Fabius, NY: Finger Lakes Chapter, Bear Swamp State Forest

Join the Finger Lakes Chapter as we explore Bear Swamp State Forest in Sempronius, NY. Bear Swamp State Forest covers 3,539 acres with a 14.3-mile multiple use trail system. All trails are designated by color and are marked. We will shoot for a 4-hour hike but the trail system allows for cutting that short if the weather or trail conditions warrant. This date follows closely to that of the Highland Forest hike, but we should try to avoid being in the woods during the deer hunting season later in November. The trail system is well developed but be prepared for possible muddy conditions in some areas. Bear Swamp is a favorite cross country skiing venue. Other than the trail system, there is no infrastructure in the state forest although the adjacent Colonial Lodge is famous for their local caught perch sandwiches and dinners.

When: Saturday, November 14th, 9:30 am. (Rain date Sunday)
Where: Meet at the “Iowa Rd Parking Lot” — actually on Bear Swamp Rd

From points North: head South on rt 41A from Skaneateles for 17 miles to Iowa Rd. Turn left on Iowa for 1.5 miles. The parking area is on Bear Swamp Road

From Rt 81: Take Exit 12, stay on the exit until it dead ends at rt 281. Turn Right on 281 for 1.2 miles to Rt 41. Turn left of 41 and go 2.5 miles to 41A (easy to miss). Go 8.5 miles to Iowa Rd. Follow Iowa for 1.5 miles to Bear Swamp Rd and the parking area.

From Ithaca: (use your gps this should get you close –6533 Iowa Rd Moravia, NY 13118)
or
Take N Cayuga St to E Shore Dr in Ithaca
4 min (1.4 mi)
Take NY-34 N to Locke Rd in Lansing
14 min (11.4 mi)
Follow Locke Rd and Creek Rd to NY-90 S in Locke
5 min (3.9 mi)
Continue on NY-90 S. Take NY-38 N, Dresserville Rd and Big Hill Rd to Iowa Rd in Sempronius
19 min (11.5 mi)
Continue on Iowa Rd. Drive to Bear Swamp Rd
4 min (1.8 mi)

What to bring:
• Lunch or a snack
• Water
• Good hiking shoes (be prepared for mud –gaiters if you have them
• Hiking poles (optional)
Terrain is moderate, similar to Highland Forest

COVID-19. These are our current requirements:
• If you’re not feeling well or know you have recently been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home. We’ll look forward to seeing you at a future From • Only members of the same household may share a ride.
• You must wear a mask or other face covering that covers your nose and mouth when you are hiking