Kopac Loop & Whaley Pond

 The trailhead for this hike is located at the main Bowman Lake parking area, where there is a small entrance fee. The GPS coordinates are 42.52144, -75.68588.

From the trailhead (1625’), follow the white-blazed Finger Lakes Trail toward the lake. There isn’t a sign designating the trail but the white blazes direct you up a path next to the playground. Continuing next to the shore of the lake, the main FLT veers to the left, away from the lake at 0.3 miles from the trailhead. Continuing straight here will put you on the blue-blazed Kopac Trail. Continue straight here, following the blue blazes along the lake.

Once the southern end of the lake is reached, the Kopac Trail turns west, following the end of the lake on a wide, grassy path. After it reaches the western edge of the lake, the orange-blazed Lake Loop enters on the right. Continue straight here and follow the blue blazes. From here, the trail heads gradually uphill at first but then levels out 0.2 miles from the Lake Loop junction. At 1.0 miles from the trailhead, the trail comes to a junction with the ADA accessible Kopac Pond Trail (1690’). The Kopac Pond Trail goes to the left and right sides of the junction. Turn right here but immediately turn right again to continue on the blue-blazed trail. The pond trail leads a short distance to an observation platform over Kopac Pond, which can still be seen from the blue-blazed trail.

The blue-blazed Kopac Trail continues on a level walk, winding through some conifers with ferns covering the ground. At 1.9 miles, the trail reaches another junction, this time with the yellow-blazed Whaley Pond Trail. This trail isn’t part of the blue-blazed loop and adds a bit of distance but it’s worth the short out-and-back. Turn left here for Whaley Pond.

The yellow-blazed trail can be muddy at times, but there are puncheons to help navigate these places. The trail leads 0.4 miles from the junction to Whaley Pond (1755’). This is a nice spot to take a break and there is also a primitive campsite next to the pond. After enjoying the view of the pond, turn around and head 0.4 miles back to the trail junction.

From the trail junction, follow the blue-blazed Kopac Trail straight ahead after the yellow-blazed trail ends (following the sign for Bowman Lake). It’s still level and wide from here. At 3.0 miles, the trail turns to the south and begins a slightly more moderate descent toward Bowman Lake. After the descent is finished, the trail roughly parallels Bowman Lake for a bit, although it’s not visible from the trail. At 3.6 miles, the trail arrives at a T-intersection with the white-blazed Finger Lakes Trail. Turn right here and follow the trail approximately 300 feet to the Bowman Lake parking area. Total distance for this hike: 3.6 miles with 230 feet of elevation gain.