FLT/NCT to Tamarack Lean-To

 This pleasant woodland hike has a picturesque lean-to, a steep climb, and passes through a scenic grove of red pines. Like many other spots on the FLT, you’re likely to have the trail to yourself, even during summer weekends. This is an especially great hike to see upstate NY fall colors.

Map of the FLT to Tamarack Lean-To

Link to step-by-step RunGo directions, which can be used in real-time on the trail with the RunGo app. You can also navigate with the AllTrails map.

 The trailhead for this hike is located at the South Danby DEC parking area on South Danby Road, 1.5 miles south of Route 96B. It is just south of the intersection with Fisher Settlement Road and can hold 4-5 cars. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 42.30804, -76.44316.

From the trailhead (1340’), follow the road south for a few hundred feet and locate the white-blazed Finger Lakes Trail/North Country Trail. It will emerge from the right side before following the road and entering the forest on the left side. Follow the trail as it turns left (east).

As soon as the trail leaves the road, it will start to ascend gradually through a mixed forest, occasionally crossing a snowmobile trail. As it gains elevation, you will emerge into a scenic, open forest of red pines.

At 0.8 miles, the trail levels out. It will soon turn left (north) and parallel Travor Road, which is visible on the right. At 1.4 miles, the trail will cross Travor Road (1640’) and will continue north, climbing up a small hill. The high point of the hike is reached at 1.7 miles (1725’).

After the high point, the trail will eventually widen into an old logging road for about 0.2 miles. At 1.8 miles, it turns left, away from the logging road. 0.1 miles later, you will arrive at the Tamarack lean-to. A blue-blazed spur trail leads to a water source.

After the lean-to, the FLT begins a very steep descent down towards the Danby Creek valley. You will lose almost 500 vertical feet in 0.7 miles. When all of the elevation is lost, the trail passes through a magnificent spruce forest before reaching Route 96B at 2.8 miles. Retrace your steps and return to the South Danby trailhead. Total distance for this hike is 5.6 miles with 1,050 feet of elevation gain.