Watkins Glen Historic Grand Prix Circuit
Watkins Glen won its place in motorsports history on October 2, 1948, when the first post-World War II road race was hosted on its village streets.Learn more about the historic circuitDrive the original 6.6-mile Grand Prix course, it's all on public roads, in your own vehicle any time by following this map.Visit the International Motor Racing Research Center for the story behind the speed and to view a 20-minute video on racing historyVisit Watkins Glen International and drive the Glen in your own vehicleFLT Map M14
Watkins Glen, New York
The village of Watkins Glen, first settled in 1791, is known for its spectacular state park and its long history of auto racing.The settlement of the village began in 1791. First named "Jefferson" in 1842, the village was later renamed in 1852 to honor Dr. Samuel Watkins. Watkins' older brother John purchased property around the gorge in 1794 and constructed mills. After his brother's death, Samuel Watkins inherited the property and spent four decades developing the area. Today Watkins Glen is home to a number of 19th-century buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.View a history timelineLearn more about the history of auto racing in Watkins GlenVisit Watkins Glen InternationalFLT Map M14
Watkins Glen State Park
Known for its natural beauty, the Watkins Glen State Park features a series of waterfalls and gorges with an almost two-mile hike passing 19 waterfalls and ascending over 800 stone steps. The glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs.There are a number of small trails leading off of the Gorge Trail, giving way to a number of other outdoor activities close by the main trail. There are tent and trailer camp sites, swimming pools, picnic facilities as well as guided tours of the local topography.The entrance to the park is right on Main Street in Watkins Glen. Learn more about the parkMore info from the Finger Lakes Trail ConferenceFLT Map M14
First post-WWII Road Race in America, historical marker
At this spot the green flag dropped for 23 sports cars to start the first road race in the United States after World War II. The event was sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), sponsored by the Village of Watkins Glen, and attended by around 5000 spectators. It marked the beginning of a racing era at Watkins Glen and throughout the country. The 6.6 mile course started at this spot with a 1/4 mile straightaway, then made a sharp right to go up a steep climb, and across a plateau that lead to another ascent. Before heading back down the hill, the course crossed the New York Central railroad, whose trains were held up during the race. After crossing the rail line, the track went into a mile long descent back into town and across the start/finish line.At the end of four laps, 15 cars qualified for the main event which ran 8 laps. 11 cars finished the race.In 1952, the last year the circuit was used, there were more than 100 entrants. The course may be toured today over the same roads marked with signs identifying the special features of the circuit.Learn moreFLT Map M14
Montour Falls, NY
Historic Montour Falls with its spectacular Chequaga Falls in the heart of downtown is home to seven natural glens and more than 20 waterfalls. It features multiple nearby points of interest:Montour Falls Historic District: Officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the "Glorious T" District is comprised of 24 buildings and one significant waterfall. West Main Street forms the stem of the "T", and Genesee Street, running North to South, forms the crossbar of the "T".Chemung Canal: site of the first lock of 51 along the canal that linked the area to the Erie Canal from 1833 until its closing in 1878Brick Tavern Museum: The oldest brick structure in Schuyler County built in 1828 It was built as a tavern on the stagecoach route and has also been a boarding house and a residence. Today it is the hoe of the Schuyler County Historical Society Museum.The Wickham Rural Life Center adjacent to the museum building focuses on the agricultural and pre-electric home life of the county.The Lee School Museum was acquired from the local school district in 1960. It is an 1884 wooden, one-room school, furnished as it was in the early 20th Century. The Lee School is located on Route 14, just south of Montour Falls. It is open for special annual events and by appointment.The Lawrence Chapel, a Gothic-inpsired chapel built in 1880.View more info at the Schuyler County Historical SocietyView a short video on the history of Montour FallsFLT Map M14
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area
The primary purposes of Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is the largest WMA in New York State, encompassing 11,237 acres. It is part of the Appalachian Highlands, which is distinctive high, rugged land. With elevations reaching 2,000 feet, it offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding lowlands. The diversity of habitat ranging from streams and ponds; mature forests with American beech, maple and hemlock; and open meadows offer a home for a variety of fish and wildlife to view or pursue.After the American Revolution the area was farmed, but many farmers abandoned the area due to the harsh climate and shallow soils in the higher elevations. This allowed New York State to acquire almost 10,000 acres of the area for use as a game refuge. Between 1948 and 1950 many ponds were built to attract waterfowl, which are now also used by other wildlife.Info from NYS DECFLT Map 16
Robert H. Treman State Park
The winding trails at Robert H. Treman State Park follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Amenities include camping sites for tents and RVs; cabins, swimming in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall, and nine miles of hiking trails.Robert H. Treman first purchased land surrounding Enfield Falls in 1915, and worked to improve the property by planting over 1,000 trees. He and his wife, Laura Treman (Hosie), donated the land to New York State in 1920 for the establishment of Enfield Glen State Park. The park was renamed in Robert H. Treman's honor following his death in 1937.More info from New York State ParksMore info from the Finger Lakes Trail ConferenceFLT Map 16
Buttermilk Falls State Park
It's worth a side trip from the Finger Lakes Trail (map M17) to visit the spectacular 165-foot falls.Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. There are many hiking trails at the park:Gorge Trail: 0.65mi with a 600-foot descent following Buttermilk CreekRim Trail: 0.82mi along Buttermilk Creek; forms a loop trail with the Gorge TrailBear Trail: 0.67mi connects lower and upper falls areasLake Treman Trail: 1.29mi leads to Lake TremanOwl Creek Trail: 0.8miLarch Meadow Trail: 1.02mi circles a marsh near the lower parking lotMore info from the Finger Lakes Trail ConferenceInfo from NYS DEC
The History Center of Tompkins County
The History Center of Tompkins County offers exhibits, special events, and both guided and self-guided walking tours to help residents and visitors learn more about local history. It also engages individuals in education and research to preserve history through artifacts, collections and archives.The center helps people use the tools of history to understand the past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping the future.View toursLearn about our storyFind out moreVisitFLT Map M17
Three pioneers, 1789, historic marker
In April 1789 on four hundred acres of the old maize lands of the Iroquois three pioneers -- Jacob Yaple, Isaac Dumond and Peter Hinepaw from Kingston NY -- cast seed and in September 1789 brought their families. Twenty souls built houses and began the settlement of IthacaFLT Map M17
Museum of the Earth
The Paleontological Research Institution’s Museum of the Earth was established in 2003 to provide the general public with a unique opportunity to explore our world through a mix of natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions. The museum’s 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from the Earth’s origin to the present day. Through hands-on, visual exhibitions and outreach, the Museum of the Earth encourages critical thinking about life on Earth in the past and today, and how our species is affecting the natural world.Learn about the museum and view online exhibitsVisitNear FLT Map M17
Cornell Botanic Gardens
The botanic gardens on the Cornell University campus feature an arboretum, wildflower garden, herb garden, and extensive botanical collections along with miles of woodland and park-like trails through natural areas on and off campus. The Botanic Gardens offer an array of educational resources along with special events throughout the year open to the public.Visit the Botanic GardensNear FLT Map M17
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Get to know the birds of the forests, farms, and waterways across New York State. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Visitor Center is filled with science exhibits and artwork, nestled within a 230-acre sanctuary with 4 miles of trails for exploring. The Lab also offers robust online resources.Visit the labLearn about birds and birding onlineNear FLT Map M17
Danby State Forest
Danby State Forest is located on the Allegheny Plateau, which is made of sedimentary bedrock that formed some 350 million years ago when the region was covered by an ancient saltwater sea. Geologists believe that the plateau was created during a collision of the North American and African continents 250 to 330 million years ago. The collision lifted the bedrock, which has since been shaped by continual weathering and the advance and retreat of continental ice sheets (glaciers). The glaciers created the 'U' shaped valleys of the region and the Finger Lakes.Tompkins County was originally home to members of the Iroquois Confederation or Haudenosaunee, specifically the Cayuga Nation. The Haudenosaunee was established in circa 1570 under the influence of Hiawatha. It was a bond between five nations: the Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Mohawk, and the Onondaga. In 1715, the Tuscarora nation was added making it a league of six nations. The Cayugas, who were the main inhabitants of the Tompkins County area, did not use the land heavily. They had semi-permanent dwellings placed near freshwater sources which enabled them to hunt and transport game, as well as irrigate their crops without causing great stress to the land.FLT Map 17Early European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans referred to the area as "Dark Forest" because the forest was so dense that only small traces of light penetrated through the forest canopy. The new settlers had many forest superstitions and little or no experience in producing forest goods. They therefore decided to clear the area almost entirely for use as farmland. The timber that was not used for carpentry was burned, becoming a valuable by-product known as potash. This process continued until almost the entire land was converted from dense forest to open fields.As time progressed, it became apparent that the soils had major limitations for intensive crop production, including a seasonally high water table, low fertility, moderate to high acidity, and steep slopes. Early farmers quickly learned that the long harsh winters and thin, fine textured upland soils of the area would not support intensive agriculture. As such, many of the farmlands were abandoned as farmers sought deeper and more productive soils in the Midwest.Originally part of the Watkins and Flint Purchase, Danby State Forest lands were added to the state forest system from 1933 to 1997. The most significant acquisition took place in January of 1956 when about 6,200 acres were added to the state forest from the federal government. Chiefly former farms, the federal lands were acquired as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal under what was then called the federal sub marginal land purchase program. In total, about 50 farms were acquired under the sub marginal land purchase program, with an average land parcel size of about 150 acres. The lands that comprise the Danby State Forest were once rural farming communities. Before federal and state ownership, four schoolhouses and five cemeteries were established on Danby State Forest lands. The 1860 Historical and Statistical Gazetteer of New York State lists grain, butter, apples, and potatoes as the top agricultural and dairy products produced in the town of Danby.Evidence of the Bald Hill farming community can be found today. Family cemeteries on Danby State Forest include: the Fisher Settlement Cemetery (Ward/Theron Family), the Grant Farm Cemetery, the Green and Mettler Cemetery, the Larue Hill Farm Burying Ground (Bogert/McGowen Family) and the Ryant Family Burial Ground (also called the McFall Family Burial Ground). Burials in these cemeteries took place from as early as 1821 to as late as 1918. The Friends of Bald Hill volunteers have extensively researched the rich history of Bald Hill. In the past several years, the group has located and mapped many of the former farm buildings, sawmill locations, and school foundations on the State Forest.Danby State Forest has a history of forest fires. On November 10, 1931, a serious forest fire broke out and burned over 2,000 acres of the "wildest sections of Bald Hill." An article from the Ithaca Journal reports that over 200 volunteers, county workers and State Troopers battled the fire which burned mostly second growth timber. On November 12, 1931 an article in the Elmira Advertiser stated that "already the fire had licked up thousands of young pine and elm trees in one of the richest strips of tree country in the Southern Tier." Reports indicated that the fire may have started from careless hunters or from the railroad as it passed through West Danby at the base of Bald Hill.From 1934 to 1967, Civilian Conservation Corp crew members and Camp MacCormick members planted about 1.1 million trees on Danby State Forest. Most of the trees planted were softwoods such as eastern white pine, red pine, Japanese larch and Norway spruce. However, some hardwood trees were planted as well. In 1934, about 38,000 northern red oaks were planted.Danby State Forest is a working State Forest that is sustainably managed to provide recreational services, diverse wildlife habitat, and products. These values, products, and services include: locally grown firewood and sawtimber, jobs, carbon storage, clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, hunting, hiking, trapping, Nordic skiing, rustic camping, and snowmobiling and biking opportunities.Info from NYS DECAlso see the history of New York's state forests.FLT Map M17
Brooktondale, New York
The hamlet of Brooktondale was first settled in the late 18th century. It has a long farming history due to its abundant silt loam soil. After the Civil War, the newly constructed railroads transported the area’s ample agricultural products to other parts of the state. Hay, wheat, milk, and cheese were all shipped to New York City by train. Its historic stuctures represent a variety of architectural styles adopted chiefly across the 19th and 20th centuries.Take a walking tour of BrooktondaleFLT Map M18
Shindagin State Park
The Shindagin Hollow State Forest is located on the Allegheny Plateau, which is made of sedimentary bedrock that formed approximately 350 million years ago when the region was covered by an ancient saltwater sea. Geologists believe that the plateau was created during a collision of the North American and African continents about 250 to 330 million years ago. The collision lifted the bedrock, which has since been shaped by continual weathering and the advance and retreat of continental ice sheets (glaciers). The glaciers created the 'U' shaped valleys of the region and the Finger Lakes. The last glacier left New York State about 10,000 years ago.Human settlement followed the retreat of the glacier. Tompkins County was originally home to members of the Iroquois Confederation or Haudenosaunee, specifically the Cayuga Nation. The Haudenosaunee was established in circa 1570 under the influence of Hiawatha. It was a bond between five nations: the Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Mohawk, and the Onondaga. In 1715, the Tuscarora nation was added making it a league of six nations. The Cayugas, who were the main inhabitants of the Tompkins County area, did not use the land heavily. They had semi-permanent dwellings placed near freshwater sources which enabled them to locate and transport game, as well as irrigate their crops without causing great stress to the land.Early settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans referred to the area as "Dark Forest" because the forest was so dense that only small traces of light penetrated through the canopy. However, the new settlers had many superstitions involving forests, and they had little or no experience in producing forest goods. They therefore decided to clear the area almost entirely for use as farmland. The timber that was not used for carpentry was burned, becoming a valuable by-product known as potash. This process continued until almost the entire land was converted from dense forest to open fields, leaving the landscape seemly forever changed.Soils on area hilltops, however, have major limitations for intensive crop production, including a seasonally high water table, low fertility, moderate to high acidity and steep slopes. Early farmers quickly learned that the combination of long, harsh winters and thin, fine textured upland soils would not support intensive agriculture. As such, many of the farmlands were sold or abandoned as farmers sought more fertile lands in the Midwest.During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the landscape would be transformed again. In order to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, and provide forest products and recreational opportunities, the State of New York began acquiring property for reforestation during the 1930s under the auspices of the State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931. These laws allowed the Conservation Department (now DEC) to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation. Properties had to be a minimum of 500 acres of contiguous land.Although the Hewitt Amendment was a major acquisition catalyst throughout New York State, about 73% of Shindagin Hollow State Forest was acquired from the federal government in January of 1956. From 1933 to 1937, as part of Roosevelt Administration's New Deal, the federal government purchased about 8 million acres in the Appalachians through what was called the sub-marginal land purchase program. Van Etten Civilian Conservation Corp. Camp S-81, Caroline Center Youth Camp and New York State Conservation Department crews planted more than 2,231,700 tree seedlings on 2,105 acres from 1935 to 1952. Most of the seedlings were softwood species such as red pine, white pine, Norway spruce and Scotch pine. Today, forest covers about 67% of the surrounding landscape, while crop land and pasture cover about 27%Shindagin Hollow State Forest has many different wildlife habitats, created by deliberate forest management over the last eight decades. DEC forest managers conserve, protect and enhance forest ecosystems by developing a mix of young (early successional), middle-aged and old (late successional) forest types. State forests are managed to conserve water quality, and to provide diverse wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and a sustainable supply of locally grown forest products such as firewood and sawtimber.Info from NYS DECFLT Map 18
Dryden town history marker
The marker reads, "Iroquois hunting grounds, then Town #23 in military tract prior to being first settled in 1797. In 1817 became one of the first nine towns in Tompkins County."Learn more about the markerExplore Dryden with the Dryden Historical SocietyVisit the Southworth House and HomesteadFLT Map M19
Hammond Hill State Forest
Hammond Hill State Forest is a popular area year-round for its network of trails suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.The forest was established between 1935 and 1950 in an effort to reduce soil erosion problems, produce forest products, and provide recreational opportunities. Nearly half of the forest (1799 acres) was acquired by the State from the federal government. Most of the property was former pasture or tilled acreage that was suffering from poor agricultural practices. The Conservation Department (now DEC) planted this land with 708,000 pine, spruce, larch, maple, cherry, ash and oak seedlings between 1935 and 1940 using Civilian Conservation Corps labor. Today, almost 100% of the area is forested, the soil has been improved, and the harvesting of forest products supports all management activities, including recreation.More info from NYS DECAlso see the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M18
Potato Hill State Forest
The majority of Potato Hill State Forest was acquired in 1938 and 1940, with two additional purchases in 1975 and 1980. The name of this forest attests to the large scale planting of potatoes in the area by early Irish Immigrants. The highest Tompkins County production recorded was 316,334 bushels in 1845. By 1865, Tompkins County production had dropped to 166,300 bushels, but potatoes were still raised on a decreasing scale until the 1960's. Previous owners of the land included the Kendall, Hotaling, Royce, Cortright, Delola and Michaud families, as well as the Federal Land Bank.Since soil erosion was a serious problem on the newly acquired farmlands, a massive tree planting campaign began. The labor used to create these tree plantations was provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work program established by the Roosevelt Administration to create jobs. The Slaterville Springs Camp S-125, hand planted more than 602,000 tree seedlings on Potato Hill State Forest between 1939 and 1941. In 1965, the Caroline Center Youth Camp hand planted an additional 2,000 trees. Almost all the seedlings planted were softwood species, with Norway spruce, red pine and white pine being the most frequently planted species.Learn more about the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M18
Robinson Hollow State Forest
Robinson Hollow State Forest, like many of New York's state forests, had originally been cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Allegheny Plateau are thin, relatively steep and acidic. As such, the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is quite understandable that farmers abandoned these lands in pursuit of more fertile properties in the Midwest.The majority of Robinson Hollow State Forest was purchased between 1934 and 1941. Five additional purchases were made in the 1960s, with two more purchases in the 1980s. The previous owners included the Oliver, Fitzcharles, Wattles, Beam, Dickenson, Wright, Allen, Hoaglin, Loring, Welch, Royce, Morton, Gardiner, Brown, Beebe, Wuensch, Cortright, and Donato families.Between 1935 and 1939, the Slaterville Springs Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-125 hand planted more than 793,000 tree seedlings on the land. Another 211,000 seedlings were added in 1962 by the Conservation Department, and more than 40,000 were planted in 1963 with just a tractor and a spade. The McCormick Youth Camp hand planted more than 57,000 tree seedlings in 1966 and 1967. In 1981, another 10,000 seedlings were added to the land in Robinson Hollow. The majority of the seedlings planted were softwood species, including Norway spruce, red pine, and white pine.Today, the landscape has been completely transformed from farm and pasture land to forest. It provides many ecological services such as soil and water conservation, carbon storage, nutrient recycling and clean air.More info from NYS DECLearn more about the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M18
James Kennedy State Forest
Between 1931 and 1976, approximately 2,280,500 pine, spruce, cedar, larch and red oak were planted to aid in reforestation of the area. The trees were planted by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-125 based in Slaterville Springs, NY, Conservation Department staff (now DEC), Camp Pharsalia crews, and social service crews. Today the forest provides a diverse group of ecological, economic and recreational services.The towns of Virgil, Lapeer, and Harford, in which the forest is located, were developed under the Military Tract that was established in 1789. During the Revolutionary War, New York State needed soldiers to protect its borders from British attack as well as attacks from Native Americans. Since the State had little money to pay its soldiers, a plan was devised to pay them with land. The Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton, plotted land from Oswego to the southern border of present day Cortland County. This land was dedicated for the payment of New York's Revolutionary War soldiers. The land was then divided into smaller sections of about ten square miles called townships. These townships were then divided into sections of land approximately 600 acres each to be allotted to individual soldiers. Unfortunately, the majority of the soldiers did not utilize such payments, preferring instead to take their chances elsewhere. In those instances, the soldier sold his land warrant to a speculator who would commonly divide the lots into smaller pieces and then sell them for a large profit.As part of the Military Tract, the town of Virgil was named after the Roman poet, Virgil. Originally the town of Virgil was connected to Homer, New York. Virgil separated from Homer in 1804. The first settler of the Virgil area, Joseph Chaplin, arrived in 1792. Chaplin was commissioned by New York State to cut a road through the dense forest from Oxford to Ithaca in order to open Central New York to settlement and development. Chaplin strove to cut a road as straight as possible and eventually ended up coming out near Ludlowville. This road was referred to as "The First Road." However, the state was not satisfied with "The First Road," and refused to pay Chaplin until he made another road from Virgil to Ithaca which was named "Bridle Road." After two years of breaking the road, Chaplin's work ended in 1794. New York State achieved its goal of promoting the settlement of Central New York. Shortly thereafter, John M. Frank and his family used the road to settle in the town of Virgil. John Gee and his family followed the Frank family in 1795. They were later followed by John Roe and his family in 1797. These were the first three families to settle in Virgil.Daniel C. Squires named the town of Lapeer, and he was responsible for its split from Virgil. Squires is reported to have commented after the split, "Although among the youngest of all the towns of Cortland County [it is] the peer of them all." Squires combined the French article La, which is commonly used like "the" in English, with the English word Peer. "Lapeer," the town's name, is a direct reference to Squires' statement meaning "The Peer." Although not organized as a town until 1845, Lapeer's first settler was Primus Grant, a native of Guinea, who came to the area in 1799. Unlike Virgil or Lapeer, the town of Harford has no solid information as to the origin of its name. However, there is a hypothesis regarding its origin. It is assumed that Harford followed the example of the neighboring town of Richford in determining its name. Richford received its name from the first owner of Richford's general store, Ezekial Rich, around the year of 1821. Theodore Hart ran Harford's first general store around 1824. It is also interesting to note that Harford was and is often spelled "Hartford." Therefore, it is feasible that Harford did receive its name from Theodore Hart, although it cannot be proven.Info from NYS DECAlso see the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M19
Hoxie Gorge State Park
Hoxie Gorge State Forest encompasses 2,115 acres of land. Public Forest Access Roads off of Steve Russell Hill Road provide 2.6 miles of recreational access. There are also two separate segments of accessible trails for those with impaired mobility.While the actual gorge for which Hoxie Gorge is named is located to the north of the forest, the stream that runs through the gorge begins within its boundaries and continues to wind peacefully through the property.A 169-acre natural area has been maintained by the State University of New York, Cortland, since 1965 for education, research and recreation. A portion of the property was the site of a dairy farm from the 1880s to the 1960s, while a portion has remained undisturbed. The natural environments include pristine streams running through the gorge area, mature woodlands and old fields. The McDermott Nature Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail provide access to these areas. As one travels the McDermott Nature Trail near marker #29, the Finger Lakes Trail continues northeast. In this area are old-growth hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) trees on the banks of the gorge, the oldest of which date back to 1736 and another to 1740. In this area are also sweet birch (Betula lenta), red maple (Acer rubrum) and black cherry (Prunus serotina) that date to the late 1800's. Larger mammals in the forest include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), eastern coyote (Canis latrans), porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), and fisher (Martes pennanti).Info from NYS DECInfo on the preserve from SUNY CortlandFLT Map M20
1890 House and Museum, Cortland, New York
The collection found throughout the 1890 House Museum offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time to 19th century Cortland. The unique history tells the stories of the Wickwire family, their servants, and the Wickwire Wire Mills Factory workers.Learn more about the house and museum
Mariposa State Forest
The first pioneer settlements in this area began in 1784 when Deacon and Jesse Catlin created Catlin Settlement in what is now the hamlet of Lincklaen. The forested hills in this area were cleared for crops and pasture land. The settlers discovered that the hills in this area were well suited for sheep grazing, so sheep were common livestock on the early farms. After the Civil War, these agricultural lands were converted to dairy farms as the demand for dairy products increased. Many of the dairy farms went out of business during the 1930s due to the poor economy and less productive soils found on the hilltops. Beginning in 1932, these lands were acquired by New York State for the establishment of Mariposa State Forest.This state forest is located on an area of rolling hilltops that are separated by a series of streams which flow south to the Otselic River. The forest consists of a mixture of native hardwoods with areas of conifer plantations that were mostly established by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1932 and 1940.Common native tree species found in this area are sugar maple, red maple, black cherry, white ash, quaking aspen and hemlock. The conifer plantations were established on former agricultural crop or pasture land and consist mostly of planted red pine, Norway spruce and white pine.Mariposa State Forest is managed by DEC foresters for wildlife habitat, timber production, outdoor recreation and watershed protection. DEC foresters use sustainable forestry practices to ensure that the land is protected for future generations while also providing for current uses. Trees are periodically harvested to be used for the production of hardwood and softwood lumber, utility poles, paper, log cabins and furniture. The management of this forest creates a variety of forest habitat conditions necessary for a diversity of wildlife.Info from NYS DECLearn more about the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M22
Taylor Valley State Forest
The Taylor Valley landscape is woven with a mix of northern hardwoods, hemlock, and conifer plantations. The wildlife and plants on both sides of the valley are quite abundant, and a large wetland complex located in the area only adds to the variety of available habitats, allowing for a rich and diverse collection of species. One of the most unique characteristics of this state forest is that it includes a valley that was carved out by glacial movement thousands of years ago.Taylor Valley State Forest was purchased by the state between 1931 and 1967 with an additional purchase in 1977. During the 1930s, the Roosevelt Administration, under the State Reforestation Act and the Hewitt Amendment, made it possible for hundreds of young men to secure jobs working on the reforestation of many unproductive and abandoned farms.Through the hard work and great effort of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), thousands of tree seedlings were planted on land that once was used for agricultural purposes. The Truxton CCC Camp S-118 was originally located in the area now occupied by the Cheningo Day Use Area, a popular attraction at Taylor Valley State Forest.Info from NYS DECLearn more about the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M21
South Otselic Historic District
The South Otselic Historic District includes 60 contributing buildings from commercial, residential, ecclesiastical, and industrial life. Among the notable buildings are the Methodist Church (ca. 1867), Gladding Corporation factory and office (1895), J. Brown Grist Mill (ca. 1810), Noonan's Blacksmith Shop (1870), Cox Block (1890, destroyed by fire on December 14, 2014), and Dew Drop Building (now post office, 1896). Notable residences include the Octagon House (ca. 1860) and the Queen Anne style Former Gladding Mansion (ca. 1880).More infoNear FLT Map M22
Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area and State Forest
Pharsalia WMA - the oldest WMA in New York State - has some of the largest blocks of forest in the region and supports a diversity of birds and other species which prefer such habitat. It is one of the few areas of the state outside the Adirondacks or Catskills that has breeding Swainson's thrush. In addition, Pharsalia WMA contains multiple impoundments providing habitats ranging from open water to wet meadow, and grassland areas ranging from small forest openings to ten-plus acres.Approximately 40% of Pharsalia Woods State Forest is conifer plantations established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with the remaining area in mature stands of northern hardwoods. Dark stands of planted spruce are interrupted by wide open vistas created after a tornado touched down on the forest in 1998. The roadside fire ponds with laid up stone and neatly channeled waterways recall the fastidious work of the CCC. A woodland cemetery pays tribute to Revolutionary War heroes, and the miles and miles of stone walls are monuments to the brute labor necessary for transforming forest into farmland. The cows and plows are gone but the walls remain as a reminder of both faded agriculture and nature's power to reclaim the fields.Perhaps the most striking feature on Pharsalia Woods is the large swath of open land that resulted following the May 1998 tornado. Approximately 900 acres of land were impacted by the tornado, and all trees within this area were either uprooted, shattered or broken at some point along the main stem. Timber salvage operations with varying intensities of utilization were conducted on 700 acres with the remaining 200 acres left untreated due to sensitive soils, low timber value and for the purpose of retaining controls for comparative studies. Reforestation within the tornado zone has focused on promoting conditions favorable for natural regeneration of native species, restoring vegetation along riparian zones and reestablishing a conifer component on select plantation sites. To date, 30,000 conifer and hardwood seedlings have been planted in the tornado zone.Following the 1788 treaty signed at Fort Schuyler between Governor Clinton and the Oneidas, what had previously been referred to as terra incognita- "unknown land"- was suddenly the twenty towns of Chenango County. In 1797, John Randall and seven other families arrived from Connecticut and began to carve a claim deep within the New York wilderness. A tell tale sign of the area's shallow soils and marginal farming conditions is revealed in Randall's choice of Stonington as the towns's original name. He may have been persuaded by land speculators to select a name more attractive to the wave of immigrants arriving from the east, because by 1808 the town was changed to Pharsalia. Despite the name change, poor soils resulted in high rates of farm abandonment such that by 1923 the population of Pharsalia had dropped to one half its 1850 level. With high rates of abandonment, Pharsalia became an early focus of state land acquisition programs and today nearly one half of the town is in public ownership.More infoFLT Map M23
Berry Hill Fire Tower
Following the recent rehabilitation of Berry Hill fire tower, which included upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility, the tower is now open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. Berry Hill is the only fire tower on public lands in Central New York open to the public, and at an elevation of 1,960 feet, is one of the highest points in Chenango County.Off-road parking is available for approximately eight vehicles at the base of the fire tower's driveway. The driveway is about 1,000 feet long and open for pedestrian access with a moderate uphill climb. Through an agreement with DEC, the New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association will provide volunteer stewardship services at Berry Hill. Volunteers will help maintain the facility and provide educational information to visitors. On days when a steward is on site, motor vehicle access to the upper parking area may be permitted.The tower is a 59-foot, 3-inch tall International Derrick tower, originally erected in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for fire protection. The tower served as an active fire look-out station until the end of the 1988 season. In 1993, it was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register (US#54). The 1999 McDonough State Forest Unit Management Plan identified an objective of rehabilitating the fire tower to allow for public access. Before making the structural improvements, it was necessary to remove and relocate communications equipment from the fire tower.Info from the NYS DECRead about the history of fire towers in New York StateFLT Map M23
Bowman Lake State Park
Bowman Lake State Park is a nearly 1,000-acre remote recreation and camping area Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests. A sandy lakefront offers swimming and light boating activities. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds. The park also has a nature center. The park offers some 13 miles of trail open for year-round use.Info from NYS ParksInfo from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference
Wiley Brook State Forest
The forest is named after the stream and its tributaries that run though many sections of the forest. All of the surface water in Wiley Brook State Forest flows south to the Susquehanna River. Wiley Brook is a tributary to Yaleville Brook, which flows into the Susquehanna River near the village of Bainbridge. The branches of Wiley Brook in the state forest represent the beginnings of the stream, and are unlikely to support any game fish, such as brook trout.The highest elevation in the forest is approximately 1,840 feet and is located in the far northeastern corner of the forest.The lowest elevation is about 1,440 feet and is found in the eastern, central section of the forest. Wiley Brook State Forest is bordered by a mix of privately owned woodlands and agricultural lands.The forest cover in Wiley Brook State Forest is generally a mixture of either native or planted conifers with northern hardwood species. The northern hardwoods include: beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash and basswood. Native conifers include white pine and hemlock. Planted conifers include red pine, scotch pine, white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce and white spruce. All of the conifer plantations in Wiley Brook State Forest where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1931 and 1940.More than 600 acres, or approximately 50%, of Wiley Brook State Forest was planted by the CCC. At the rate of 700 per acre, this adds up to more than 400,000 trees that were planted to reforest the unproductive agricultural lands of the 1800s. Many of these plantations are now mature, and are being converted to native forest cover, including northern hardwoods and hemlock.Info from NYS DECLearn more about the history of New York's state forestsFLT Map M25
