One of the best parts of growing up and living in Central New York is the never-ending opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hiking is a great way to spend quality alone time with your teenager. A fun way to get them involved in planning is to have them download the All Trails app. You can not only look up nearby hikes, but record the distance you walk, the elevation, and read reviews before heading out. The app also gives you exact directions to the trail heads—which can sometimes be tricky to spot. This is a great ‘job’ to assign your teen to get them excited for this family activity.
1. Tinker Falls Upper
Looking for a longer alternative to an area classic? Tinker Falls Upper is a 7.5 mile loop that takes you past the falls, a beautiful overlook, and a small lake/pond. Lots of great social media photo opportunities for your teen on this trail. This one will take the better part of a day so make sure to packs lots of water and lunch for the overlook! Warning: the last mile-ish of the trail does involve walking on a low traffic road which isn’t ideal. Opt for the shorter 0.6 mile Tinker Falls trail if you want a more relaxed day.
2. Lime Hollow Trail System
Lime Hollow is the go-to hiking spot here in Cortland County. They have what seems to be a never-ending trail system that has something for people of all abilities. A personal favorite is the Lehigh Valley Trail (because your dog can join you, of course!). In the summer months, beware of the ticks.
3. Groton Trail Loop
Less than 20 minutes from Cortland, this 3.5 mile loop trail is surprisingly a pretty great workout. With several large inclines followed by some easy flat sections, the varying terrain will have you running after your teen. This is a really low traffic trail—you’ll see maybe three people total. This peaceful hike is a hidden gem.
Directions (and other reviews) for all of these hikes are on the All Trails app. Happy Hiking and make sure to bring a mask in case of close interactions with others!
