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The premium Danby State Forest route.


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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.4

KM

Loop

1,719' 524 m

High

1,173' 358 m

Low

1,552' 473 m

Up

1,563' 476 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors

Overview

A great loop that gives you the tour of the best that Danby State Forest has to offer.

Need to Know

After rains the trail can be very wet and muddy. The deepest creek crossing can be about mid-calf and some of the mud ankle deep. There are a few wooden platforms over the most swampy areas, but otherwise you just have to dive in and accept you're feet are getting soaked and your legs are getting covered in mud. Some of the slipperiest, muddiest sections are also on steep grades. Be careful.

Description

This is the commonly traveled trail through Danby State Forest. It contains some nice climbs and some spots for crazy descents.

The trail is relatively easy to follow (look for the orange blazes). Just keep an eye open to not wander off to the Finger Lakes Trail. You'll find hikers, runners, and dog walkers most times of year, so stay alert. There is roadside parking for 3+ cars right by the indicated trail start.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jonathan Barton with improvements by Lauren Yee

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 6 votes

#4790

Overall
  3.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#116

in New York

#4,790

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1,304 Since Jan 11, 2016
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Photos

Much of the hike occurs in the woods, surrounded by various types of evergreen and deciduous trees. As the elevation and directions change, so does the ecosystem.
May 15, 2019 near South Hill, NY
Wooden bridge over swampy bit of trail.
May 15, 2019 near East It…, NY
As you can see, that bridge is doing a lot of good :-P  You do have to cross here, bridge or no bridge, so get ready to get wet!
May 15, 2019 near South Hill, NY
Yet another picturesque creek to cross. This one was a bit more dramatic as it occurred at the bottom of a draw. The types of trees on either side are different.
May 15, 2019 near South Hill, NY
Descending the trail in an evergreen section of forest. Wonder what it will look like in winter.
May 15, 2019 near South Hill, NY
Summer greenery along the trail.
Feb 4, 2016 near South Hill, NY

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 21 hours ago
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