Hiking through Pharsalia WMA along the Finger Lakes Trail will have you wondering what you'll see next.  This section has a little bit of everything.  As you hike from Stage Road on private property the views from along a field are surprising.  Then soon after you enter the WMA, after crossing a stream and some steep climbing at times, your treated with the "Waterfalls of Pharsalia" (if not dry).

After some tough hiking during the first part of this section, the trail soon levels out, crosses a couple of seasonal roads and takes you by the first of two ponds by the trail.  The first pond (Johnson Pond) is the larger of the two and is a popular fishing spot.  You'll see some camping spots along the eastern shore of the pond.  This is a great spot to take a break.

Part of the 'Waterfalls of Pharsalia' along the FLT (picture courtesy of Kirk Doyle)

You'll pass the remnants of an old CCC camp before passing the second pond, which is reminiscent of ponds in the Adirondacks.  Now your following a scenic stream before turning away and heading toward Grover Brown Road and the end of this section. 

The Perkins Pond Lean To is located just off the trail along a blue blazed trail north of Church Hill Road.  The lean to is actually in Perkins Pond State Forest.  Look below for pictures, map, detailed description and videos of this section of trail.

NOTE: At the bridge over Lower Pond, just east of Elmer Jackson Road. the NYS DEC has posted a sign at a bridge that says "Trail Closed." Actually the trail is open; it is the bridge that is closed awaiting assessment of damage to it. On the east side of the bridge there is a narrow deep washout that may not be visible from the bridge.

This narrow washout can be stepped over, but would be dangerous to step into. To bypass this section of trail (from west to east) proceed south on Elmer Jackson Rd. for about a mile, then east on One Eye St. for another mile to rejoin the trail at Stewart Rd. in North Pharsalia.

While in the area check out Alice's Dowry Bed & Breakfast in Cincinnatus.  It's conveniently located for those looking to hike the Finger Lakes Trail.

Pictures from along the Finger Lakes Trail

Bridge on FLT Scrappy on a bridge in the Pharsalia WMA on the Finger Lakes Trail on 7/8/07.	White Blazes Follow the White Blazes.	Cutting Hay Farmer cutting hay along the Finger Lakes Trail near South Otselic, NY on 7/8/07.	Trailhead Looking south from Stage Road near South Otselic, NY.	View View from the field along the Finger Lakes Trail on 7/8/07, just north of Pharsalia WMA.
Dry waterfalls The "Waterfalls of Pharsalia" can be dry during the summer.	Beaver Pond Near the FLT in Pharsalia WMA.	Canastawacta Creek Along the FLT in Pharsalia WMA.	Lower Pond Along the FLT in Pharsalia WMA.	Trailhead Along the FLT at Lower Pond in Pharsalia WMA.
Kiosk Along the FLT on Elmer Jackson Road, near Lower Pond in Pharsalia WMA.	Finger Lakes Trail Along the FLT in Pharsalia WMA.	Perkins Pond Lean To Located off the main Finger Lakes Trail.	Church Hill Road Where the trail crosses the road.	Johnson Street The FLT at Johnson Street
Johnson Street Looking east from where the FLT crosses road.	Old CCC camp Remnants of the old camp	Apple Trees Old apple orchard just off the trail	John Smith Road Looking down road where FLT crosses	Johnson Pond View from the dam
Old stone wall FLT crossing an old stone wall	Trail register near Johnson Street	Lower Pond Dam Waterfalls at the Lower Pond Dam and FLT bridge.	Kiosk Kiosk at Lower Pond	Wild Flowers Blooming next to the trail
Field view From near Stage Rd	Stream crossing On private property	Stream Crossing In Pharsalia WMA	Waterfalls The "Waterfalls of Pharsalia"	Waterfalls The "Waterfalls of Pharsalia"

Mile	Elevation	Description
0.0	1797 ft	Trail crosses Will Warner Road (parking) - following WHITE BLAZES
0.8	1563 ft	Cross Stage Road (parking).  Follow edge of field.  Views
1.1	1561 ft	Enter woods and soon a Trail register (on wrong side of tree)
1.2	1663 ft	Enter Pharsalia WMA
1.8	1820 ft	The "Waterfalls of Pharsalia" are along the trail on your right
2.1	1875 ft	Cross dirt Church Hill Road (parking)
2.2	1893 ft	Trail register
2.5	1904 ft	Blue blazed trail on right goes 0.4 mile to Perkins Pond Lean-To
3.3	1964 ft	Cross dirt Johnson Street (parking)
4.1	1896 ft	Johnson Pond
4.4	1917 ft	Cross John Smith Road (parking)
5.3	1780 ft	Right on Elmer Jackson Rd
5.4	1786 ft	Left off road and cross bridge next to pond
6.1	1721 ft	Blue blazed trail on left goes 0.1 mile to Bear Wallow Rd
6.4	1738 ft	Blue blazed trail on left goes 0.2 mile to Beaver Pond
6.9	1822 ft	Reach Grover Brown Rd and leave Pharsalia WMA.

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