This 4.2 mile loop hike in Taylor Valley State Forest features Mount Roderick, winter views of Taylor Valley, old foundations and an old grave site. The hike features 2.2 miles of the Finger Lakes Trail/North Country Trail as well as two miles of a seasonal dirt road. This easy to moderate hike has an elevation gain of 350 feet.

You will need to drive about 0.5 miles along a seasonal dirt road to reach the trailhead. For those who would like to hike this in the winter or do not want to drive on a dirt road, could start their hike from Telephone Road and a bus turnaround. Utilizing the white blazed Finger Lakes Trail/North Country Trail (about 250 feet east of the parking area), you'll add another 1.4 miles to your hike. See info on the Finger Lakes Trail/North Country Trail on the Taylor Valley State Forest section page. 

Directions:  From McGraw, NY - Follow NY 41 South to the small town of Solon. Turn left onto Telephone Rd (NY 41 veers right, Telephone is almost straight). Take first left (little over a mile) and then another quick left onto a seasonal dirt road. This is a Cortland 2 Road and is not plowed. After a half mile you will see where the FLT/NCT crosses the road. Park on the left shoulder.

FLT/NCT on Mount Roderick

Mile	Elevation	Description
0.0	1710 ft	Continue down the dirt Cortland Two Rd.
0.8	1787 ft	Cross old dirt (grassy) road, continue straight.
1.1	1698 ft	Cross stream on bridge.
2.0	1806 ft	Reach the white blazed Finger Lakes/North Country Trail and turn right on trail.
2.1	1809 ft	Some winter views on your left for next mile.
3.1	1804 ft	Trail register on left.
3.6	1900 ft	Reach top of Mount Roderick.
3.9	1845 ft	Begin steep descent to Cortland Two Road.
4.2	1710 ft	Reach dirt Cortland Two Road and end of this loop hike.

Sudden snow storm on the FLT/NCT near Mount Roderick in the Taylor Valley State Forest.  Picture taken at 2:45pm.