FLT - Finger Lakes National Forest

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Finger Lakes Trail

North Country Trail

Excelsior Glen

Finger Lakes National Forest

This 10.5 mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail has it all. A walk next to one of the Finger Lakes (Seneca Lake). A walk through a scenic glen (Excelsior Glen) with waterfalls. A walk along an old railroad. A walk through a National Forest. And it even throws in some views. Get out and explore this great section of the FLT/NCT.
This section of the trail begins as the trail turns off NY 414 in Watkins Glen after the canal bridge into Clute Park. The trail follows near Seneca Lake in the park before coming back to NY 414. The trail crosses NY 414 and heads into scenic Excelsior Glen and its waterfalls.
The trail crosses Excelsior Creek, which can be a slippery crossing. Take care on this stream crossing. Soon reach dirt Jolly Road, which begins a 3.2 mile road walk to Burdett. The trail reaches "Twin Tunnels" and enters private property along a private road. This section of the trail on private property to Finger Lakes National Forest is CLOSED during hunting season from May 1 - 31 and Oct 12 - Dec 17. Please respect the landowners request and stay off the trail during these dates.
The trail briefly follows the old Lehigh Valley Railroad before it enters woods and then enters an abandoned vineyard. The trail enters Finger Lakes National Forest, passes a trail register before crossing Satterly Road. There are great views here. The trail leaves the national forest briefly before crossing Logan Road and reentering Finger Lakes National Forest.
The trail climbs along a stream, passing the South Slope Trail and turning toward Burnt Hill Road. The trail crosses the dirt road and reaches the Interloken Trail. The trail passes the Dunham Lean To on the left which has a large camping area, fire pits, outhouse and even some views.
The trail reaches the parking area at Burnt Hill Road and the end of this scenic 10.5 mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail. This stretch of the FLT/NCT is featured on map M15 from the FLTC.

Mile	Elevation	Trail Description
0.0	447 ft	Trail turns left off NY 414 after canal bridge and enters Clute Park.
0.4	448 ft	Trail leaves park, follows NY 414 across bridge then follows along left side of road.
0.55	451 ft	Junction of the orange blazed Queen Catherine Marsh Loop Trail on right along with Cass Road.
0.8	491 ft	Trail leaves NY 414 and heads east along right side of Excelsior Glen. Soon Trail register. Some views through trees of Seneca Lake and then waterfalls. Unofficial side trails lead to better views (at your own risk). Ascend at times steeply.
1.3	854 ft	Cross Excelsior Creek.
1.8	877 ft	Trail turns left on Jolly Road and follows road downhill.
2.2	688 ft	Cross NY 79.
2.3	634 ft	Trail turns right on Middle Road and follows road.
4.2	993 ft	Trail turns left on NY 79 and follows road. Village of Burdett.
4.4	978 ft	Four corners. Straight on Willow Street.
5.0	945 ft	Twin Tunnels. Trail turns left off road and follows private road. This section of trail is closed for hunting from May 1-31 and Oct 12 - Dec 17 from here to the National Forest Boundary.
5.1	937 ft	Trail turns right and heads toward old railroad bed.
5.2	985 ft	Trail reaches and turns left on old railroad bed.
5.8	987 ft	Trail turns right off old railroad bed. Begin to ascend.
6.1	1206 ft	Trail turns left and goes through abandoned vineyards.
6.3	1287 ft	Entering Finger Lakes National Forest.
6.5	1323 ft	Trail turns right.
6.7	1387 ft	Trail crosses dirt Satterly Hill Road. Views.
7.6	1073 ft	Cross creek on bridge and enter private property.
8.1	1161 ft	Cross Logan Road (County Route 4) and enter Finger Lakes National Forest. Parking.
8.8	1528 ft	South Slope Trail on your left.
9.1	1526 ft	Cross small stream.
9.3	1612 ft	Reach dirt Burnt Hill Road. Turn right and follow road.
9.4	1604 ft	Trail turns left back into forest, pass kiosk.
9.5	1664 ft	Junction with Interloken Trail. Turn right.
9.6	1602 ft	Side trail on your left leads to Dunham Lean To and views.
10.1	1345 ft	Trail turns right. View.
10.5	1311 ft	Trail reaches Burnt Hill Road. Parking area. End of this section. For a continuation see Texas Hollow State Forest.

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