Land Trust 101: Take a Hike!
CPF is proud to provide our community with 14 miles of public trails—open year-round, dawn to dusk—that showcase the natural beauty, history, and character of Cazenovia. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful woodland walk, a sweeping view, or a family-friendly outing, there’s a CPF trail for you. In the winter months, CPF partners with the Friends of Stony Pond (FROSTY) to groom some of these trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Gorge Trail
2.7 Miles | Easy | Flat | Gravel | Groomed in winter, north of Clark Street, for cross country skiing and snowshoeing
A local favorite, the Gorge Trail begins right in the Village of Cazenovia, stretching from Albany Street to Bingley Road, following the path of the former Cazenovia and Canastota railroad corridor, alongside Chittenango Creek. Trail users can access the Gorge Trail from the Gorge Trail Gateway near Buyea’s True Value Hardware. Timber steps lead down from the trail parking area to a popular fishing spot and a narrow creekside path that climbs back up to the main trail near a mid-1800s stone retaining wall. A second access point is located at Clark Street, where the shady, wide trail winds along the creek, under hardwoods and conifers — a favorite for walkers, runners, skiers, and anglers. This section of trail is jogging-stroller friendly.
The Gorge Trail is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,800-mile trail that stretches from North Dakota to Vermont. Although CPF’s trail stewardship ends at Bingley Road, those who are seeking a more extended trail experience can cross Bingley Road and continue north to Canastota and points beyond. At Falls Road, hikers can reach Chittenango Falls State Park by walking just 0.3 miles west on the road.
South Trail
3.2 Miles | Easy | Flat | Gravel & Packed Earth | Groomed in winter for snowmobile use
Stretching from Ballina Road in Cazenovia to New Woodstock, the South Trail offers a peaceful and scenic journey along the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad corridor. Its well-maintained path makes it ideal for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, while in winter, snowmobilers enjoy this trail as part of the regional snowmobile network. Note: This is currently the only CPF trail that permits motorized use.
Starting at the north end, trail users are treated to a stunning view of Chittenango Creek as they cross the historic trestle bridge between Ballina and Thompson Roads. South of Thompson Road, the trail passes through the Critz Farms property, where hikers can opt to explore the intersecting network of Critz Farms woodland trails.
Burlingame and Fairchild Hill Trail System
8 Miles of Interconnected Trails | Moderate | Some Inclines | Mowed Grass, Gravel, Packed Earth, & Boardwalk | Select sections are groomed in winter for cross country skiiing and snowshoeing
The Burlingame and Fairchild Hill Trail System make up CPF’s largest connected network of trails, featuring woodlands, meadows, wetlands, streams, and even a seasonal waterfall. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of meadows and Cazenovia Lake from Fairchild Hill or wander through the shaded forests of the Burlingame Gateway Trails. The Fairchild Hill trails are popular with hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers, while the wide gravel paths near Burlingame Road also welcome mountain bikers for much of the year —making them a true year-round destination. Birders will delight in the variety of spring migrants, nesting bluebirds, and bobolinks in the meadows. In the fall, horseback riders and hounds from the Limestone Creek Hunt Club also use these trails on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
Carpenter’s Pond and the Willow Patch
0.7 Miles | Easy | Flat | Narrow Woodchip Paths, Packed Earth & Boardwalk | Not groomed in the winter
These two peaceful nature paths are located just south of Cazenovia’s village center. Walk the narrow trail behind Carpenter’s Pond, from which you can spot waterfowl and turtles. The Willow Patch Trail runs along the dike that was constructed when Cazenovia Lake was dammed to serve as a feeder for the Erie Canal. Side trails and boardwalks loop through the willow plantation, originally established in the 1800s to support the local basket-making industry. In spite of its location in the heart of the village, beaver, muskrat, great blue herons, bald eagles, and deer are all frequent visitors in the vicinity of the Willow Patch.
Together, these CPF trails highlight a variety of landscapes and experiences that contribute to Cazenovia’s extensive resources for outdoor recreation. CPF’s long-term goal is to collaborate with landowners to link these four trails into one interconnected trail system. We invite you to explore them all and discover your new favorite spot.
Additional Public-Access CPF Properties
In 2023, the Fenner Conservation Club gifted a 5.59-acre property—including a portion of the Fenner Conservation Pond—to CPF. The property is open to the public from dawn to dusk for birding, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and quiet recreation. It is located at the corner of Cody Road and South Road in the Town of Fenner.
Donated by the King Family to CPF in 1994, King’s Field is a 41-acre property comprised of woodlands, open fields, and 2,700 feet of frontage on Chittenango Creek. In partnership with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a public fishing access and a small parking area were added in 2012. The DEC fishing access point is located about one mile south of the Route 13/Route 20 intersection.