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Finger Lakes Trail (Allegany Region)
97.6 mi
Mile 0.0 – 97.6
18 Campsites
The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) stretches 565+ miles across upstate New York from Allegany State Park on the Pennsylvania border to the Catskill Forest Preserve, where it connects with the Long Path. It crosses some of the least-traveled long-distance hiking terrain in the eastern United States; expect to go days or even a full week without seeing another backpacker. The FLT suits hikers who want solitude and a less commercialized alternative to crowded trails, though you'll need to accept significant road walking (approximately 35% of the route) and navigate a patchwork of public and private lands.
The trail passes through state forests, state parks, the Finger Lakes National Forest, gorges, farmland, and wooded ridgelines with rolling elevation changes. About 77 designated campsites and lean-tos sit along the route (spacing varies considerably), and dispersed camping is allowed on state lands, so self-reliant backpackers who plan carefully around land ownership restrictions and seasonal closures have plenty of options. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 6-7 weeks.
No permits are required for hiking or camping on most of the Finger Lakes Trail. However, there are important exceptions:
Groups larger than 9 people must obtain a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Camping for more than 3 consecutive nights in one location also requires a DEC Forest Ranger permit.
In the Finger Lakes National Forest section, dispersed camping is completely free with no permits required, but you're limited to 14 days in any 30-day period. The three developed campgrounds in the National Forest (Blueberry Patch, Backbone Horse, and Potomac Group) do charge fees.
Critical closure information: All trail sections on private land close for 24 hours on the first Monday in February. Many private landowners also close their sections during hunting seasons (spring turkey season in May, fall turkey season, and deer hunting season from mid-November through December). These closures are non-negotiable. Hiking closed sections without permission is trespassing, and it puts future trail access at risk. Check the Finger Lakes Trail Conference trail condition notices before your trip and watch for updates; closures are marked in red with suggested bypass routes.
Bear canisters are not required, but proper food storage is mandatory in the National Forest (hang food 12 feet high and 6 feet from tree trunks, or store in a vehicle).
Late August through mid-October has the best overall conditions. Bugs have subsided, hunting season hasn't started, and fall colors peak in late September through early October. Days are warm (60s-70s°F) with cool nights (30s-40s°F).
May and September are shoulder seasons with fewer people and generally good conditions, though May can be very muddy from snowmelt. Spring hikers should expect extensive mud and potentially difficult stream crossings through Memorial Day.
Avoid mid-May through August if you're sensitive to insects. Black flies are ferocious from Mother's Day through Father's Day (mid-May to mid-June). Mosquitoes peak June through August. Deer flies, described by locals as "bloodthirsty," dominate July through early September. With these populations overlapping, hiking in this period is miserable without serious bug protection (head nets, permethrin-treated clothing, DEET).
Winter thru-hiking is possible for experienced winter backpackers with snowshoes, though many lean-tos become hard to reach. Snow typically covers the trail December through March, with temperatures in the 20s°F.
Hunting season closures significantly complicate fall planning. Many private land sections close from mid-November through late December, which forces lengthy road detours.
Finger Lakes Trail Conference maps mark water sources along the route, but reliability varies significantly by season. Treat all water sources. This is not pristine wilderness, and the trail crosses agricultural areas where runoff contamination is a concern.
Spring and early summer provide the most reliable water from streams and creeks. By late summer and fall, many smaller streams dry up entirely. Plan to carry extra capacity (3+ liters) in sections with unreliable sources, particularly through ridge sections and farmland. Some lean-tos have nearby springs or streams, but don't count on it.
Resupply is surprisingly easy for such a remote trail. The FLT passes through or near numerous small towns with grocery stores, typically every 3-5 days of hiking. Recommended resupply towns include:
Many small towns have convenience stores for a quick resupply. Because the trail runs through populated areas, you're rarely more than a few miles from civilization, though the same fact accounts for much of the road walking.
The Finger Lakes Trail Conference maintains a "spotter list" of volunteer trail angels who may provide rides or trail magic, though availability is mostly limited to weekends.
Road walking is the FLT's most polarizing feature. Approximately 35% of the trail (roughly 200 miles) follows roads, from quiet country lanes to busier state highways. This is unavoidable given the patchwork of land access across private property. Expect significant pavement pounding, and consider road-friendly footwear.
Stream crossings are generally straightforward rock-hops in summer and fall, but several become dangerous or impassable during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain. Maps note particularly difficult crossings (Newton Brook, for example). In high water, use the recommended road bypasses rather than attempting a sketchy ford.
Mud is legendary on the FLT, particularly April through May and in low-lying sections year-round. Unavoidable puddles, swampy sections (some over a foot deep), and overgrown farmland make for slow, messy hiking. Waterproof boots or trail runners with gaiters are essential. Mud season is real; plan on slower daily mileage if hiking before Memorial Day.
Navigation requires attention. The trail is blazed, but the constant transitions between state land, private property, roads, and towns create numerous opportunities to go off-route. The FLT doesn't have the continuous footpath feel of other long trails. GPS tracks from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (available in their online store) are highly recommended.
Black bears are present throughout the FLT, but encounters are rare. Follow standard bear safety: hang food properly (or use the bear boxes in Finger Lakes National Forest developed campgrounds), never store food in your tent, and make noise while hiking. No bear canisters required.
Hunting season is the biggest logistical problem. If closures take effect while you're mid-hike, you could be forced off the trail for weeks. The main closures run mid-November through late December, with additional closures for turkey seasons. Road detours can add 20+ miles to your route.
Western Terminus (Allegany State Park): Accessible from Route 17/I-86. Park at designated FLT trailheads within the state park. The nearest major airport is Buffalo (90 minutes north).
Eastern Terminus (Catskills/Long Path Junction): Access varies by specific endpoint. The nearest airports are Albany or the New York City area (2-3 hours).
Public transportation is limited but possible. Bus service reaches Ithaca and Rochester, from where you can arrange local transport or taxis to trailheads. In Ithaca, TCAT Route 20 makes weekend demand drop-offs at certain FLT preserves; ask the driver.
Shuttles: Village Taxi in Bath provides affordable trailhead shuttles. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference maintains a list of trail angels who may help with transportation, primarily on weekends. Commercial shuttle services are sparse, so plan on expensive taxi rides or finding trail angels through the FLTC Google Group.
Parking is available at numerous trailheads along the route. The FLTC provides a downloadable GPX file of all parking locations. Parking ranges from dedicated lots to roadside pull-offs. Most are free, though some state park trailheads charge day-use fees.
Buy the maps. The Finger Lakes Trail Conference sells comprehensive paper and digital maps (PDF and GPX formats) covering all 65 map sections. These maps show lean-tos, campsites, water sources, parking, and crucial information about private land camping restrictions. The maps are essential; this trail doesn't have the extensive online resources of more popular long trails. Visit the FLTC online store at fingerlakestrail.org.
Join the FLTC Google Group before your hike to connect with recent thru-hikers, get current trail conditions, and potentially arrange rides from trail angels. With only 20 thru-hikers annually, direct communication with recent finishers is invaluable.
Plan around hunting closures if hiking in fall. Download the current trail condition notices from FLTC and build bypass routes into your plan. Some thru-hikers finish the non-closure sections first, then return to complete the closed sections in spring.
Lean-to etiquette: Shelters are first-come, first-served and must be shared to capacity. Limit stays to one night; they exist for through-hiking, not basecamp trips. Groups of 4+ should bring tents. Spacing between lean-tos is erratic (anywhere from 5-20+ miles), so plan carefully.
Don't rely on the guidebook. It hasn't been updated since 2011 and contains outdated information. Use current FLTC maps and online resources instead.
Make peace with the road walks before you start. Many thru-hikers use the road sections to make big miles, listen to podcasts, and take a mental break from navigation. The quiet country roads have farm views and small-town scenery, and they walk easier than muddy footpath.
Water strategy: In dry sections, don't hesitate to knock on farmhouse doors or stop at rural churches and fire stations to ask for water. Upstate New York locals are generally friendly to hikers, and many know the FLT.
Camp selection on state land: You're allowed to camp anywhere 150+ feet from trails, roads, and water sources for up to 3 nights. That flexibility lets you set your own daily mileage and avoid the rare crowded shelter. On private land, camp ONLY at marked sites on FLTC maps.
Resupply timing: Hit grocery stores in the afternoon to avoid morning road walking in traffic. Small-town grocery stores often close by 6-7 PM, so plan accordingly.
The Finger Lakes Trail suits hikers who value solitude over scenery, can handle long road walks, and are comfortable on a less-established trail. Anyone expecting the Appalachian Trail's infrastructure and company should look elsewhere; the emptiness is the appeal here.
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