This section of the North Country Trail begins as the trail leaves Cowles Settlement Road (follow the blue blazes) and enters the very popular Highland Forest County Park.  Highland Forest County Park has over twenty miles of well maintained hiking trails, as well as the North Country Trail.  It's worth the time to explore the park and there are numerous opportunities for short, medium or longer length loop hikes within the park.  We highlight a four mile loop hike called the Arab Hill Loop on our website that is just an example of the many loop choices you have.

As the North Country Trail winds into the heart of this large county park, you will cross old woods roads as well as follow some old woods road.  At a stream crossing the North Country Trail meets and joins the main park trail.  Soon you will cross a stream on a bridge before reaching a day shelter with a picnic table.  This is a perfect place to relax before beginning a short climb.  The trail turns left at the junction of the park nature trail and soon will reach a bench along the trail.  Reach a large parking area and kiosk, then the trail crosses the main park road and briefly follows a park road as it passes some of the park buildings.

The trail veers left off the park road and begins its final push toward the main park building, the Skyline Lodge.  This is the main parking area for the park.  At the lodge there are flush toilets, vending machines as well as park trail maps available.  On the left side of the building is a surprising view of the area.  The North Country Trail skirts the right side of the building in a field before entering the woods.  The NCT is still following the main park trail, but soon the main park trail veers left as the North Country Trail turns right.

Soon cross Limestone Trail and ascend.  In another 0.5 mile the main park trail joins as the NCT veers right.  In just 0.2 mile the North Country Trail turns sharply left at a double blaze, leaving the main park trail for the last time and soon passes under power lines.  There is a trail register before the North Country Trail leaves Highland Forest County Park and enters private property.  Now the trail begins a descent along switchbacks toward West Lake Road and Deruyter Lake.  This also marks the end of this 4.8 mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.  Share

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DIRECTIONS:  From Fabius, NY 80 East, then turn right on Vincent Corners Rd.  At the 4-way intersection turn left on Cowles Settlement Rd.  As you come to a sharp right bend in the road there is a small pull off.  Park here and you will see the FLT/NCT sign heading into the woods.  This hike is a 4.81 mile ONE WAY hike.  I would recommend that you have a second vehicle either at the Cowles Settlement Rd trailhead or the West Lake Rd trailhead.  Starting at West Lake Rd creates an ascent of nearly 600 feet in only one mile.

 

Winter Creek Crossing North Country Trail crossing small creek in Highland Forest County Park.	Highland Forest County Park Near the kiosk at the parking area.	Blue blazes Scrappy sees the blue blazes of the North Country Trail in Highland Forest County Park.	Lodge view View from the Skyline Lodge in Highland Forest County Park.	Deruyter Lake View from along the North Country Trail near the West Lake Rd Trailhead.