Finger Lakes National Forest
Trail Description
Finger Lakes National Forest encompasses 16,000 acres on the ridgeline between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. The Forest has over 20 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands. New York’s only National Forest, the land provides opportunities for wildlife habitat, recreational trail use, camping, hunting, fishing, cattle grazing, and timber harvests, while providing preservation of historic and archaeological sites.
Historically, this National Forest provided limited opportunities for mountain biking. In 2023, the Forest Service partnered with Cycle-CNY to develop a plan to improve trail access for mountain bikes. Read about the history of Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) and the trail project here.
The Forest Service finalized their project plan in 2026, and initial implementation actions are scheduled to begin in spring 2026. Cycle-CNY and local riders are excited for this opportunity to improve mountain bike access at Finger Lakes National Forest. The Forest Service has posted relevant maps and documents here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/projects/65926.
Cycle-CNY has posted trail project summary information here. https://cycle-cny.com/mtb-enhancement-project-at-flnf-spring-2026/
Please do not ride muddy trails, and especially between March 15 and May 15 when trails are CLOSED to bikes and susceptible to damage during freeze/thaw cycles.
E-Bikes are not allowed on non-motorized Forest Service trails, but are allowed on motorized trails and roads on the national forest.
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