The Onondaga Trail is a 37-42 mile branch of the Finger Lakes Trail system that carries the North Country National Scenic Trail through the uplands of central New York. It runs from Three Trails Junction in Cuyler Hill State Forest to the Link Trail in Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area, and it makes a good long weekend for backpackers who want rolling terrain, quiet forests, and few other people. The route crosses a mosaic of public lands including Morgan Hill State Forest, Labrador Hollow Unique Area, Highland Forest County Park, and DeRuyter State Forest, with Tinker Falls as a highlight. Well-maintained and marked with blue blazes, the Onondaga works well as training for longer trails while feeling genuinely wild just 20 miles from Syracuse.
No permits are required for hiking the Onondaga Trail, but free camping permits are mandatory for staying at the designated Spruce Pond campsites in Morgan Hill State Forest. Call the DEC Lands and Forests office at (607) 674-4036 ext. 600, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (May 1 - September 30) to obtain a permit. Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed throughout the year on state forest lands without a permit, provided you camp at least 150 feet from trails, roads, and water sources, and stay no more than three consecutive nights in one location. Groups of 10 or more require a DEC permit regardless of location. Camping is prohibited in Labrador Hollow Unique Area and limited to designated sites only in state parks. The trail crosses private land in some sections; respect posted signs and stay on the marked trail. Fires are permitted in established fire rings at Spruce Pond campsites; for backcountry camping, use a stove or build fires only in mineral soil well away from vegetation. Bear canisters are not required but recommended for food storage.
Late April through October has the most reliable conditions, with May and September the best months. Spring (late April-May) brings flowing streams, wildflowers, and moderate temperatures in the 50s-60s°F, though expect mud in low-lying areas and occasional cold nights. Summer (June-August) means warm, pleasant hiking in the 75-85°F range with good trail conditions, but smaller streams may run dry by mid-summer, so plan water carefully. Fall (September-October) brings autumn colors that peak in early October, comfortable temperatures, and fewer bugs, though water sources become less reliable. Winter hiking is possible for experienced backpackers with proper gear and snowshoes; the region receives 80-120 inches of snow annually and temperatures can drop below -20°F with wind chill. Snow typically arrives in December and lingers through March. Avoid late March and early April, when snowmelt creates extremely muddy conditions, particularly in the DeRuyter State Forest sections near Tromp Road.
Water availability varies dramatically by season. In spring and after heavy rains, numerous small streams and creek crossings provide water, but most dry up by mid-summer. The most reliable year-round sources are Spruce Pond (near the Hemlock Lean-To), the Tinker Falls area, and the streams in Hemlock Glen. Smaller tributaries in Maxon Creek State Forest and around Highland Forest may flow intermittently. During summer and fall, plan to carry 2-3 liters between reliable sources, and always filter or treat water because giardia is prevalent. Check recent trip reports for current water conditions before your hike.
For a 3-day thru-hike, most backpackers carry all food, but several small towns have limited resupply options. DeRuyter (population ~500) sits near the trail's northern section with a small convenience store for basics. Fabius and Truxton have minimal grocery options. For more substantial resupply, the city of Cortland (15 minutes south of Morgan Hill State Forest) has full-service grocery stores, outdoor retailers, and restaurants. Syracuse, 20 miles north, has complete outfitting and resupply but requires leaving the trail. Most backpackers simply carry 3-4 days of food and skip resupply entirely.
The Onondaga Trail is moderately difficult and suits fit beginners with some backpacking experience. Expect 5,600+ feet of cumulative elevation gain over rolling terrain, with a maximum elevation around 1,994 feet: no serious climbs, but constant ups and downs that add up over distance. Navigation is straightforward with consistent blue blazes, but trail maintenance volunteers recommend carrying Maps O1 and O2 (available from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference), since some sections cross unmarked forest roads.
Black bears inhabit the region, but encounters are rare and the bears tend to be shy. Practice standard bear safety: hang food or use a bear canister, don't cook near your tent, and store all scented items properly. Timber rattlesnakes are not documented on this trail, though they exist in some parts of New York. Ticks are common May-October; check yourself daily and consider treating clothing with permethrin. Biting insects peak in June-July.
Mud and water crossings are the biggest seasonal hazards. The section near Tromp Road in DeRuyter State Forest has a reputation for becoming a "slip-n-slide" in wet conditions; trail organizations have rerouted portions, but expect muddy sections after rain. Creek crossings are generally easy rock-hops when water is low, but spring snowmelt can make some of them difficult, so waterproof boots or extra camp shoes are wise. Cell coverage is spotty throughout, particularly in valleys, so download offline maps and don't rely on phone navigation.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is the nearest major airport, 25 miles north of the trail. From there, rent a car for trailhead access; no public transportation or shuttle services reach the remote state forest trailheads. From Syracuse, drive 30-40 minutes south to reach various trail access points.
For the popular Morgan Hill State Forest southern access, take NY-13 south toward Truxton, continue past NY-91 for one mile, then turn left onto Morgan Hill Road (which becomes a public forest access road). Several parking areas exist along Morgan Hill Road and Shackham Road (which runs north-south through the forest). The main trailhead parking off Morgan Hill Road (42.767846°N, 75.997552°W) provides the most direct Onondaga Trail access. Additional parking exists at Herlihy Road (42.799217°N, 76.025689°W) and Shackham Road (42.794834°N, 76.009683°W).
For Tinker Falls and western access, use the small parking area off NY-91. Roads are paved to the trailheads, and no high-clearance vehicle is needed. Parking is free but limited to 3-5 cars at most trailheads, so arrive early on weekends. For a thru-hike, you'll need to arrange a car shuttle yourself, as no commercial services operate in this area. The trail's endpoints are about 40 miles apart by road.
Many backpackers hike the Onondaga as a 3-day, 2-night trip covering roughly 13 miles per day, a comfortable pace with time to enjoy highlights like Tinker Falls. The Hemlock Lean-To makes a good first night stop: a well-maintained three-sided shelter with space for 4-6 people, located in Hemlock Glen between Morgan Hill Road and Shackham Road. Arrive early to claim it, since the shelter fills on weekends. If it's occupied, good dispersed camping exists nearby along Hemlock Brook, though you must move 150 feet off-trail.
For the second night, the Spruce Pond campsites are a more developed option, with 12 roadside sites, a primitive toilet, and a quiet setting; remember to obtain the free permit in advance. Many backpackers prefer dispersed camping along the northern sections for more solitude. Recent trip reports mention that the area near the former Tromp Pond camp was cleared, so look for established sites near streams instead.
Combine the Onondaga with the Link Trail and the main Finger Lakes Trail to create the Onondaga-Finger-Link Loop (OFLL), a nearly 100-mile circuit for a week-long trip. The OFLL is considered one of New York's major long-distance hiking challenges.
Timing matters: start hiking by 8-9 AM to leave enough time for camp selection and setup, particularly if you're targeting the Hemlock Lean-To. Top off filtered water in Hemlock Glen and near Spruce Pond regardless of season. Bug pressure in the valleys can be intense June-July, so bring a head net if you're sensitive. Finally, the trail sees very light use compared to Adirondack trails; some backpackers report seeing only 1-2 other hikers over three days. Expect solitude, and plan to be self-sufficient.
Pick your trailheads, choose campsites, and build a day-by-day itinerary. Hikeset tracks your gear, meals, and group so nothing gets left behind.
Start PlanningFree account. No credit card needed.
Hikeset Beta