FLT Dryden Lake to Tioughnioga River

This segment of the Finger Lakes Trail begins at Dryden Lake Park and travels east toward the Tioughnioga River near Cortland. The route climbs gradually out of the lake basin through mixed hardwood forest, offering occasional views back toward Dryden Valley. Around the first third of the route, hikers will encounter a few muddy stretches and small stream crossings—seasonal in flow but reliable enough that water filtering is an option if needed. As the route continues, it crosses a mix of state-managed and private lands under conservation easement. Be sure to stay on the marked trail, particularly where signage indicates property boundaries. About halfway through, the trail reaches a quiet ridgeline where deer and wild turkeys are commonly spotted. In fall, the foliage here is particularly vibrant. The route eventually descends toward the Tioughnioga River, ending near its crossing just west of Cortland. This is a solid day hike through remote terrain typical of the Finger Lakes Trail system, with the payoff being a quiet forest experience and brief glimpses of the surrounding valley.