FLT Tayor Valley to Cuyler Hill

This point-to-point segment of the Finger Lakes Trail begins at Taylor Valley Road and travels north through a mix of hardwood forest and remote state land, finishing in Cuyler Hill State Forest. The route follows singletrack trail with moderate elevation changes, gradually gaining and losing elevation across wooded ridges and drainages. From the trailhead, head north into Taylor Valley State Forest, where the path winds through dense forest and crosses several small seasonal creeks. At a short distance from the start, the route climbs a wooded ridge before dropping into a quiet valley and continuing northeast through gently rolling terrain. Occasional small glades and logged clearings provide breaks in the forest, and scattered views open up from higher points along the way. The trail remains well-marked through Cuyler Hill State Forest, passing through mixed hardwood stands and older logging roads. Wildlife is common in this area, including white-tailed deer and songbirds, with occasional signs of black bear activity. There are no developed campsites along this route, but at-large backcountry camping is allowed under state forest rules. Water sources are intermittent—carry enough or plan to treat from small creeks. This is a quiet stretch of the Finger Lakes Trail ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude in the forests of central New York.