Anyplace to hang near Rochester, NY?

**Gideon** · 12-19-2013, 11:22

In January I'll be traveling to NY to spend some time with family. I was thinking of taking the gear and doing an over-nighter if I can find a place to hang that's within a few hours drive of Rochester, NY. Don't need a long hike, just a nice spot to get into the woods and hang for an evening. I was born and raised in Hilton, New York but I haven't lived up there in almost 40 years!

Anyone know of a place? If so, please let me know.
Thanks
Gideon

**captaincoupal** · 12-19-2013, 12:45

You can go west to Alleghany State Park (3-4 hours), east to the Adirondacks (3-4 hours), or southish on the Finger Lakes Trail (1-2 hours). I know right off of the NYS Thruway is the Darien Lakes State Park (actually on the Conservation Trail) - that's really easy to get to.

http://www.cnyhiking.com/ shows some good hikes. At this site, this is the best starting point: http://www.cnyhiking.com/FingerLakesTrail.htm

I *may* have hung in Powdermill Park, in Pittsford, NY (right in Rochester), but it's a county park so it *may* have been stealth camping. http://www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-powdermill.php

**UnoGear** · 12-19-2013, 14:03

Get one of your relatives who still lives in NY to go with you. If you are a NYS resident you can camp on any state land as long as you stay 500 feet from any water source. This map is a good place to start it has existing trails and campsites on it.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45415.html
I use it all the time when I am trying to see how to gain access to State land without crossing private property. Hope this helpshttp://http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45415.html

**Wlb007** · 12-19-2013, 17:06

It is close to Niagra Falls.

You could go over the boarder into Canada where you can buy and smoke a nice Cuban cigar while you hang.

**Gideon** · 12-19-2013, 20:42

Well thanks for the input; so far the fingerlakes trail looks promising. It can't be two hours away and there seems to be a section that runs through letchworth State Park. I've been to that park as a kid and it's spectacular. This time of year there shouldn't be many folks on this trail.

Hard part is getting any sense of the regulations. Haven't been able to find anything so far.

In NY state forests they ban tying any kind of line, string or rope to a tree but they didnt' say anything about straps

I could "steath" camp in Hamilin beach state park but a car left overnight is an issue.

So if any of you have any details on the fingerlakes trails, please let me know and thank you for the suggestions, event he one about Canada!

Gideon

**ggreaves** · 12-27-2013, 14:49

Originally Posted by Gideon

thank you for the suggestions, event he one about Canada!

Gideon

There's a group hang near Hamilton, Ontario January 17th-19th if you're interested. We'd love to have you.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=83432

I have a cousin that lives in Hilton, NY

Cheers!

**ADKrella** · 12-30-2013, 05:58

Originally Posted by Gideon

Well thanks for the input; so far the fingerlakes trail looks promising. It can't be two hours away and there seems to be a section that runs through letchworth State Park. I've been to that park as a kid and it's spectacular. This time of year there shouldn't be many folks on this trail.

Hard part is getting any sense of the regulations. Haven't been able to find anything so far.

In NY state forests they ban tying any kind of line, string or rope to a tree but they didnt' say anything about straps

I could "steath" camp in Hamilin beach state park but a car left overnight is an issue.

So if any of you have any details on the fingerlakes trails, please let me know and thank you for the suggestions, event he one about Canada!

Gideon

Wow this is interesting about the line or rope from trees restriction.
I'm in the Adirondacks and am thinking about getting a hammock.
I wonder if it will be a problem down the line inside the park.
Sure are plenty of great trees to hang from around here though.

**DuctTape** · 12-30-2013, 06:20

Been in NY my whole life. Been hanging for years. Before that, we have hung tarps from trees using rope for decades. Never heard that restriction, nor can find it in the regs. Possible it is a State Campground regulation and not a general forest reg.

BTW, I am in Hilton as well. If you'd like to know a secret spot to hang nearby (completely legal), send me a PM.

**Gideon** · 12-31-2013, 12:51

As for lines on trees, etc.; I found what I'd seen and I believe it applies to state parks. Here's the link:
http://nysparks.com/camping/things-to-know.aspx

Take a look for yourself; about midsway down the page it says "Please do not injure the trees. No nails, screws, ropes or lines are permitted to be tied or inserted into trees, shrubs or other structures"

I think tree straps are fine but I use 1.75mm lash it for my tarp; that could be a problem.

Also, I don't think I'll be able to make the hang in Ontario; it's too close to the end of my trip and I'll have to be driving home then.

Thanks again for all of the input!!

Gideon

**SemperFiGuy** · 01-03-2014, 19:23

Gideon,

That restriction : "Please do not injure the trees. No nails, screws, ropes or lines are permitted to be tied or inserted into trees, shrubs or other structures."...............

reads similar to Florida's restriction which does allow for tree straps. With regard to your tarp ridgeline, you could consider affixing it to your suspension system or, play the ol' Denny the Dunce routine if the Ranger shows up.

"What?" "I didn't know that. I'm so sorry. Here, let me fix that by removing the line from the tree and putting on my suspension strap."

Anyway, good find and good to know. I hike the Adirondacks at least once a year. I'll keep that in mind.

All the best !
Gil