Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Cortland West, New York

This route takes you through Tuller Hill State Forest and connects to several other routes. There are several good places to pull off the main route and check out the view from the power line trail. The route ends at the top of the hill with views in multiple directions. This route shows a small se...
Learn more about Vinnedge PFAR

Seasonal road that winds through the forest. Several spots are fairly rutted and narrow with an occasional pull-off to pass. The drive through the forest and then along the fields is very scenic with spectacular views of the hills in multiple places. There are numerous hiking trails that wind thro...
Learn more about Kennedy State Forest

Dirt and gravel two track that winds through the North West section of Kennedy State Forest. This route connects to Cortwright Road and Odell Road to make the loop around the forest last for roughly an hour. While there is no pavement on this section of the trail, the full loop around the forest c...
Learn more about Kennedy State Forest - Hauk Hill Road

These are gravel roads that lead to a single two-track. The two-track winds through fields and woods. In the summer, there is a long stretch covered in a full canopy. In the winter, much of this route turns into a snowmobile track and is off-limits to full-size vehicles. The full route is on seasona...
Learn more about Sunset Hill in Homer

Pipeline Public Forest Access Road is a gravel road maintained by the DEC that is used as a snowmobile trail in the winter months. However, if there is no snow, it is open for off-road vehicles. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and brook trout fishing in the numerous small streams in the...
Learn more about Pipeline PFAR

This is an out-and-back gravel public forest access road through state land. There are several walking/cross-country ski trails off the sides of the road. It can be driven in winter if you think you can make it, but beware of ice that is under the snow. This road does not close, no matter what seaso...
Learn more about Snyder Hill PFAR

Seasonal two-track that winds through the Bear Swamp State Forest. During Spring and Fall, the trail is very wet with water crossings up to four inches. During the summer it provides a scenic trek through a deciduous forest. Trail has some rocks over four inches, and in the fall and spring can have ...
Learn more about Bear Swamp

This small connecting road leads from Route 11 to the eastern side of Hoxie Gorge State Forest. Starting from Route 11, you'll encounter a tight, seasonal road beside an active stream, passing under I-81. The trail head features a 2-track trail. The initial section is the most challenging, with mino...
Learn more about Steve Russell Hill Road

This route is a seasonal road that begins with some rough gravel and then turns into a two-track road. Starting at Telephone Road will take you into the forest and then a gentle descent into the valley. The trail can also be accessed from Taylor Valley Road. The trail crosses several small streams, ...
Learn more about Taylor Valley State Forrest

This is a seasonal road that runs the ridge. Lots of wide-open views and nice cool woods that provide a nice cool ride when it's hot in the summer. Easy drive with mild potholes and mud puddles. There are some hiking trails that are part of the Finger Lakes Trails System with parking on the side of ...
Learn more about Brake Hill Road

This is a seasonal gravel road that winds through the eastern section of Taylor Valley State Forest. The road starts with well-maintained gravel and transitions into a narrower two-track as it pushes deeper into the forest. Cross Island Road provides a scenic drive through mixed hardwoods and conife...
Learn more about Cross Island Road

This is an easy route with a gravel base leading through Hammond Hill State Forest. After snow/rain, traction can be limited with little to no winter maintenance. There are a few decent turnarounds and some mud off to the sides. A barrier exists about two-thirds the way through to the other side.
Learn more about Hammond Hill Track

This small connector road links Morgan Hill Road and Power Line Road, curving back to rejoin Morgan Hill Road. It begins in an open logged clearing that can be filled with wildflowers in the summer, before climbing gently uphill at a mild grade. The surface is mostly gravel with a few puddles and mi...
Learn more about Chickadee Howl Road

This seasonal forest access road is a quick out-and-back route that can be combined with other trails in the area. The single-track road winds through dense forest, offering a scenic drive with several viewpoints and hiking spots along the way. The road is well-maintained and gravel-covered, with se...
Learn more about Maxon Creek State Forest

Seasonal forest road that winds through the picturesque Cuyler Hill State Forest. The track features a mix of well-maintained gravel sections and more challenging areas with moderate ruts and occasional loose rocks. The road is canopied by mature hardwoods in many sections, creating a tunnel-like ex...
Learn more about Randall Hill Road

This is a seasonal road that connects with Cuyler Hill State Forest. The track is a combination of gravel and mud with large ruts and rocks in many areas. The road has been under repair for some time, providing a little more challenging drive. SUVs or 4x4s would have no trouble with the track howeve...
Learn more about Jipson Hill PFAR

This is a two-track seasonal gravel road. The trail is not well maintained and is generally rutted with sections of softball-sized rocks. It is a short out-and-back trail and starts with a gentle hill climb over the rocks, ruts, and washouts. The end of the trail is in the forest and is often muddy ...
Learn more about Cuyler Hill PFAR

This route leads into the roads at Morgan Hill and provides views of the valley as it winds through several fields and forested sections. The route can be accessed to enter or leave Morgan Hill. The trail is a well-maintained gravel road and can be accessed from the main road in Morgan Hill or used...
Learn more about Eaton Hill Road

This is a seasonal road that is not maintained during winter. It's a two-track road that's mostly gravel with some sandy sections. In the winter, it is used as a snowmobile trail. Early and late winter offer some challenging snow-covered sections with mild hill climbs. Spring and summer will revea...
Learn more about Cuyler Hill Road

This is a seasonal-use road that follows a creek bed with a few small waterfalls. It's beautiful to see and worth the effort. The road is a gravel base that is mostly unmaintained in the winter. There is at least 1 small area that is a little close to the edge at a water crossing; otherwise, it's a ...
Learn more about Leonard Road

This is a seasonal gravel road that winds through the eastern section of Taylor Valley State Forest. The road starts with well-maintained gravel and transitions into a narrower two-track as it pushes deeper into the forest. Cross Island Road provides a scenic drive through mixed hardwoods and conife...
Learn more about Cross Island Road

This route consists of seasonal gravel roads that are generally well-maintained in the summer. During the winter the roads are used for snowmobile trails. The roads lead to several side routes that are two-tracks, most are out-and-back routes and will add adventure to the ride. The main road is easi...
Learn more about Linklaen State Forest

The Oswego Recreational Trail is an old railroad bed with various surface types and old road millings. Very flat with some whoops and potholes in places. It's a nice easy ride through wooded, shaded areas and runs through the three-mile bay wildlife area. There are a couple of restaurants, bars, and...
Learn more about Oswego Recreational Trail

The southern half of Van Amburg Road is seasonal, which can become impassible by passenger vehicles in winter due to snow drifts. This road offers Finger Lakes Trail Access along with Primitive Camping featuring a Lean-To and Outhouse. At the intersection of Van Amburg and North Urbana is Birdseye H...
Learn more about Van Amburg Road

This is a seasonal gravel road that winds through the eastern section of Taylor Valley State Forest. The road starts with well-maintained gravel and transitions into a narrower two-track as it pushes deeper into the forest. Cross Island Road provides a scenic drive through mixed hardwoods and conife...
Learn more about Cross Island Road

This route consists of seasonal gravel roads that are generally well-maintained in the summer. During the winter the roads are used for snowmobile trails. The roads lead to several side routes that are two-tracks, most are out-and-back routes and will add adventure to the ride. The main road is easi...
Learn more about Linklaen State Forest

This is an easy dirt road that will become rutted and muddy come spring. This section has access to primitive camping and multiple hiking trails including the Finger Lakes Trail, A-Trail, and Mohawk Trail. Mohawk trail activities include hiking, horseback, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-co...
Learn more about Templar Falls - Sugar Hill Road

The Oswego Recreational Trail is an old railroad bed with various surface types and old road millings. Very flat with some whoops and potholes in places. It's a nice easy ride through wooded, shaded areas and runs through the three-mile bay wildlife area. There are a couple of restaurants, bars, and...
Learn more about Oswego Recreational Trail