Lick Brook - Finger Lakes Land Trust
Total distance: 2.16 miles
Difficulty level(s): moderate to difficult
Pull on your hiking boots and follow the trails along the rim of Lick Brook gorge and through the forest. Taken together, these two preserves provide an excellent example of the area's geologic history and ecological systems. The effects of ice age glaciers can be seen in the multiple waterfalls that splash down along Lick Brook on its journey to Cayuga Lake, including one that is nearly 140 feet tall. The Sweedler and Thayer Preserves contain more than 2 miles of hiking trails on 155 acres that are part of a contiguous block of conserved lands that also include two state parks, the Land Trust's Cayuga Inlet Conservation Area, and a Cornell Botanic Gardens Natural Area. A large portion of this landscape is covered by lofty Eastern hemlock and white pine trees, but different species of oak and maple thrive, as well as the less common cucumber magnolia and mountain maple. On a spring day, listen for the flute-like song of the hermit thrush and the black-throated green warbler, or tread softly through a fresh fallen snow to find the tracks of wild turkey, red fox or deer. The Lick Brook corridor remains a conservation priority area for the Land Trust. The perpetual protection of this area allows ample opportunity for hiking and peaceful enjoyment of our natural world, while protecting the water quality of Cayuga Lake.
Portions of this trail system are also included in the Finger Lakes Trail system.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.39572994
Longitude: -76.53323276
Parking Locations
Multiple parking options may be specific to certain trails within this site.
- Parking Lot : Park on west side of Townline Rd
- Parking Lot : NY 13, 5 miles south of Ithaca, on NY 327. Lower park entrance is first and upper park entrance is further along NY 327.
Trail Attributes
- Good for Hiking
- Good for Running
- Good for Cross-Country Skiiing
- Good for Snowshoeing
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: Yes
Trail Surface: Earth
Trail Markers: orange blaze, white blaze, blue blaze
Hunting is allowed on this trail - use caution.
This trail is open year round.
Visit the Trail Owners/Stewards
http://www.fllt.org/preserves/sweedler-and-thayer-preserves-at-lick-brook/