The trail is well blazed, but otherwise hard to distinguish from the rest of the forest.

Last month we hiked the Finger Lakes Trail in Bully Hill State Forest on a blanket of newly fallen fall foliage and enjoyed the beautiful colors.  This month we are moving north to the Klipnocky State Forest, but all the leaves have lost their colors. Yet, the forest is still interesting and it is fun to be able to see through the trees to the ridges across the valley..

Note: Bow season is open, so an orange vest and hat are recommended.

Our hike will be an out and back, partly to avoid car pooling during COVID and partly because the roads inside the state forest aren’t great on you car.  All hikers will meet at the end of Klipnocky Rd where it connects to Bill Morris Rd and Roots Rd. These roads inside the state forest are seasonal and not real good.  Good clearance on your car is recommended.We should be able to park along Bill Morris Rd.

FLT Register at the stream crossing.

We will head west on Roots Rd to where the trail enters the forest on the left side of the road. The trail goes down to a creek and a register. The trail then has a slow climb along a well blazed trail to a dirt road. At this point the Naturalists can turn right and follow the road back to the cars.  The Climbers will continue across the road for 3/4 of a mile where the trail starts down the remnants of an old road that becomes Gas Springs Rd in a half mile. This is a good spot to turn around because the old road is quite rough for walking. When we get back to the real road, the Climbers can either turn right and follow the road to the cars, or continue straight across the way they came.

Following our hike, we will have a simple social by the pond at our parking area.  Please bring a sandwich or snack, and a beverage for you and your family. Also, bring a chair if you would like to rest!

How many blazes can you see?

Please note that this trail is rocky, so you will find yourself watching your feet most of the time.  Stop occasionally to look around and see the forest.  Also, watch the blazes to stay on the trail.

Directions:

Since many hikers have never been to Klipnocky State Forest in Almond, NY, we will offer a caravan option from the parking lot behind the Firehall in Wayland.  Plan to meet at the parking lot at 1:00. We will leave promptly at 1:10. Because of COVID, we are not encouraging carpooling, but we can follow one another.

Meeting location in Wayland: From the intersection of NY 15, NY 21 and NY 63 in Wayland, head west on NY 63. At the Firehall, turn right the gas station and the Firehall to the public parking lot behind the firehall. From N Main St, you can enter the parking lot along the north side of the Belt in the Eye Diner.

From Wayland and Dansville: Head west on NY 63 from Wayland to Dansville. Turn left onto Clara Barton St (NY-36S). Continue on NY-36 for 7 miles to the light in Arkport.  Turn right on West Ave. after the railroad tracks, turn left on CR 67 (Bishopville Rd), which becomes CR 32 in Allegany Co.  In 2.9 miles from Arkport, Bishopville Rd will turn left, but you should continue straight on CR 32. In another 1.8 miles, turn right on Brown Rd. At the end turn left on Klipnocky Rd.  At the tee, turn right. Park near the next intersection,