Backbone Trailhead

Area Status: Open

Four people ride horses along a trail through open grasslands on Finger Lakes National Forest.

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 Burnt Hill Trails to the south and the No-Tan-Takto trail to the north. It is a relatively flat, primitive trail with natural tread, gravel in wet places, and traverses through fenced pastures.

Please close gates behind you.

From the north, the Backbone Trail can be accessed at the corner of Ball Diamond Road and Wardner Corner Road, at the Foster Pond parking lot, or at several other locations. Follow the signs and blaze marks.

Additional Resources

Backbone Trail Map

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Open year round for hiking. Horseback riding is allowed all year except for March 15 - May 1^st due to muddy conditions. Snowmobiles allowed when conditions permit.
Usage:	Medium

General Information

Directions:

From the South, take State Route 14 North (Exit 52 off State Route 17) to Watkins Glen, NY. In Watkins Glen, turn right at the Fourth St intersection onto State Route 414 North. Go approximately 9 miles north, past the Hector Ranger Station of the Finger Lakes National Forest. 0.5 miles past the Ranger Station, turn right on Schuyler County Route 2. Travel 3.5 miles east. The Backbone Horse Campground is on the left, opposite the intersection with Burnt Hill Road. Park in the campground, near the trail head.

From the North, take State Route 414 South to Hector, NY (Exit 41 off I-90). In Hector, 1 mile past the Dandy Mini Mart, turn left onto County Route 2. Travel 3.5 miles east. The Backbone Campground is on the left, opposite the intersection with Burnt Hill Road. Park in the campground, near the trail head.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

The trail traverses the Forest through shrublands, pastures, old roads, and many old homestead sites. It intersects the Interloken and Burnt Hill Trail to the south and the No-Tan-Takto trail to the north. It is a relatively flat, primitive trail with natural tread, gravel in wet places, and traverses through fenced pastures. From the north the Backbone Trail can be accessed at the corners of Ball Diamond and Wardner Corners Road, at the Foster Pond Parking area, or at several other locations. Follow the signs and blaze marks.

Length: 5.5 miles (one way)
Max Elevation Change: 134 feet
Blaze: Blue

Day Hiking

The length of this trail is 5.5 miles one way. The max change in elevation is 134 feet. Average hike time is 5.5-6.5 hours round trip on foot, or via horse back 2-2.5 hours.

Status:	Open
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Horse Riding

The length of this trail is 5.5 miles one way. The max change in elevation is 134 feet. Average hike time is 5.5-6.5 hours round trip on foot, or via horse back 2-2.5 hours.

The trail is closed to horses from Columbus Day to Memorial Day due to muddy conditions.