Star Stanton Hill Loop

 This hike is a combination of multiple-use trails in Hammond Hill State Forest. There are gentle climbs up wooded hills, reaching one of the highest points in Tompkins County. There are nice views during the winter.

Map of the Star Stanton Hill Loop

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 large parking area on Hammond Hill Road, just south of Star Stanton Hill Road. The GPS coordinates are 42.43720, -76.30555.

From the trailhead (1670’), start hiking on the trail across the road from the parking lot, which is marked with yellow DEC disks. The trails in this forest are marked using discs with different colors and numbers. You are following the Yellow #1 trail. The trail will first shortly descend, then begin a gradual ascent for the next 1/2 mile.

At 0.5 miles, you will arrive at the first trail junction. Turn left to continue following the Yellow #1 trail. Shortly after the junction, you will arrive at a junction with the Yellow #3 trail. Turn left to stay on the Yellow #1 trail.

At 1.3 miles, the Yellow #1 trail crosses Star Stanton Hill Road (1890’) and heads in a northerly direction. Several side trails will appear on the right, just continue to follow the yellow discs. At 1.6 miles, the trail passes a field which offers great views to the south and west. 0.2 miles later, the Green #1 trail appears on the left. Turn right (east) and continue to follow the Yellow #1 trail.

After the junction, the trail follows a north-facing hillside, gradually ascending. At 2.1 miles, the Yellow #1 trail ends at the Yellow #2 trail. Turn left and follow the corresponding discs. Soon after the junction, you will reach the wooded summit of Star Stanton Hill (2010’). There are good views to the east when the leaves are off.

After the high point is reached, the trail begins a long, steady descent. At 2.8 miles, the trail terminates at the junction of Star Stanton Hill Road and Canaan Road. Follow Canaan Road south, then immediately turn left onto the Yellow #4 trail. Follow the yellow discs as the trail passes through a coniferous forest.

At 3.0 miles, the Yellow #4 trail turns to the left while the Yellow #8 trail continues straight. Follow the Yellow #8 trail south. At 3.5 miles, the trail arrives at a four-way intersection with the Yellow #5 trail. Turn right and follow the Yellow #5 trail west.

Immediately after the junction, the Yellow #5 trail ends at Canaan Rd. To continue the hike, locate the Yellow #6 trail across the road and follow it west. It will pass through another pine forest.

Continue to follow the Yellow #6 trail until the Yellow #1 trail at 4.2 miles. Turn left and follow the trail for 0.5 miles back to the trailhead. Total distance for this hike is 4.7 miles with 545 feet of elevation gain.