Want to join one of our hikes on the outing schedule? If you are not a member of the Onondaga Chapter and would like to join us, e-mail Outings Committee Lisa Druke at . Guests are welcome to join for 1 or 2 outings to see what we are all about – please contact us!
Note: DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer (New York) reference is copyright 2011 or later.
Walking Wednesday
Every Wednesday
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park and Ride [in front of Hobby Lobby]
Rating: (E-M)
Leaders: Mary Niemi 446-6725 and Bruce Holloway, (for info)
Every Wednesday some of our members take a hike of 3-6 miles on one of the many trails in CNY (including the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail!). The first Wednesday of each month during Spring, Summer and Fall is usually devoted to trail maintenance. The Wednesday hikers welcome new participants. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. Please call or email the leaders if you have questions.
9159 Sterling Nature Center
Sun, Nov 10 Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Sterling Nature Center
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 4-5 miles
Est Hike Time: ~2 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 45
Leader(s): Lisa Druke,
We’ll walk one of the least used trails, along the lake and to the rookery. If you haven’t been here in a while, you can visit the new nature center building. This past spring there were only 5 nests in the rookery. It won’t last much longer.
9160 Baltimore Woods
Sun, Nov 17 Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Baltimore Woods, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus (the large parking area at top of hill).
Hike Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, < 5 miles
Est Hike Time: ~2-4 hours
Map(s): web: baltimorewoods.org/visit/interpretive-center-trails
Leader(s): Theresa J. Evans, 315-414-0431,
Let’s take a late fall hike on these trails in Marcellus. This is a nature preserve under the Central New York Land Trust. We will hike a series of trails, which encompass some ups and downs in these woods. Speed will be moderate. Bring snacks/lunch/water. Note the trail conditions could be variable at this time. Leader suggests good hiking footwear and/or poles to navigate trails along with snowshoes or micro spikes as needed if early snowfall or icy trail conditions. Bring snacks, water too! Call or email leader for time of hike and trail conditions.
9161 Highland Forest Hike
Sat, Nov 23 Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 6 miles
Est Hike Time: ~4 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive: 40 miles
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2
Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,
We will hike the FLT/NCT trail from Cowles Settlement Rd to the Skyline Visitor Center in the park and return. Bring lunch and water.
9162 Green Lakes State Park
Sun, Dec 1 Contact Leader
Meeting Place:Green Lakes West Beach parking lot
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 5 miles
Est Hike Time: ~3 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, Green Lakes State Park Map
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, 315-447-4018,
We will hike the trails south and west of Round and Green lakes and work off the Thanksgiving feast! The terrain is hilly and conditions could be muddy so be prepared for variable conditions. The pace will be moderate. Bring water, lunch/snack. Contact leader if bad weather.
9163 Walking Wednesday
Every Wednesday 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Dewitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby)
Rating: Level 1 C, Easy, 4-5 miles, ~4-6 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive (miles): Less than 100 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61, DeLorme p. 77, FLT-O1, FLT-O2, FLT-M21
Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492, and Bruce Holloway, (for info).
Every Wednesday some of our members take a 3-6 mile hike on one of the many trails in CNY. The first Wednesday of each month during Spring, Summer and Fall is usually devoted to trail maintenance. The Wednesday hikes welcome new participants. Please bring lunch and sufficient water. Call or email the leaders if you have Wednesday free and would like to hike.
9164 Lights on the Lake
Mon, Dec 2
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Long Branch Park Onondaga Lake (at picnic area parking). We will also carpool from the east side. Contact Leaders to confirm meeting time(s) and place(s).
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, ~4 miles out-n-back
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2-3 hrs.
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, , Theresa Evans, 315-414-0431
We’ll walk along the shore to the Salt Museum while watching sundown across the lake and coming back marveling the Lights on the Lake.
9165 Camillus Forest Unique Area
Sat, Dec 7
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DEC parking area Thompson Rd., Camillus, NY (off Rte. 173)
Hike Level: Level 2 B+, Mod. Strenuous, 4 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 3 hours
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 60, Camillus Forest Unique Area trails
Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,
Enjoy the trails, views and old growth forest in this pretty area in the town of Camillus. Bring water & snacks. Enjoy the trails, views and old growth forest in this pretty area in the town of Camillus. Bring water & snacks. Depending on the weather it will be a boot hike or snowshoe.
9166 Moss Lake Snowshoe in Memory of Mary Coffin
Sun, Dec 8
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Canastota Exit 34
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, (A)
Outing Distance: 5 miles
Est hrs (excl. driving time): 3.5 hours
R/T drive: 180 miles
Map: Delorme p. 36, ADK West Central, ADK Nat Geo 745
Leader: Sandy Manca, , (315) 807-9442
Will there be snow? Mary often put the first snowshoe of the season on the schedule. She was optimistic and usually right. Join me on this snowshoe around Moss Lake with the option of hiking to Sis and Bubb Lakes. We will hike if there is a lack of snow. Bring lunch. Inclement weather call Leader, rain cancels.
9167 Great Bear Springs 10k Hike
Sun, Dec 15
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Great Bear Springs Recreation Area
Great Bear Rd, Fulton, NY 43.26571, -76.35188, intersection of Rt 57 and Great Bear Rd.
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy
Outing Distance: 6.6 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 3 hours
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p.46
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917,
We plan to complete Long Loop, described on Great Bear website as 10K: https://friendsofgreatbear.org/maps (to download 10k map). Gently rolling trail with arrows labeled 10K, which overlap numerous trails. Please RSVP to leader who will contact participants prior to hike regarding need for microspikes or snowshoes. Unlikely to be skiable. .
9168 Pratt’s Falls Winter Solstice Hike
Sat, Dec 21
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Pratt’s Falls County Park, Meet at the park entrance. 7671 Pratts Falls Rd, Manlius, NY
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 4 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2 hours
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, , 315-447-4018
Let’s celebrate the winter solstice with a hike at Pratt’s Falls. The small hills along the trail will keep us warm as we walk the parameter trail and visit the falls. Bring snack and water and dress in layers. Contact leader with any questions.
9169 Holiday Gathering – Land O’ Pines
Sun, Dec 29
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: 8644 Preston Hill Road, Camden
Directions: Land O’ Pines is on your right just past Preston Hill Gravel – black mailbox. Watch for the ADK signs.
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 2-3 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2 hrs
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 57
Leader(s): Peg Whaley 315-633-0154, Mary Dineen 315-424-1284
Join us for a chapter Holiday tradition at Land O’ Pines. Bring a snack to share and BYOD (bring your own drink). We will take a short walk (or snowshoe) then come back and sit by the fire and visit. PLEASE RSVP – bad weather will cancel.
9170 Stoney Pond Snowshoe
Sat, Jan 4
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Cazenovia Lake Parking Area on Rt. 20 (near Rt 92)
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 4-5 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 3.5 hours
R/T Drive: 20 miles approx.
Map: DeLorme p. 62
www.cnyhiking.com/StoneyPondStateForest.htm
Leader(s): Sandy Manca, , (315) 807-9442
Snowshoe to the lean-to overlooking the farm lands of Madison County in this “close to home” state forest. If there is a lack of snow, we will hike. Bring lunch. Rain cancels, if in doubt, call the leader to confirm.
9171 Snowshoe Onondaga Spur Trail Rt 13 to Shackham Rd S
Sun, Jan 5
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby) (to carpool)
Note: Look for black Subaru Outback
Hike Level: Level 2 B, Moderate, 7 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 4.5 hours (due to potential snowshoe travel)
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
R/T Drive (miles): 66 miles (including spotting cars at each end)
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917 ,
This is a point-to-point hike, walking the Onondaga Spur of the FLT from the Rt 13 DEC, Truxton parking lot to Shackham Rd S, Tully pull-off. There are a few steep sections. Be prepared with microspikes and snowshoes depending on conditions, along with usual winter travel 10 essentials. RSVP to trip leader 24 hrs prior to departure time so adequate transportation can be planned.
9172 Clark Reservation
Mon, Jan 6
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Clark Reservation
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 3-4 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2-3 Hrs
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, , Theresa Evans 315-414-0431,
We’ll pick a loop appropriate for the weather . Bring water and a snack.
9173 Nelson Swamp Unique Area Snowshoe
Sat, Jan 11
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Cazenovia Lake Parking Area on Rt 20 (near Rt 92).
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 4 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2 hours
Long Distance Trail: NCT100
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, 315-447-4018,
Join me for one of my favorite winter hikes. We will follow an old rail-trail south of Cazenovia and complete the walk with a side hike on the nature trail with an overlook of Chittenango Creek. The trail is concurrent with the North Country Trail (NCT100 Challenge 2025). Bring snow shoes (with 6 inches or more of snow), snacks, water, and dress in layers.
9174 Snowshoe Hoxie Gorge
Thu, Jan 16
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Contact Leader to confirm. Meet at Hoxie Gorge, option to carpool depending on member interest/availability.
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, ~7 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 4 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT
R/T Drive (miles): ~75 from Syracuse area
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 77, FLT-M20
Leader(s): Erin Potter, 607-372-1646,
Snowshoe (or winter hike if there isn’t enough snow!) about 6 miles of the FLT main trail through the beautiful Hoxie Gorge area. Car spotting will be needed for this traverse from Steve Russell Hill Rd to the Hoxie Gorge Lean-to and out to Hoxie Gorge Rd.
9175 Highland Forest Hike/Snowshoe
Sat, Jan 18
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby). Contact Leader if meeting us at 10:00AM at Skyline Lodge parking lot.
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 5 – 6 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 4 – 5 hrs.
R/T Drive (miles): 30 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 60, Highland Forest Trails
Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,
This will be a boot hike or snowshoe depending on the weather. We will hike the Highland Forest trails and check out the new trail markers. Bring snacks and water.
9176 Lime Hollow Nature Center Winter Solace Hike
Sat, Jan 25
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Green Hills Plaza (across from Green Hills parking lot)
Hike Level: Level 1 C, Easy, 3-4 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2-3 hours
R/T Drive (miles): 65 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61, www.limehollow.org
Leader(s): Theresa & Jay Evans at 315-414-0431 or
Come join us for a walk at this nature center in Cortland. Bring snacks/lunch, water as we meander various trails. The pace will match the group’s desire. Snowshoes or microspikes may be needed dependent on the conditions.
9177 Fellows Hill Loop Snowshoe/Hike
Sat, Feb 1
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: DeWitt Wegmans Park-n-Ride (in front of Hobby Lobby). Contact Leader if meeting at 10:00AM at the Herlihy Rd. snowplow turnaround
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 5 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 3 hrs.
Long Distance Trail: FLT
R/T Drive (miles): 50 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 60, DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Mary Niemi, 315-751-7492,
Depending on the weather, this will be a boot hike or a snowshoe. We will begin with a heart pumping climb up the hill and follow this beautiful loop trail. Bring snacks and water.
9178 Green Lakes State Park
Mon, Feb 3
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: GL – West Beach Parking
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 3-5 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 2-3 hrs
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 61
Leader(s): Sigi Schwinge, , Theresa Evans 315-414-0431,
We’ll pick a loop appropriate for the weather . Bring water and a snack.
9179 Moxham Mountain
Sun, Feb 9
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Contact Leader
Hike Level: Level 2 B, Moderate, 5.4 miles, (A)
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 4.5 hours
R/T Drive (miles): 300 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 38, Nat’l Geo 744
Leader(s): Lisa Druke, 315-447-4018,
Last year, the weather did not cooperate for this snowshoe. Hoping for some snow this year. The trail to Moxham Mt. was constructed in 2012 and has many scenic views including nice views from the 2418’ summit. In the future, the trail will become part of the North Country National Scenic trail. Dress in layers and be prepared for variable weather conditions. Bring water, lunch and a hot drink. Contact leader for an update on conditions and gear requirements.
9180 Rob’s Trail Preserve Traverse
Sat, Feb 15
Meeting Time/Place: Contact Leader
Hike Level: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 3-5 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 3-4 hours
R/T Drive (miles): ~190 miles
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p.58, www.nature.org
Leader(s): Theresa & Jay Evans at or 315-414-0431
Rob’s Trail Preserve is located on Bald Hill Rd, Springwater, NY 14560, and allows access to 2 undeveloped Finger Lakes (Hemlock and Canadice Lakes). We will be hiking the Hemlock Trail (to its shoreline and back to the parking area is 3 miles) which descends to the shore of Hemlock Lake. The return will be an upward climb. If snow/trail conditions are amenable, we can look for the Connector Trail (.25) to hike the Loop Trail (1.75). Bring hike poles, snowshoes/microspikes, snacks/lunch, water, and an exploratory spirit; the area is noted as a comeback locale for the Bald Eagle, who nest at the south end of Hemlock Lake. The trails, distance, and speed of hike will depend on the group. An end of hike option is to drive north to Pittsford, NY, to have a wonderful meal at Aladdin’s Natural Eatery (about 40 miles north of the trailhead). It’s an easy return home via the NYS Thruway. Hope folks will join us.
9181 Hike The Stone Valley Loop Trail on the Raquette River
Sun, Feb 16
Meeting Time: Contact Leader
Meeting Place: Camping World (old Gander RV) (Cicero) (to carpool). RSVP to trip leader is required 24 hours prior to departure to ensure enough drivers for group size.
Hike Level: Level 2 B, Moderate, 7.8 miles
Est. hrs (excl. driving time): 4-6 hours, Higher difficulty level was noted due to possible icy conditions on steep portions of trail.
R/T Drive (miles): 266 miles (~2.5 hr drive one way)
Map Reference(s): DeLorme p. 100
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell, 315-427-3917 ,
The Stone Valley Trail offers great opportunities for waterfall viewing along the 7.8 mile loop which parallels the Raquette River, including the dramatic 1.5 mile stretch below the dam in Colton, NY. Multiple iconic North Country waterfalls, including “The Tubbs,” are located along the trail, along with informational kiosks describing the natural surroundings and history of the Raquette River.
Note: While the scenery is dramatic, care must be taken to navigate ice and snow. Microspikes, snowshoes and trekking poles, along with the usual weather appropriate clothing, water, lunch and snacks are necessary for this outing.