History

After the Revolutionary War, the land that is now the Sweedler Nature Preserve was cleared and used for agriculture. The farms in the area were later abandoned, leaving the land to recover and eventually return to forest. Since the 1800's, Lick Brook has been a favorite picnic and hiking spot. In 1993, the Finger Lakes Land Trust purchased Lick Brook from Moss and Kristin Sweedler. Today, thanks to the Sweedlers and contributing members, the Land Trust owns this "Lost Gorge" to protect its unique and largely undisturbed woodland from future development.

Natural History

Lick Brook's 128 acres provide excellent examples of the area's geologic history and ecological systems. During the last ice age, glaciers thousands of feet thick covered much of northern North America. The ice scoured the land, sculpting the beautiful topography of the Finger Lakes Region.

Much of the Sweedler Preserve is covered by stands of Eastern Hemlock and White Pine, but many varieties of trees and shrubs thrive here, including familiar oak and maple as well as the less common cucumber magnolia. In the autumn, Lick Brook becomes part of a colorful tapestry that blankets the region in red, yellow and orange. The steep topography of the preserve dictates the downward flow of soil nutrients, which collect in the forest and meadows at the base of the slope. This produces a tremendous springtime wildflower display. Among the flowers that cover the forest floor are Wild Geranium, Dutchman's Breeches, and the aptly named Spring Beauty.

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Finger Lakes Trail - North Country Trail

The Finger LakesTrail / North Country Trail enters Sweedler Nature Preserve from the west near the parking area off NY 13/38/96.  The trail crosses Cayuga Inlet and soon enters the preserve.  The crossing at Cayuga Inlet is the lowest point of the Finger Lakes Trail in all of New York state at 430 feet.  After crossing Lick Brook there is a side trail that leads to the waterfalls.  There is also a blue blazed trail that steeply leads up the gorge.  Following the FLT/NCT, the trail ascends at a better grade and passes an unnamed waterfall.

This section of the trail is one of the most popular in New York.  It climbs over 1000 feet from Cayuga Inlet on it's way to Danby State Forest.  The trail reaches Townline Road and leaves Sweedler Preserve as the trail turns right, following the road.  The orange blazed trail ahead travels 1.9 miles to Buttermilk Falls State Park.  This spur trail is closed for hunting from Oct 13-Dec15.  Please respect the landowners request and stay off the trail during these dates. Remember that it's the generosity of these landowners that allows the trail to continue through these private lands.

As you walk along Townline Road, at times you'll have nice views to your right.  The trail leaves Townline Road on an abandoned section of the road near the corner of Layden Road.  You are still on private property.  After crossing Hilltop Road, there are impressive views of Inlet Valley to your right and soon in front of you.

The trail reaches Bruce Hill Road and due to a recent trail closure by a landowner, the trail is now a road walk from this point to Danby State Forest. 

DIRECTIONS - From Ithaca, NY 13/34/96 south past Buttermilk Falls State Park and NY 327.  The parking area is off NY 34/96 at the NY 13 split on the left side.

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Pictures from along the trail

Sweedler Preserve FLT Trailhead at Town Line Rd.	Waterfalls One of the many waterfalls along Lick Brook.	Lick Brook View from the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail.	Danger Sign along FLT near the top of the High Falls of Lick Brook.	More waterfalls Finger Lakes Trail along Lick Brook.
Waterfall Another waterfall as the FLT heads away from Lick Brook. This waterfall is not from Lick Brook, but another smaller stream.	Ridge The FLT/NCT follows a ridge in the Sweedler Preserve section.	High Falls The High Falls of Lick Brook.	Railroad Bridge The railroad bridge over Cayuga Inlet along the FLT.	FLT Parking Area The FLT Parking Area along Enfield Creek, near the NY 13/NY 34/NY 96 split.