Forest Information
The Finger Lakes National Forest is comprised of about 15,374 acres,
which makes it one of (if not the smallest) National Forest in the
system. It is located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger
Lakes region of north-western New York. Two developed campgrounds
meet the selection criteria.
The Finger Lakes National Forest is a forest often overlooked. Most
people don't even realize there is a beautiful national forest adjacent
to New York state's wine country. The rolling hills, healthy forest,
and abundant wildlife of Finger Lakes National Forest are within a
comfortable two-hour drive of the metropolitan areas of Rochester,
Binghamton, and Syracuse, New York. Great camping locations, hiking,
fishing, berry picking, auto touring, and observing the ever changing
landscape are just a few of the recreation opportunities found here.
A young National Forest, as far as national forests go, the Finger
Lakes National Forest began during the Great Depression of the 1930s
with the Federal Government acquiring over 100 foreclosed farms. The
land had been used for more than a century and the soil suffered a
serious depletion of valuable nutrients making farming an unprofitable
activity. In 1983 this patchwork of public lands became the Finger Lakes
National Forests.
The Finger Lakes National Forest offers lots of "room-to-roam" with
two developed campgrounds centrally located and convenient to the
forest's network of trails. Blueberry Patch campground, well suited
to car, tent, recreational vehicle (RV) and motorhome camping
enthusiasts, is adjacent to a large patch of wild blueberries. This tiny,
single loop campground is a special treat for campers. Looping through
a stand of mature hardwoods, Blueberry Patch has a semi-wilderness feel
without the inconvenience. Thirty miles of trails can be reached from
Blueberry Patch campground as well as from the nearby Backbone Horse
Camp campground. Also a single loop, Backbone Horse Camp has limited
equestrian facilities and campsites more open and sunny. The nearby
foot and horse trails wind through the forest past many old homesteads,
over pastures, and through tranquil woodlands.
Finger Lakes National Forest is also well located for short trips to the
area's many seasonal activities and attractions. Watkins Glen State Park,
with its sculptured chasm and nineteen waterfalls, various glacier-carved
lakes, Finger Lakes State Park, the Watkins Glen International Speedway,
William H. Seward House, and Renaissance Festival are just a few of the
outstanding day trips possible from the campgrounds. Of course, this is
wine country. With over two dozen vineyards and wineries close by, touring
this famous area will take more than a weekend.
Fisheries in the Finger Lakes National Forest provide both cold and warm
water fishing. Many of the ponds in the Forest are stocked annually.
Healthy populations of Rainbow and Brook trout, Largemouth bass, Yellow
perch and Sunfish are available for anglers throughout the forest.
The Finger Lakes National Forest has grown from a need for soil
stabilization to a diverse, multi-use piece of public land tucked between
Cayuga and Seneca lakes. Finger Lakes National Forest may not be as well
known as New York's State Parks or private campgrounds but that only means
more room for those who have discovered this wonderful place. The beauty
and solitude found in Finger Lakes National Forest brings visitors back
time and time again.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
4387 US Route 4 East
Mendon, Vermont 05701
802-747-6700
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Hector
5218 State Route 414
Hector, New York 14841
607-546-4470 |
