Trail Alerts // Deer hunting season is open in Tompkins County. Wear blaze orange in areas where hunting is allowed.
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Smith Woods

Difficulty // Easy
Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing, Running
Distance // 1.1 miles
Features // Unique wildlife viewing, Bus Stop Nearby
Route Type // Out and Back
Estimated hiking time // 22 mins
Open year-round.
Hunting not allowed.
Surface types // Gravel / Stone Dust
Trail markers // none

Smith Woods is one of the few remaining old growth forests in central New York (32 acres), distinguished by its accessibility and flat terrain, bordering the Village of Trumansburg. Large beech, hemlock and maples inhabit the site, along with 20 other tree species and many spring ephemerals. There are three trails that traverse the forest – all converge near the beginning of the trai and at the other end along Rt. 96 near the ShurSave. This forest is across from the fairgrounds. It is fenced in to prevent deer browsing. Please close the gate.

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
    View Map

    Parking Locations

    Designated Street Parking

    Bus Stops

    • Trumansburg Rd at Shur-Save - Get Directions

      On east side of NY-96, go 500 ft north to Smith Woods entrance on right.

    Designated Street Parking

    • Trumansburg Rd at Shur-Save - Get Directions

      On east side of NY-96, go 500 ft north to Smith Woods entrance on right.

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    Current Trail Alerts

    Roy H. Park Preserve

    • The north entrance to the Roy H. Park Preserve and the boardwalk will be closed to the public from Monday, July 7, through September 2025 as work is underway to install an ADA-accessible path. The south entrance will remain open during this time. Thank you for your patience.

    Fall Creek Gorge Natural Area

    • The section of trail in Fall Creek Gorge west of the suspension bridge to Chi Psi is unstable and closed until further notice.

    Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area

    • A portion of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Stewart Avenue and College Avenue is closed for construction and will reopen in spring, 2026. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

    Beebe Lake Natural Area

    • Hemlock Gorge trail upstream of Sackett Bridge is closed.

    Black Diamond Trail