Finger Lakes National Forest – Mountain biking Enhancement Project
March 28, 2025 update – Thank you to everyone who submitted support letters for this project during the March open comment period. Your feedback makes a difference! Project updates will be posted on this Cycle-CNY web page!
We need your support now! Cycle-CNY is partnering with the Forest Service land managers at Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) to propose improvements for mountain biking opportunities at this 16,000 acre national forest. Nestled between Seneca and Cayuga lakes in our finger lakes region, the forest has over 20 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, pastures, and forest. Most of the current formal trail system does not allow mountain bike access or provide a quality mountain biking experience.
After several years of planning, the Forest Service has developed a project to improve mountain bike opportunities in the forest. This project includes adopting 9 miles of user created singletrack trails, creating more new trails, and allowing mountain bike use on many existing trails. This project proposal is open for public comment until March 28. Voice your support for this project now!
Want all the details about this project? Check out this Cycle-CNY web page!
Please use the template letter below to show your support for this project. Edit to include reasons why you support this project and submit your comments to the Forest Service by March 28 via mail or email. Please include your name, address and phone number or email address; project name -“Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Enhancement Project”; and any specific comments you have about the proposal along with supporting information and rationale you believe will help. The Forest Service project webpage has some additional info.
Email: comments-eastern-green-mt-finger-lakes-finger-lakes@usda.gov
Mail: USDA Forest Service, Finger Lakes National Forest, 5218 State Route 414, Hector, NY 14841 (comments can also be hand delivered during office business hours Monday – Friday)
Template Public Comment Letter
To: Matt Lark, Finger Lakes National Forest
Re: Finger Lakes Mountain Biking Enhancement Project, Public Comments
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Mountain Biking Enhancement Project at Finger Lakes National Forest. As a local recreational trail user, I support the project’s goal to provide better trail opportunities for mountain bikes at FLNF.
I support the proposed action to designate 9 miles of user created trails as part of the FLNF trail system and managing them as multi-use trails open to bike and foot traffic.
I support actions to provide mountain bike access on existing trails, including Backbone, NoTanTakto, Burnt Hill, Interloken, Potomac Loops, Gorge, and Sassafras.
I support the addition of the Sassafras trail for bike and foot traffic.
I support the proposed new and improved parking and trailhead locations.
I support the Forest Service partnering with recreational trail users and cycling clubs to steward and maintain trails open to bikes. I encourage the FS to invest in staff and material resources to improve recreational trail experiences.
I recommend removing the proposed seasonal trail closure period (3/15 – 5/15) for bikes. Seasonal closure periods do not always reflect current conditions and are not common on trail networks in our region. I support the Forest Service implementing temporary trail closings when observable conditions require such action.
Outdoor recreation is a vital part of this region’s economic health and community well-being. I believe this project can meet the public’s recreational trail needs, introduce new volunteer stewardship opportunities, reduce trail access conflicts, and contribute to local economies.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email and / or Phone Number]
Please feel free to contact Cycle-CNY at cyclecny@gmail.com with any questions or feedback you may have. Thank you for your support of this important local trail project! More details here!
