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Finger Lakes

The 16,032-acre Finger Lakes National Forest lies on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton are all within a two-hour drive of the Forest.

The Iroquois Indian Confederacy, later known as the "Six Nations," originated in the Finger Lakes Region. These native Americans were probably the first to use the area, which is now a National Forest.

The Forest has over 25 miles of interconnecting trails, including the 12-mile Interloken National Recreation Trail and two miles of the Finger Lakes Trail. Attractions include spacious pastures, cool ravines, and varied forests.

The Finger Lakes National Forest currently manages 1,400 acres as shrubland, emphasizing the maintenance of brushy openings for wildlife habitat and fruit production. This habitat type is relatively uncommon in the region. A large variety of game and non-game wildlife species are dependent on shrub openings during all or part of their life cycle. These species include pheasants, ruffed grouse, turkeys, white-tailed deer, many small mammals, and songbirds. Many varieties of edible berries and tree fruits are also found in this vegetation type. Management is designed to maintain and promote fruit production in areas accessible to Forest visitors, with special emphasis on blueberry production.

The Forest's scenic beauty along the ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake offer unlimited recreation opportunities any season of the year. A Recreation Management Guide gives you a great snapshot of activities. Whether you are a hiker, cross country skier, camper, fishing or hunting enthusiast, snowmobiler, horseback rider, or wildlife watcher, the Finger Lakes National Forest can provide the recreational experience you are seeking!

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