Trail Alerts // Check for the latest trail alerts before you go. See All Trail Alerts

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.

White hiking boot on a brown circular background, symbolizing hiking or walking trails.
Hiking
White standard bicycle on a light blue circular background, denoting cycling or bike trails.
Biking
White electric bicycle with a lightning bolt above it on a green circular background, representing e-bike use.
e-Biking
White outline of a horseshoe centered on a gold circular background, symbolizing horseback riding.
Horse
White icon of a person running with motion lines on a dark blue circular background, symbolizing physical activity or trail use.
running
White icon of a kayak with a double-bladed paddle on a brown circular background, representing paddling or kayaking.
Paddling
White crossed skis and ski poles on a light blue circular background, indicating winter sports or skiing.
Skiing
White outline of two crisscrossed snowshoes on a green circular background, representing snowshoeing activity.
Snowshoe
Distance // 0 Miles
Difficulty // Easy

    Parking Locations

    Abbot Loop (Michigan Hollow Rd)
    Get Directions

    Abbot Loop (Bald Hill Rd to Pinnacles)
    Get Directions

    Bus Stops

    No bus stops available.

    Abbot Loop (Michigan Hollow Rd)
    Get Directions

    Abbot Loop (Bald Hill Rd to Pinnacles)
    Get Directions

    No bus stops available.

    Trails. Views. Adventure. Ithaca.

    Report a Problem

    Send Us Your Photos

    Current Trail Alerts

    Good news! There are no trail alerts right now.