Finger Lakes Trail Shelter

About

The Finger Lakes Trail Shelter is a rustic three-sided Adirondack-style lean-to situated along the Finger Lakes Trail, which is also part of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Located in Finger Lakes National Forest between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes in the Southern Tier of New York, this is a true backcountry camping experience in New York's only National Forest. The shelter is accessible only by foot and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions: there is no potable water available, so all drinking water must be packed in. A composting toilet serves the area. As this is shared backcountry infrastructure, you may need to share the shelter with other hikers. Use of the shelter is limited to two consecutive nights. General Finger Lakes National Forest rules apply: camping is prohibited in pastures from May 15 through October 31, and dispersed camping elsewhere must be at least 50 feet from trails, roads, and water sources. Maximum stay in the forest is 14 days within any 30-day period.

Directions

The Finger Lakes Trail Shelter is located directly along the Finger Lakes Trail, near Burdett in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Access the shelter by hiking along the FLT main trail or via nearby trailheads at major road crossings such as NY-14 or NY-414 near Watkins Glen State Park. Look for trail signage pointing towards the lean-to, which is a typical Adirondack-style structure situated for backpackers and through-hikers.