Finger Lakes National Forest 📍

Nestled in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes National Forest spans 16,000 acres of diverse terrain, combining lush woodlands with expansive pasture land. Encompassing woodlands, grasslands, and glacial lakes, its picturesque landscapes and well-maintained trails attract outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest’s five distinctive trails wind through the scenery, revealing stunning views of gorges, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. The forest is also home to the celebrated Finger Lakes Trail, a long-distance hiking trail extending over 580 miles. Limited free primitive and roadside camping opportunities along the roads add to the allure, providing a chance to immerse in the natural beauty for longer periods. As the only national forest in New York State, it provides a unique space for relaxation, exploration, and immersion in the captivating landscapes of the Finger Lakes region.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_Lakes_National_Forest
http://www.fs.usda.gov/fingerlakes
http://www.cnyhiking.com/FingerLakesNationalForest.htm

Download the PDF Map Pack
🗺️ Maps 🖼️ Photos 📽️ Videos
Thematic Map: NYS Electric Utility Service Territories Map
Map: Spy Lake
Map: Kasoag State Forest
Map: Cole Hill State Forest

How many cows are permitted to graze on Finger Lakes National Forest ?

|

There are approximately 1,500 head of cattle permitted to graze within the Finger Lakes National Forest. [1]

The livestock are managed directly by the Hector Cooperative Grazing Association. The cattle rotate through 35 to 40 designated public pastures covering roughly 4,500 to 4,800 acres of open grassland. [1, 2, 3]

Key Grazing Details

  • The Seasonal Timeline: The cattle are brought to the forest pastures in mid-spring on May 15 and roam freely until they are rounded up and returned to their home farms on October 15 or 31. [1, 2]
  • Types of Cattle: The herds primarily consist of beef and dairy cattle, consisting largely of cow-calf pairs, breeding bulls, and young 1- to 2-year-old yearlings. [3, 4]
  • Co-Op Membership: The cattle belong to local independent livestock owners and dairy farmers across the region who pay dues to the cooperative to access the shared public lands. [5, 6]
  • Sharing the Trails: Because the cattle roam freely across a third of the forest, hikers using systems like the Interloken Trail will directly encounter them. Trails utilize specialized latched livestock gates to keep the herds contained. [7, 8, 9]

[1] https://www.americanforests.org
[2] https://www.cornellsun.com
[3] https://www.ithaca.com
[4] https://www.agproud.com
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org
[6] https://www.causeiq.com
[7] https://www.gofingerlakes.org
[8] https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com
[9] https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com

SVGZ Graphic: Distance to a Dollar Store
SVGZ Graphic: Dollar Store Bands