on Hungry Hollow Road. Soon after passing state forest boundary on the left, turn left off road entering Pigtail Hollow State Forest. Proceed generally southwest to join existing trail just east of Granma's Campsite. The new trail avoids a long fall hunting closure and eliminates the old route's sodden wet hillside and steep gully crossing, way more pleasant and easy. - Irene Szabo

A new 6.7 mile section of the Crystal Hills Trail is now open. The new trail goes south from the trailhead on Wixon Rd (south of Meads Creek State Forest). It then crosses Watson Homestead and West Hill State Forest and ends on Rogers Rd. The unblazed road walk south follows West Hill Rd into the village of Painted Post, to a new map endpoint at Kinsella Park. The map has been updated with a revision date of 9/10.

  - Don McClimans

The northern endpoint of the map has changed to be Kinsella Park, just west of the village of Painted Post. The map has been updated with a revision date of 9/10. - Don McClimans

A new 4.0 mile section of the Crystal Hills Trail is now open. The new trail starts from where the blazing previously stopped at the corner of Maple St. and Ames St in Addison. Hike north from there through cemetery, tree farm, and woods. The trail leaves the woods and returns to roadwalk at Mose Rd. just west of Beeman Hollow Rd. There are also two new short spur trails, one to a waterfall and the other down to parking on NY 417. The map has ben updated with a revision date of 8/10.

  - Don McClimans

The former Herlihy Spur is being converted to a 3.1-mile Fellows Hill Loop. The northern Herlihy Rd. road walk is being eliminated and a loop is being created by using the remote section of Herlihy Rd. south of the abandoned road section. It is hoped that eventually the trail will be taken off this road. I hiked this loop GPSing it a month ago and it is beautiful trail! - Joe Dabes

The new 5.5-mile Skyline Trail is under construction from near Tinker Falls west to Heiberg Memorial Forest. This trail goes past the interesting boardwalk at the north end of Labrador Pond in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area. West of Labrador Pond the trail is still under development and is marked with orange flagging tape and has not been cleared in much of this section. - Joe Dabes

A recent FLTC Alley Cat Crew has considerably improved the trail near Tinker Falls (~mileage 17) with switchbacks and sets of stairs.  This adds 0.3 miles to the total distance on this map.  The map has been updated and given a revision date of 8/10. The change to the front of the map is slight and the back of the map in the vicinity now reads:

17.8  Descend on stairs to Tinker Falls rim (1400'); scenic gorge, overhanging ledge. Stairs and switchbacks behind you were constructed in 2010 by an FLTC Alley Cat Crew. After crossing stream climb on switchbacks installed in 2009.    17.9  Main trail turns right. Straight on orange-blazed access trail takes you steeply downhill 0.3 mile to NY 91 parking area near the base of Tinker Falls. - Tony Rodriguez and Joe Dabes

New trail (0.9 mi.) has been constructed between Stanton Rd. going east to Tromp Rd. and now it is extended to Fairbanks Rd. - Mary Coffin