This section of the Finger Lakes Trail follows the scenic Ludlow Creek, featuring a lean-to along the way. It gives a taste of what Chenango County is about: forests! Hiking in this state forest gives trail users a sense of solitude, both because of the beautiful scenery and the minimal traffic on the trail.

Map of the Ludlow Creek out-and-back

You can navigate on this route using the downloadable AllTrails map.

 The trailhead for this hike is located on Tucker Road, just west of the bridge across Ludlow Creek. The GPS coordinates are 42.44784, -75.70363.

From the trailhead (1430’), follow the white-blazed Finger Lakes Trail on an old woods road. The first portion of this hike follows Ludlow Creek itself and you can occasionally get glimpses into the gorge. At 0.2 miles, a short blue-blazed spur trail on the left leads 250 feet to the Ludlow Creek Lean-To, which overlooks the gorge, providing a picturesque camping setting. Continue straight on the main FLT.

Shortly after the lean-to, the FLT turns off the woods road to the left. The trail continues on mostly level terrain before climbing a small hill. From here, it is pleasant ups and downs through the scenic forest. At 1.2 miles, the trail begins a steeper climb, but this one only lasts for 0.3 miles.

At 1.5 miles, the trail passes a trail register on the left. Shortly after this point, the trail leaves the forest and crosses two large fields before ending at Stone Quarry Hill Road at 1.85 miles. The trail continues to the left, following the road, but this is the turnaround point for the out-and-back. Retrace your steps to Tucker Road and the trailhead. Total distance for this hike: 3.7 miles RT with 330 feet of elevation gain.