Starting from Star Stanton Road, we’ll explore Y1 and Y2, and possibly part of Y4, depending on time and trail conditions. These trails are typically less crowded than some of Hammond Hill’s more familiar routes and offer gentler terrain for those looking for an easier introduction to skiing at Hammond Hill.

This is a great opportunity to learn the trails on foot before the snow flies, see how they connect, and perhaps discover a new favorite winter route.

Starting Point: Star Stanton Road snowplow turnaround — use the second turnaround, just past the house.

Parking: Parking is limited. Please park carefully along the edge of the road and do not block the turnaround.

📧 More details will be shared on the CNSC email list closer to the hike.

The South Trails offer a nice variety of scenery, passing through open meadow, evergreen plantations, and mature forest. As we explore, we’ll get a feel for the terrain, learn how the trails connect, and enjoy a relaxed fall hike through this beautiful Finger Lakes Land Trust preserve.

Depending on our route and time, we may also explore toward Six Mile Creek, with its hemlock-lined gorge, small waterfalls, and pools.

This is a great opportunity for newer skiers — or anyone looking for gentler local terrain — to learn the trails on foot before the snow flies. 🍂🥾

More about the preserve:
Finger Lakes Land Trust – Roy H. Park Preserve

Kennedy State Forest offers an extensive network of forest roads and trails, with plenty of options for putting together different ski routes. We’ll hike approximately 5 miles, exploring some of the terrain and trail connections while getting a better feel for this local winter destination before the snow flies.

Expect variable terrain.   Wear suitable footwear and bring hydration/snacks.  

This is also a great opportunity for members of the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club and Triple Cities Hiking Club to get together, enjoy a late-season hike, and exchange ideas about favorite trails and winter outings. 🍂🥾

📣 Final Destination for our Tug Hill Ski Day 

The final destination will be determined by 7:00 PM the night before or earlier and announced through the CNSC Google Group.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to the Google Group so you receive the final destination, current trail information, and any last-minute updates.

Plan to arrive around 10:00 AM or shortly after and enjoy a full day on the trails. We expect to ski until approximately 3:30–4:00 PM. Ski as much or as little as you’d like and enjoy a day exploring the Tug Hill snowbelt with fellow club members.

A trail fee is required at either ski area. Ski rentals may also be available for those who need equipment; check with the ski area in advance for current rental availability and rates.

🚗 Need a Ride? Have Room in Your Car?

Transportation is on your own, but carpooling is encouraged!

Use the CNSC Google Group to let others know if you’re looking for a ride or have room for additional skiers. Post where you’ll be leaving from and how many people you can accommodate.

To connect with other members, send an email to the CNSC Google Group at:

cayuganordicski@googlegroups.com

In the Subject line, let members know what you’re looking for. For example:

Carpool for Tug Hill Ski Day — Looking for a Ride

👉 Don’t wait until the last minute — start the conversation and find your ski partners!

Let’s kick off the season together and chase some Tug Hill snow! ❄️🎿🌲

We’re allowing up to three hours for the outing because we may encounter downed branches and other debris along the route, which could make for slower going in places.

Participants may want to bring light, non-motorized hand tools, such as hand saws, pruners, or loppers, in case we encounter small branches or vegetation obstructing our passage.   Please leave powered equipment at home.

Expect a leisurely pace with plenty of time to explore the route and work our way around any obstacles we encounter. 🌲🥾

Interested in joining us?  Please contact John Rueckheim at johnrueckheim@gmail.com  (607-280-0615) in advance for additional details and to let him know you plan to participate.

We’ll hike a section of the Coddington Road Rail Trail, following the former railroad bed between Ridgeway Road and White Church Road. The route is approximately 2 miles each way for a 4-mile round trip.

This is a flat, straight, easy-going route — no big climbs or tricky terrain, just a pleasant walk along an old rail corridor. While it may not offer the twists and turns of some of our hillier trails, its gentle grade makes it a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy the fall scenery, and keep up a steady pace.

It’s also a good cross-country ski route when the snow cooperates. The long, level corridor makes for some enjoyable striding and a good workout. Our fall hike is a chance to get familiar with the trail now and perhaps come back with skis when winter arrives. 🎿❄️

We’ll meet on Ridgeway Road, which runs between Coddington Road and White Church Road, near the bottom of the hill. Parking is available along Ridgeway Road.

Learn more and see photos of the Finger Lakes Trail/Coddington Road Rail Trail:
https://fcvrt.org/gallery/