The FLTC announced in November 2009 of six miles of new trails built entirely on a private wildlife sanctuary located between Swain and Garwoods.  There are three separate trails: a yellow, blue and orange blazed trail.  Access to the trails are via the main Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail from either Monegan Road near Garwoods or Mill Street in Swain, except for an access to the blue blazed trail on Isaman Hill Road aka Monegan Road. 

Information on each of the Robinson Loop Trails:

Blue Blazed Trail (Main):  This 2.1 mile trail begins off the main FLT/NCT.  The main feature of the blue trail is the walk along the edges of open fields that offer panoramic views.  There are also walking in a new growth forest.  There is an elevation gain of 504 feet for this trail.  The blue trail coincides briefly with the orange trail.  You may want to drop a blanket and enjoy the views.

Blue Blazed Trail (Access):  This 0.2 mile trail is an access trail from Isaman Hill Road to the main Blue Trail at a great panoramic view point.

View at junction of access trail along blue trail

Orange Blazed Trail:  This 2.3 mile trail features a scenic walk along a stream and in a ravine.  You may even notice some old growth trees as you explore the forest.  The trail reaches a high point at 1832 feet and an elevation gain of 539 feet.  There are a few steep sections including a part on a steep slope with numerous switchbacks.  The trail work on the slope is worth exploring.  You'll see the hard work that went into building the trail. Main access is off the FLT/NCT near where the trail leaves the railroad bed briefly to skirt a ravine.

Small cascades along scenic stream on the orange trail

Yellow Blazed Trail (Main):  This 1.3 mile trail follows Canaseraga Creek with views of the creek at different points.  Access is off the FLT/NCT at two different points, at the gate for the sanctuary and near the trail regsiter.

Canaseraga Creek along the yellow trail

Yellow Blazed Trail (Access):  This short 0.1 mile trail starts where the FLT/NCT leaves the old railroad bed and descends to the main Yellow Trail at the old pipe for a culvert.

Old pipe along the yellow trail at the yellow access trail junction

Finger Lakes Trail / North Country Trail:  From Mill Street in Swain to Monegan Rd in Garwoods, the FLT/NCT follows an old railroad bed for 1.8 miles (except for a short period).

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Outer Loop Hike:  If your looking to explore this wonderful place, try the Outer Loop.  This six mile hike offers a taste of all that this privately owned wildlife sanctuary has to offer.  Ravines, scenic streams, young forests, old growth trees, open fields and panoramic views.

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Parking:  There is parking available just north of the Finger Lakes Trail access at Isaman Hill (Monegan) Rd.  The GPS coordinates for the parking area is N42 27.479 W77 50.407 if you'd like to input into your gps.  There is alternate parking on Mill Street in Swain (N42 28.677 W77 51.210).  The best parking for access to the loop trails is at the town turnaround on Isaman Hill Road.

Directions:  NY 70 to Garwoods.  County Route 15B to Monegan Road.  Drive to the town turnaround on the left.  The FLT/NCT comes out of driveway a short distance below parking area on other side.

Other places located in the area worth exploring include Ossian State Forest (campsites along pond for free camping), Rattlesnake Hill WMA, Stony Brook State Park, Letchworth State Park.