Overview
The Southslope Trail is a short 2-mile connector along the southern edge of Finger Lakes National Forest, maintained as a multi-use route for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The trail follows the south-facing slope of the Hector ridge through open meadow and shrubby edge habitat, with intermittent partial views south toward the Seneca Lake valley.
The south-facing slope has a markedly warmer and drier character than the north-slope routes in the same forest. Where the North Ravine Trail runs through hemlock shade and moist soil, the Southslope Trail is sunny, open, and warm in summer. Wildflowers adapted to drier conditions grow in the meadow sections: goldenrod, milkweed, Queen Anne's lace, and black-eyed Susan are common from July through September. The milkweed attracts monarch butterflies through August, making this one of the better spots in the forest for butterfly observation. The meadow and shrub edge habitat also draws a different bird community than the forested routes, with field sparrows, indigo buntings, and cedar waxwings visible in the brushy sections.
The trail is used most by horseback riders connecting to the Interloken Trail loop, and the surface reflects that use: wider than average single-track and sometimes with soft, churned sections after heavy horse traffic in wet conditions. For hikers, it's a pleasant short walk or a useful connector for a longer circuit.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 1.0: Western Section
From the western trailhead, the trail follows the meadow edge through a mix of tall grasses, goldenrod, and scattered shrubby trees. The south slope here is sunny and warm in summer, and the open character means the walk feels spacious compared to the forested routes. Partial views south and southwest toward the Seneca Lake valley appear from the higher ground on clear days. The Seneca Lake valley is not visible as open water from most of this section, but the broad, flat valley floor is distinctive. The trail is clearly marked and wide, easy to follow throughout.
Miles 1.0 to 2.0: Forest Edge Approach
The eastern section transitions toward a light hardwood canopy as the trail approaches the junction with the Interloken Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail system. The open meadow character gives way to more shade from a mix of oaks and maples. The views to the south close as the canopy thickens. Horse traffic tends to churn the soft sections in this eastern portion after wet weather, which is worth noting for planning a walk. The eastern trailhead near the FLT junction connects to the broader trail network, and the junction signs are visible from both the Southslope and Interloken trails.
When to Hike
May through October: Full access. The trail is at its best in early summer when the meadow grasses and wildflowers are fresh, and again in late summer when the goldenrod and asters are in bloom. Horse traffic is highest on summer and fall weekends, particularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings when equestrian groups from nearby stabling areas use the Interloken system.
November: Hunting season. Blaze orange is recommended for all outdoor activities in the national forest during deer season. Check current season dates with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
What to Bring
Carry water from home since there are no sources on the trail. The 2-mile length and minimal elevation change make this an undemanding walk. Give horses a wide berth and step well off the trail when equestrians approach; horses can startle unpredictably and stepping into the grass or brush provides safe clearance. Insect repellent is worth carrying from May through August when ticks are active in the meadow sections.
Trailhead Access
Accessible from county roads on the south side of the forest near Hector. Both trailheads are roadside pullouts with free parking. No restrooms or water at either end. No permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash. The trail is marked with blue trail markers at both trailheads and at the major junction in the middle section.
Nearby
The Finger Lakes Trail South Slope connects nearby for a longer FLT segment extending the south-slope experience beyond the national forest boundary. The Interloken Trail creates the full loop circuit of the national forest and can be combined with the Southslope Trail for a more complete tour of the Hector ridge. Review Leave No Trace principles before your visit.