Abbott Loop West

Difficulty // Moderate

Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Running

Distance // 4.5 miles

Features // Scenic vistas, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Dog-friendly (on leash)

Route Type // Loop

Estimated hiking time // 1 hr 30 mins

Open year-round.

Hunting allowed, use caution.

Surface types // Earth

Trail markers // white, orange blazes

The Abbott Loop in Danby State Forest was planned by Cliff and Doris Abbott and built by the Cayuga Trails Club. It is one of the most popular day hikes in our region offering a moderately challenging wilderness loop hike of 8.2 miles. Numerous shorter out and back hikes can also be planned. From the northern trailhead on Michigan Hollow Road go northwest on the white blazed Main FLT, crossing the footbridge over Michigan Creek at Diane’s Crossing. Turn left shortly after the creek crossing and follow the orange blazed trail. Follow the trail mostly uphill, cross a stream and cross Bald Hill Road. Follow an old Road which starts level, but which climbs steeply to reach a summit (2.1 miles from the start), known as Thatcher’s Pinnacles (1,700 ft.) with spectacular view of Inlet Valley, the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve, and the hamlet of West Danby. The trail continues mostly downhill and crosses Bald Hill Road again (mile 3.1) descending further and follows the floor of a creek. Reach Michigan Hollow Road after 4.7 miles, about 4 miles south of NY Rt. 96B. You can continue on the orange blazed Abbott Loop trail (see description for Abbott Loop trail east) or go north (left) on Michigan Hollow Rd 1.6 miles to return to start.

Portions of this trail system are also included in the Finger Lakes Trail system.

This trail is part of the Finger Lakes Trail.