Hopefully you’ve heard of the Finger Lakes Trail – that 563-mile long ribbon across New York State that is built and maintained by a cadre of dedicated volunteers. Maybe you’ve even contemplated going for a hike. But, you hesitated with a head full of questions. Where to start? How to arrange a shuttle? Is it safe to go alone? What will it be like? Will I be able to follow the trail?
Hesitate no further. The FLTC is sponsoring three hikes this year to honor three FLT ‘icons’ by increasing awareness about the Finger Lakes Trail system within the greater hiking community. They welcome you to come along and learn first hand about the joys of hiking on the Finger Lakes Trail with a fun group of outdoorsy folks. Mark the dates on your calendar now. Then visit the “FLTC Calendar” page on the FLTC web site to get more details as the date approaches.
Wally Wood Hike (Spring)
Wally Wood was the founder of the FLT.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Hike Leader – Jacqui Wensich
General location – Bristol Hills Trail, FLT Map B1
Ed Sidote Hike (Summer)
90 year-old Ed Sidote is a past president from years ago who is now serving as the FLT’s end-to-end hike coordinator.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Hike Leader – Claire Ders
General location – North Pharsalia, FLT Map M23
Erv Markert Hike (Fall)
Erv Markert was another early FLTC pioneer and president.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hike Leader – John Morris
General location – Dryden, FLT Map M19
If you’d like to try the Finger Lakes Trail on your own, the guidebook “Take A Hike – Family Walks in New York’s Finger Lakes Region” offers 13 different hikes that include portions of the FLT. Some are loops that make hiking the FLT convenient and fun.
Experience the Finger Lakes Trail and I guarantee you’ll want to hike more, become a member of the FLTC, and maybe even lend your expertise to the preservation and enhancement of this jewel.
