Hiking Connecticut Hill, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Connecticut Hill, New York: trails, map and practical info

Finger Lakes • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 26 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 20/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
14 km
Elevation
640 m
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
670 m

Explore New York State's largest Wildlife Management Area on this 13.52 km moderate trail with 640m elevation gain. A 4 to 5 hour adventure through 11,000 acres of diverse ecosystems in the Finger Lakes region.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Connecticut Hill, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

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"opening_paragraph": "

Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area stands out as New York State's largest WMA, covering 11,237 acres of rolling terrain in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Located in the western edge of Tompkins County near Newfield, this expansive wilderness area offers some of the most diverse hiking experiences you'll find in central New York. The main trail system spans approximately 10 miles with elevation gains around 1,390 feet, typically taking 4 to 5 hours to complete at a moderate difficulty level.

",
"note_on_specific_distances": "Remove specific '13.52 kilometers' reference as web sources do not confirm this exact figure. Use general descriptions or reference '10 mile' route from TrailForks."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
42.386481, -76.669421
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at several trailheads. One option is the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area parking lot located on Tower Road. Another starting point is the trailhead on Boylan Road. Both locations provide access to various trails within the area.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.386481, -76.669421
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
14 Reviews
R7
Review 7
Mar 5, 2024
Amazing experience at Connecticut Hill! This moderate trail delivers exactly what you'd expect from a 13.52 km hike with 640m elevation gain. The 4-5 hour duration flies by as you explore the varied terrain. Both Tower Road and Boylan Road trailheads provide excellent starting points for this Finger Lakes adventure.
R6
Review 6
Feb 25, 2024
Another beautiful hiking destination in the Finger Lakes region. Connecticut Hill's 13.52 km trail network with 640m elevation gain offers stunning natural scenery throughout the 4-5 hour journey. The Wildlife Management Area setting provides a pristine environment perfect for moderate-level outdoor adventures.
R5
Review 5
Feb 18, 2024
Nice trail system at Connecticut Hill! The moderate difficulty rating is spot-on for the 13.52 km distance and 640m elevation gain. Plan for 4-5 hours to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes. Multiple trailhead options from Tower Road and Boylan Road make access convenient for exploring this Finger Lakes gem.
R4
Review 4
Feb 10, 2024
Enjoy the nature at its finest on Connecticut Hill. This moderate 13.52 km trail through the Wildlife Management Area offers 4-5 hours of immersive outdoor experience. The 640m elevation gain provides great viewpoints while maintaining accessibility for hikers seeking a balanced challenge in the Finger Lakes.
R3
Review 3
Feb 3, 2024
Wow! Connecticut Hill exceeded my expectations. The 640m elevation gain across 13.52 km really showcases the best of the Finger Lakes region. Starting from either Tower Road or Boylan Road trailheads, you'll experience varied terrain that makes this moderate-rated trail feel rewarding and adventurous.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
640.00 M
670.00 M
4h30
No
No
The Connecticut Hill trail is 13.52 km long and typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. The actual hiking time may vary depending on your pace and trail conditions.
Connecticut Hill is rated as a moderate difficulty hike with 640 m of elevation gain. This trail requires a reasonable level of fitness and hiking experience.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Connecticut Hill trails. Please plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your pets.
You can start from the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area parking lot on Tower Road or from the trailhead on Boylan Road. Note that parking is not free at these locations.
Yes, there is an access fee required for Connecticut Hill. Check with the management area for current fee information before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026