European settlement of this area began around 1793, and agricultural abandonment occurred relatively early (1910-1929) on the hilltop lands now occupied by this state forest. The 1903 US Geological Survey map shows over a dozen structures here, and due to the early abandonment and lack of redevelopment it is possible to find the foundations of many of them. A walk along an old road (part of it is still open to vehicles) will take us past seven or more of these sites. I will share the techniques I use while looking for old foundations, and help the hike participants rediscover them.
South Bradford State Forest is located eight miles southeast of Bath. It's quite a trek from Rochester and Auburn, but not so bad from Ithaca and the Southern Tier.
RSVP and Cancellations
Please respect the trip leader and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. If you attend without RSVP-ing it is possible that the hike may have changed without notification.
Trail Conditions
The first half of the hike will be along old dirt roads with moderate elevation changes, with forays into the roadside grass and brush to look at foundations. We can shuttle cars so that it is possible to do just the first half of the hike. The second half of the hike will involve walking through a section of pipeline right of way (grass, uneven), some time in pine forest, and finishing up on the abandoned section of the road we started on. I would rate the first half as medium-easy and the second half as medium-difficult.
The first half of the hike is approximately 1 mile and will take about an hour, the total hike is about 2.5 miles and will take 2 - 3 hours.
What to Bring
Dress for the weather. Sturdy soled shoes will be useful for the off road sections, as will a walking stick. Bring water and a snack if desired.
Location and Directions
For detailed directions from your location use the address, 6390 Dennis Rd, Savona, NY, and your gps or an online mapping program. This map has directions from Savona to the road we will start on and you can edit it with your starting location: https://goo.gl/maps/nHnufDkPwv32
We will meet in the parking area at the top of the first knoll on Dennis Rd.
Onsite Facilities
There are no facilities onsite, and no nearby businesses. If you’re coming through Savona there is a gas station near the Rt 390 exit. If you use TP in the outdoor facilities make sure to bring a zip lock baggie so you can carry it out (TP is so gross to find in the woods).
Additional Information
http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/37456.html
Approximate Distances
Rochester - 75 miles
Ithaca - 45 miles
Auburn - 75 miles
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