The central section of the Finger Lakes Trail begins near the Vinehurst Motel off NY 54 near Hammondsport, NY.  The trail winds through numerous state forests, three state parks and one national forest.  The trail also crosses through many lands of private landowners.  It is due to the generosity of these land owners that we have the privilege to hike through their property. Please stay on the trail while on private property. If the map doesn't match the blazes, use the blazes or even flags.  There may have been an update that we are unaware of.

The North Country Trail coincides with the FLT up to its split in Cuyler State Forest.  There are numerous great sections of the trail for hikers to explore.  There's the fire tower in Sugar Hill State Forest and at Berry Hill near Bowman Lake State Park.  The views from Finger Lakes National Forest, among many other scenic vistas.  The trail within Watkins Glen State Park is called by many as one of the best sections of trail in New York.  The central section ends in Bainbridge and the crossing of the Susquehanna River.

Below are links to maps and trail descriptions to the central sections of the Finger Lakes Trail.  These are designed to assist in planning your hike. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference website has up to date trail conditions as well as hiking maps you can purchase from them.

Central Section of the Finger Lakes Trail

Mount Washington	Birdseye Hollow State Forest	South Bradford State Forest
Goundry Hill State Forest	Sugar Hill State Forest	Watkins Glen State Park
Finger Lakes National Forest	Texas Hollow State Forest	Connecticut Hill WMA
Robert Tremen State Park	Sweedler Nature Preserve	Danby State Forest
Shindagin State Forest	Potato Hill State Forest	Hammond Hill State Forest
Kennedy State Forest	Tuller Hill State Forest	Hoxie Gorge State Forest
Baker School House State Forest	Taylor Valley State Forest	Cuyler Hill State Forest
Mariposa State Forest	Bucks Brook State Forest	Otselic State Forest
Pharsalia WMA	Pharsalia Woods State Forest	McDonough State Forest & Bowman State Park
Ludlow Creek State Forest	Bowman Creek Section	Bear Brook Section
Basswood & Wiley Brook State Forest	Bainbridge	Finger Lakes Trail Eastern/Catskills Section

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Are you planning a backpacking trip?  Check out any of these books to help you prepare:

• Backpacker's Field Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills

• The Backpacker's Handbook

• Trailside Guide: Hiking and Backpacking

• Trail Food: Drying and Cooking Food for Backpacking

• Fork in the Trail: Mouthwatering Meals and Tempting Treats for the Backcountry

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Paradise Garden Lean To in Mariposa State Forest