National Trails Day falls on the first Saturday in June. I really don't see the need for a special day to honor all of the phenomenal hiking trails in our country. I believe they deserve recognition each and every day, especially the beloved trails in the Finger Lakes that I explore regularly with my dog Shadow.
Hiking and discovering new trails is a personal passion. Another passion is finding trail signs as Shadow and I trek around Ontario County. These signs share the story of the trail that lies ahead. They guide you on your adventure. They also provide a history of the trailblazers who came before us.
Please join Shadow and me as we share our passion for the path less traveled, and a passion for the signs that guide us on our way.
Pictured above, Shadow and I are enjoying the Apple Farm branch of the Victor Hiking Trails.
Pictured in the photo on the left is the trail troll on the Auburn Trail in Fishers. She welcomes hikers crossing the bridge to the Domine Trails section of the Victor Hiking Trails.
The Finger Lakes Trail is a system of interconnected trails that stretches more than 950 miles from the Pennyslvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Bristol Hills branch starts in Ontario County Park north of Naples and winds south more than 50 miles to meet the main Finger Lakes Trail.
A visit to Ontario County is not complete without a stop to beautiful Grimes Glen in downtown Naples (historic marker is pictured below). Hike along the creek bed to the spectacular waterfalls, enjoy the flora and view the shale bluffs that tower above your head.
Ontario County is home to many areas protected as “forever wild” by the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
Near and dear to my heart are the “Little Lakes," which is how we refer to the four smaller Finger Lakes. I love them so that I named my daughter Canadice after one of them. The others are Honeoye, Hemlock and Conesus. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes supply water for the city of Rochester. Motorized watercraft is limited and the lake homes of old are now just stone foundations. Hiking around these smaller, quiet, pristine lakes is a peaceful experience.
Yes, I have an obsession with trail signs. These are just a few of my favorites. Please visit our wonderful hiking trails in Ontario County and the Finger Lakes, not just on National Trails Day. I would love for you, my fellow trailblazers, to share the signs you find along the path less traveled.
Happy trails to you!