Hike Details 

Join us at the Yellow Barn State Forest to explore a popular local area for cross country skiing on ungroomed trails.  For this hike, we will include the popular lollipop loop.    The Yellow Barn State Forest usually gets and retains more snow because of its higher elevation.     Therefore, you may find snow at Yellow Barn in the winter months when there is no snow in lower elevations.   Many of the trails are beginner-friendly for skiers but you will find a variety of trails to ski.   Yellow Barn State Forest covers 1,289 areas and is also used for snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  

This will be an out-and-back easy and relaxed-paced hike with a loop at the far end for a total of about 3 - 4 miles.     Be prepared to walk/hike about 3 - 4 miles with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers for the weather and bring a snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.   

Parking available at the snowplow turn-around and along the road nearby.   Please pay attention to parking signs and private property.    If you will have trouble navigating to the trailhead, contact the hike leader at the email address above. 

Optional - Download the Geo PDF and the Avenza App as we will use this to plan and track our route. Download the PDF to your phone.

• Map: Yellow Barn State Forest Map (GeoPDF)

•  GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

• Follow the instructions for downloading the Avenza App

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hammond Hill has about 20 miles of multi-use trails. It is popular for ungroomed cross-country skiing that is relatively close to Ithaca and Dryden.  The higher elevation results in significantly more snow than in downtown Ithaca.  Most of the trails are rolling hills and may not be suitable for beginner skiers. This hike will leave from the main parking lot on Hammond Hill Road.  Based on the group consensus, we will look at the map and plan a 3.5 to - 5 mile hike. The goal of the hike is to orient the group to the trails that are particularly suited to cross-country skiing as well as some navigation tips to avoid getting lost.

If you are unsure on how to find the trailhead meeting location, please contact the hike leader before 9 AM of the day of the hike.  

Optional - Download the Geo PDF and the Avenza App as we will use this to plan and track our route. Download the PDF to your phone.

• Map: Hammond Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) 

• GeoPDF Instructions 

• Follow the instructions for downloading the Avenza App.

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

Come explore the cross country ski trails (ungroomed) in this state forest located near Newark Valley in eastern Tioga County.   Oakley Corners State Forest encompasses about 1,160 acres with two ponds popular for fishing, camping, boating and wildlife habitat.   About 15 miles of multiple use trails available for many kinds of activities including mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.    The trails are suitable for all levels of skiers depending on the snow cover.   The purpose of this hike is to become familiar with the ski trail system on the south side of the forest.     

For today's hike, we plan to explore both sides of the Forest.  

Be prepared to walk/hike about 2.5 to 3  hours with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Options available for a choice of a shorter or longer hike depending on preference.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring lunch/snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.     Cell service may be limited so contact hike leader(s) if any questions before 11 AM on day of hike.    

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.