Club Events
About Our Upcoming Events
As we move into the Fall and winter, keep up to date on new events by checking this page often and using our Google Group email list for last-minute updates. Find out more here about how to join our Google Group and to access our social media sites.
Interested in volunteering? Please reach out to Jen Woltjen at cayuganordicski@gmail.com
Schedule of Upcoming Events
Please note: any updates/changes to the following event schedule will be posted here and/or to the Club's Google Group as noted below. Last minute changes/cancellations shall be posted to the Google Group email list only. Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group to receive notifications. Find out more here about how to join our Google Group Email List and to access our social media sites.
All are welcome to participate in our events - both club members and guests. We hope you can join us.
Neighborhood Nordic Gear Sale and Swap (Brooktondale)
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time - 11 AM to 1 PM
Event Location: Brooktondale Community Center, Brooktondale, NY
Google Map Link: goo.gl/maps/kXpMinHPnGJpdeE99
Contact: cayuganordicski@gmail.com or jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com
Open to the Community
More details at Gear Sale
Mark your calendar. All are invited - current members, past members and guests. More details coming soon.
Oakley Corners State Forest (Owego) Joint Hike with Triple Cities Hiking Club
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time - 1 PM to 3:30 PM
Google Map Link: Dutchtown Road & Hullsville Road, Owego, NY 13827
See more details below on driving directions.
Oakley Corners State Forest Map (GeoPDF)
DEC Information on Oakley Corners State Forest
Trailhead Meeting Location: At the kiosk at the intersection of Dutchtown Road & Hullsville Road (see Google Map link above)
Hike Leaders: Jen Woltjen jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com and Larry Blumberg 607-206-9016
Click for more details.
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.
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!
Hopshire Social & Club Meeting (Freeville)
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Time - 4 PM to 6 PM
Event Location: Hopshire Farm & Brewery
Google Map Link: Hopshire Farm & Brewery
Click here for more details.
Please join us at our Fall Social/Club meeting. You do not need to be a member to come. We have lots of announcements so mark your calendars now.
We will convene at the Hopshire Brewery Event Room in Freeville, New York at 4 PM for beverages and appetizers. Hopshire Brewery offers beer, wine and cider on tap in addition to sodas and juice. Cash bar in the adjacent Hopshire Brewery tasting room.
The Board members will bring some appetizers/snacks but we kindly ask that you bring an appetizer/snack to share if you can. Last time we did this, it was a huge success and we had lots of delicious food to share.
Tentative Agenda -
4 PM to 5:15 PM - Social Hour
5:15 PM to 5:45 PM - Club Updates and Announcements on Upcoming Ski Tours and Trips
Nordic Ski Hiking Workout on the Jim Schug Trail (Dryden Lake Area) & Coffee at the Corner Brew in Dryden afterwards
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Leader - Jen Woltjen
Event/Trailhead Location: Dryden Lake Park, West Lake Road. Park near the large pavilion in the Dryden Lake Park.
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyLbaQuY42t4n38b8
Contact: Jen Woltjen jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com
Click for more details.
Hike Details
If we do not have any local snow, then let's do a dryland workout with our poles. Join us on the Jim Schug Trail near Dryden Lake. This trail is a relatively flat with lots of opportunities for aquatic and bird viewing along the way. Bring your hiking/ski poles and we will get in an excellent upper-body aerobic workout exploring the practice of nordic ski walking. We will take short breaks where I plan to demonstrate a few balance exercises.
Come join me for some fun and get ready for the snow.
More information on nordic walking and its benefts here.
Plan on about 1 hour or so but this is an out-and-back trail with opportunities to make your workout as short or as long as you wish. I will bring extra poles for those who may wish to use them. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring water/snack. Restroom facilities available near the parking area. After our workout, please join me for coffee/snacks at the the Corner Brew in Dryden, NY (at the light)
Lime Hollow Nature Center Hike (Cortland) - Postponed
Date: To be announced
Time - 10 AM - 12 Noon
Event/Trailhead Location: Lime Hollow Nature Center - Park and Meet at 3270 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY
Link to Google Map for Trailhead Meeting Place
Hike Leader: Dave LoParco Email: loparcodavid33@gmail.com
Click for more details.
Hike Details
Join us at the Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland to explore a popular nature center that offers cross country skiing on ungroomed trails. Although their trail system is not large (a 2.25 mile loop), it is rated as easy to moderate so this is a good place for beginners or advanced beginners to get some experience. A visitor center is available. The trails meander through gently rolling hills, open fields, pine forests and by nearby ponds and streams.
For today's hike, plan to hike about 2 hours. Wear appropriate footwear (water-resistant), dress in layers and bring water and a snack. We will NOT meet at the Lime Hollow Visitor's Center parking area BUT we will park and meet instead at their parking area at 3270 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY (where the Lehigh Valley Railroad (now a trail) crosses Gracie Road).
Dogs are not permitted on Lime Hollow Nature Center grounds. Hunting with guns is not permitted either but we suggest wearing orange just to be safe.
Lime Hollow Information on trails and trail maps
Optional - Download the Avenza map in advance on your Avenza app and you can use the trail map while you 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!
Past Events from August 2024 - present
Ringwood Road Semi-Annual Trash Pick Up Event (Freeville)
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time - 10 AM - 12 Noon
Google Map Link: 487 Ringwood Rd
Trailhead Meeting Location: 487 Ringwood Road, Freeville, NY 13068
Coordinator: Jack Rueckheim johnrueckheim@gmail.com 607-280-0615
Click for more details.
Event Details
Come by 487 Ringwood Road to help collect trash on about 1.5 miles of Ringwood Road. Afterwards, we will consume coffee, tea and fresh pastries from the Ithaca Bakery! We could use about 5 - 6 volunteers. Please let Jack Rueckheim know by emailing himat johnrueckheim@gmail.com. Thank you very much!
Yellow Barn Hike (Dryden) - NOTE change in time
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Time - 9 AM to 11 AM
Event/Trailhead Location: Snowplow turn-around on Tehan Rd/Signal Tower Rd, Dryden. (click for map)
Hike Leader: Jack Rueckheim johnrueckheim@gmail.com 607-280-0615
Click for more details.
Hike Details
Join us at the Yellow Barn State Forest to explore a popular local area for cross country skiing on ungroomed trails. 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.
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!
40th Anniversary Celebration and Potluck Dinner (Brooktondale)
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time - 5 PM to 8 PM
Event Location: Brooktondale Community Center, Brooktondale, New York
Google Map Link: Brooktondale Community Center
Mark your calendar. All are invited - current members, past members and guests. More details here.
Greenwood Park Hike (Lisle)
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 12 Noon
Event/Trailhead Location: 153 Greenwood Road, Lisle, NY 13797
Google Map Link: Greenwood Park
Estimate on driving time: Google directions says it is a 47 minute drive from downtown Ithaca to Greenwood Park via Rt 79.
Greenwood Park Map and Information
Hike Leader/contact: Jen Woltjen jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com
Note: All cancellations/postponements shall be posted to the Google Group. Please make sure you are subscribed.
Click for more details.
Hike Details
This Broome County park is a hidden gem for cross country skiing and is located about 20 miles from the Ithaca area. At the center of the Park is a beautiful lake. When we have enough snow, the Park staff grooms many of the trails. Come explore the trails in the summer so you know where you can ski comfortably when the snow flies. Greenwood County Park has over 7 miles of trails for cross country skiing - ranging from easy to advanced trails. Some of the trails have views of the lake. The hike leader will show you her favorite ski trails for skiers of all abilities. In the winter, a modest trail fee is charged (around $5.00) and rental equipment is available for a nominal fee too. Be prepared to walk/hike about 2 hours with some elevation gain and uneven terrain. Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring snack/water. Hiking poles recommended.
About Greenwood Park: modern restroom facilities available. No admittance fee charged to park your vehicle and use the trails. Park in the main parking lot (just left of the main entrance) closest to the beach near the tall pine trees. After our hike, we can enjoy a snack at a picnic table overlooking the lake.
If you have any questions about where we are meeting, please contact Jen by 8:30 AM of the day of the hike. Often there is poor or no cellphone service at Greenwood, so it is good to make sure you know where we are meeting before you set out.
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!
Ringwood Ponds Hike (Ithaca)
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 12 Noon
Event/Trailhead Location: 536 Ringwood Road, Ithaca, NY
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 42.45040131
Longitude: -76.36340332
Link to Cornell Botanic Gardens Information on Ringwood
Hike Leader: Jack Rueckheim johnrueckheim@gmail.com 607-280-0615
Click for more details.
Hike Details
Join us at the Ringwood Ponds Natural Area, affiliated with the Cornell Botanic Gardens, to explore its unique topography, diverse plants and wildlife. The area is known for its rolling glacial landscape, with steep slopes, dry ridge tops, deep kettle holes, vernal ponds and forested swamps. Noteworthy is the abundance and diversity of amphibians, uncommon nesting birds associated with the ponds and unusual aquatic insects, including fairy shrimp.
We plan to hike the mostly out-and-back trails with a relaxed-paced for a total of about 2 - 3 miles. Be prepared for 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 a designated parking area along the road. If you may have trouble navigating to the trailhead, please contact the hike leader before the hike at the email address above.
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!
Jim Schug Trail Hike (Dryden Lake Area)
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 12 Noon
Event/Trailhead Location: Parking lot where Lake Road crosses the Jim Schug Trail. Click here to see a PDF map showing the Jim Schug Trail and the parking areas along its route. Our meeting location is the lot at the bottom of the PDF map, but it’s not the bottom-most lot; it is the second parking red spot up from the bottom. This is confusing because Lake Road crosses the Schug trail in two spots. Ours is the northern one of the two.
Google Map Link to Meeting Location: Point your GPS to 612 Lake Rd., Dryden, for the approximate location.
The least confusing way to go is to take Route 38 south from downtown until you hit Purvis Road on the left. This is south of Dryden Lake. Go left on Purvis until it dead ends into Lake Road. Make a hard left onto Lake Road and follow it back until you come to the Schug trail crossing and the parking lot. Confusingly, if you turn right onto Lake Road from Purvis instead of left, you’ll also come to the Schug trail and a parking lot, but it will be the wrong one — so don’t turn right. You can see the various parking lots from the linked map. There are a few spots in our parking area and if that is full, you can park on the side of the road, it doesn't seem that busy.
Hike Leader: Kelly King-O'Brien kkobrien23@gmail.com (607) 279-9257
Click for more details.
Hike Details
Explore the Jim Schug Trail near Dryden Lake. Last winter, the Jim Schug Trail received enough snow a few times that club members could ski on it. This trail is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.
For our hike, we will meet at the location described above, near the intersection of Lake Road with the Trail. This trail is a relatively flat trail with lots of opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing along the way. Plan to hike/walk for up to 2 hours but this is an out-and-back trail with opportunities to make your hike/walk as short or as long as you wish. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring water/snack. More information online about the Trail.
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!
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area Hike
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 12:30 PM
Event/Trailhead Location: Intersection of Connecticut Hill, Boylan and Lloyd Stark Roads
Link to PDF Map provided by hike leader (please download and save to phone before hike)
Google Map Link: Connecticut Hill Wildlife Area Bulletin Board
Hike Leader: Dave Gislason dgiffer@yahoo.com
If you have any questions on the hike or how to get there, please contact the hike leader in advance.
Click for more details.
Hike Details
Join us at the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area to explore a popular local area for cross country skiing on ungroomed trails. Connecticut Hill, located just 16 miles south of Ithaca, encompasses over 11,000 acres and usually receives and retains more snow because of its higher elevation. The hike starts at the intersection of Connecticut Hill, Boylan and Lloyd Starks Roads. At this intersection, you will see a large sign for the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Area and a D.E.C. bulletin board/kiosk with a rudimentary map of the roads on Connecticut Hill. Park on the side of the road. We plan to hike the trails on Rowell Hill which are suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate skiers. Plan to hike about 2 to 2.5 hours. Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring snack/water. Hiking poles recommended. Dogs allowed only on leash during the entire hike.
Driving directions from Ithaca -
The link to the PDF map will aid those coming from Ithaca, showing the turn-off onto Millard Hill Rd (look for Trumbull Corners 4 miles sign on Rt. 13). Then 4 miles to the stop sign in Trumbull Corners. Then cross Trumbull Corners road onto Cayutaville road. Take the left at the "Y"-ing onto Connecticut Hill Road. You park at the first intersection, where Ct. Hill Rd meets Boylan and Lloyd Starks Road. Look for a Ct. Hill Wildlife Management Area sign and a kiosk/notice board.
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!
Shindagin Hollow State Forest Hike (Brooktondale)
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Time - 1 PM to 3 PM
Event/Trailhead Location: At the intersection of the Finger Lakes Trail with Braley Hill Road (see details below). We will not be meeting/parking at the main parking areas. See details below.
Google Map Link: 369 Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale, NY (this address takes you as close as possible to where to park. Head here and look for our cars parked along the road)
If you are unsure on how to find the trailhead meeting location, please contact the hike leader before 11 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: Shindagin Hollow State Forest (GeoPDF)
Follow the instructions for downloading the Avenza App.
Hike Leader: Carol Bayles cjb4@cornell.edu
Click for more details.
Shindagin Hollow State Forest is full of lovely trails. Today, we plan to use mostly the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) to avoid most mountain bikers (not allowed on the FLT). Our hike is mostly on pretty forested trails with a lot of shade so nice on a hot day. The hike is not very hilly but it is very rough and rooty. We plan to hike the FLT, R3, R5 and R2.
We recommend wearing good boots and bring a hiking pole. Dogs welcome if well-behaved.
We plan to hike about 4 - 5 miles in a loop but options exist for those who wish to turn back earliers.
Trail maps will be provided at the hike. More information on Shindagin at shindagin.com
Details on directions/parking -
Using the Google Map link above, we will meet on Braley Hill Road but NOT at the main parking lot(s). Keep going and there is a pull off near where the Finger Lakes Trail crosses Braley Hill Road.
Driving directions from Brooktondale: follow Brooktondale Road out of Brooktondale and this road changed to Valley Road. Valley Road becomes Central Chapel Road. Stay on Central Chapel until you see a right turn onto Braley Hill Road. Turn right on Braley Hill Road. Pass the parking lots on both sides of the road and keep going until you see a pull-off and park along the road.
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 State Forest Hike (Dryden)
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Time - 10 AM to 12 Noon
Event/Trailhead Location: Hammond Hill - Main Parking lot on Hammond Hill Road.
Google Map Link to trailhead: Hammond Hill parking lot
DEC information on Hammond Hill State Forest
Hike Leader: Marilyn Dispensa mdispensa@gmail.com 607-227-4125
Click for more details.
Hike Details
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.
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!