Bear Swamp Hike

On October 6th, starting at 1;30, we’re planning on hiking the yellow trails shown on the map link, beginning at the parking lot on Bear Swamp Road, just north of the intersection with Iowa Road.

The easiest way to get there is to follow Rt.41A south out of Skaneateles. About 16 miles south of Skaneateles you will pass the Colonial Lodge as Rt. 41A swings through a long S-turn to the left. Then, 1¼ miles past the Colonial Inn, make a left turn onto Iowa Road. At the T-intersection with Bear Swamp Road, turn left and go ¼ mile to the parking lot on the right. 

The link to the DEC map shows the trails and we’ll take Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, and Y7. The total distance is about 4 miles up and down through some mature hill-top forests and there will be muddy and rocky areas. Along the last part of the hike, Y6, we’ll be on the downside of the ridge and should get some good views of Skaneateles Lake through the trees.