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Finger Lakes - Hector District

The Finger Lakes National Forest, positioned along the ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, offers scenic beauty and unlimited recreational opportunities any season of the year. Whether you are a hiker, camper, fishing or hunting enthusiast, snowmobiler, horseback rider, mountain biker, or wildlife watcher, the Forest can provide the recreational experience you are seeking!

The most popular season is autumn when the trees and pastures are ablaze with color. Hunters enjoy the woods and brush lands of the forest during this time. Summer is a popular time for camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and fishing. Winter brings out cross country skiers, snowmobiles, and snowshoe enthusiasts. In spring, the Forest bursts forth from the grip of winter with emerging leaves on the trees, bird flyway activity, and numerous wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails and pastures. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people.

Spring is also mud season, which is usually short but intense. Going "off-road" and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time.

  • Reimagining Caywood Point - For generations people have been drawn to this area to view the lakefront, be in nature and enjoy the historical site, Queens Castle. We want to know more about why this place is so special to you! In your opinion, what characteristics, qualities, activities, or other conditions at Caywood Point are important for the future?

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 5 of 5 results

Backbone Horse Campground

Horse Riding and Camping
Backbone Horse Campground is a small, semi-primitive campground designed primarily for campers or picnickers that bring horses with them.

Backbone Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Biking
The Backbone Trail begins at the Backbone Horse Campground.  The trail traverses the Forest through shrub-lands, pastures, old roads, and many old homestead sites.  It intersects the Interloken and…

Blueberry Patch Campground

Blueberry Patch Campground is a small, semi-primitive campground located along Picnic Area Road (County Route 2), next to the large blueberry patch it received its name from. This is a popular spot…

Caywood Point

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Picnicking
Caywood Point is the only part of the Finger Lakes National Forest bordering Seneca Lake. Fossenvue Trail is a gravel path descends through forest to an open area beside the lake with a gravel beach…

Potomac Group Campground

The Potomac Group Campground provides a semi-primitive group camping experience intended for groups of 8 to 45 people. This site is excellent for family events and youth group activities. The…

Last updated April 8th, 2025