The only national forest in New York is in the heart of the Finger Lakes, one of the most beautiful regions in the Northeast and a hotspot for all kinds of recreation, adventure, and dining in upstate New York. If you’re in the area and looking for your next outdoor adventure, Finger Lakes National Forest is a beautiful area to check out, whether you’re looking for some incredible summer hikes or a secluded place to go snowmobiling in the winter.

More than 16,000 acres of gorgeous land between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake make up the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only national forest in New York.

AllTrails.com/Miranda Stone

Hit 30 miles of trails that will take you through all sorts of landscapes, from woodlands to gorges.

AllTrails.com/Bradley Benjamin

In the summer months, this is a fantastic forest to explore on a hiking trip. camping of biking trip. Come winter, hit the trails on a snowmobile or cross-country ski adventure!

AllTrails.com/Renee Wilkinson

You won’t find a better place in the region to roam in search of wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you spot some white-tailed deer, beavers, red foxes, or even some wild turkeys.

AllTrails.com/Melissa Snow

For those looking for a more serious hike, the 12-mile Interloken Trail is one of the best hikes at the park. It’s a moderately-rated trail that is also a great trail to cross-country ski in the winter.

AllTrails.com/Paul Henley

You can also plan to spend a couple of nights at one of the campsites at the national forest, if you want to try camping. Check out Blueberry Patch Campground, Potomac Group Campground, or Backbone Horse Campground.

AllTrails.com/Paul Henley

When it comes to Finger Lakes camping trips and adventures, this national forest is tough to beat and certainly worth the visit!

AllTrails.com/Angela Lleras

 

AllTrails.com/Miranda Stone

AllTrails.com/Bradley Benjamin

AllTrails.com/Renee Wilkinson

AllTrails.com/Melissa Snow

AllTrails.com/Paul Henley

AllTrails.com/Angela Lleras

Learn more about camping and hiking in Finger Lakes National Forest on the Forest Service website, here.

If you can’t get enough of New York’s natural beauty, make a weekend out of your trip! You can also take a short road trip over to Taughannock Falls State Park to see some of the prettiest cascades in the region.

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Address: Finger Lakes National Forest, Hector, NY 14886, USA