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Finger Lakes National Forest

16,036 acres of Outdoor Recreation Space

Located on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the Finger Lakes National Forest covers 16,036 acres in the Finger Lakes. There are a variety of outdoor activities available in the National Forest. 

Auto Travel - Forest roads are maintained for car travel in the summer, a few are open in the winter.

Blueberry picking - Five acres are managed for blueberry production. Apples, raspberries, and other fruits are abundant in openings throughout the Forest.

Hunting and Fishing - Woods, pastures, shrub lands and many wildlife ponds are intermingled to provide excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing. New York State hunting and fishing licenses are required and all state laws are applicable.

Observing nature and wildlife - Bring you camera because a wide variety of birds, wildflowers and other living creatures await the discovery of the observant Forest visitor.

Recreation - There are over 30 miles of interconnecting trails, including the 12-mile Interloken Trail, which is part of the Finger Lakes Trail Association network, and two miles of the North Country Trail, which is a National Scenic Trail. These trails can be used for hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 

Camping - Free camping is allowed throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest. A shelter at the south end of the Interloken Trail provides a scenic stopover for hikers. In addition, three developed campgrounds are maintained on the Forest.

  • Blueberry Patch Campground has a picnic area, sites for tents or self-contained recreation vehicles, a hand pump well, and vault toilets. Fee for overnight use on a first come, first-served basis.
  • Potomac Group Campground is for groups of 10 to 40 people and is a hike-in only site. Cooking grills, a picnic shelter, a hand-pump well and vault toilets are available. Fee for overnight use and reservations are a MUST.
  • Backbone Horse Campground is designed for picnicking or overnight camping by horseback riders. Parking areas with hitching rails, a small corral, water for horses, vault toilets, and cooking grills are available. Overnight use is on a first come, first served basis.
Finger Lakes National Forest