Overview
The Finger Lakes Trail South Slope segment covers 6.8 miles of the Finger Lakes Trail's passage through the southern part of Finger Lakes National Forest. The FLT: a 950-mile trail system crossing New York from the Allegheny Plateau to the Catskills: is the main long-distance hiking network in this part of the state, and the national forest section offers a sample of its character: rolling hardwood forest, open meadow crossings, and occasional ridge views toward Seneca Lake.
The trail is blazed in orange (the standard FLT blaze color) and is generally well-maintained by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. For hikers interested in extending beyond the national forest, the FLT connects east and west to additional mileage in state forests and on private land with trail easements.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 2.5: Eastern Trailhead Through Hardwood
From the eastern trailhead, the trail heads west through mature second-growth hardwood: maple, ash, beech, and scattered oak: on the south-facing slope of the Hector backbone ridge. The south slope is drier and warmer than the north-facing sections. Several viewpoints through the trees look south toward the Seneca Lake valley in bare-tree season.
Miles 2.5 to 4.5: Open Meadow Crossing
The trail drops to lower terrain and crosses two managed meadow sections where the forest gives way to grass and shrubby edge habitat. These sections are exposed and sunny in summer. A seasonal stream crossing at mile 3.8 can be wet in spring.
Miles 4.5 to 6.8: Ridge Approach and Western Trailhead
The western section climbs slightly back toward the ridge and passes through a transitional forest with younger second-growth before the western trailhead. The orange blazes are consistent throughout.
When to Hike
October: Peak fall color on the hardwood sections. Seneca Lake views are clearest after leaf drop.
May through June: Spring wildflowers on the south slope. Migratory birds in the forest canopy.
Winter: The trail is accessible on snowshoes in good snow years. No grooming.
What to Bring
Carry all water from the trailhead: no reliable sources on trail. A shuttle vehicle or willingness to hike out-and-back. Orange FLT blazes are consistent but a trail map is helpful at the forest road crossings. 1.5 liters of water for the full length in warm weather.
Trailhead Access
Both trailheads accessible from county roads east and west of Burnt Hill Road. Roadside parking, free. No facilities. No permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.
Nearby
The Gorge Trail is accessible from the same road network and provides a canyon experience on the same day. The Interloken Trail is a longer multi-use route covering more of the forest. Review Leave No Trace principles and check current conditions for any trail reroutes or seasonal closures.