Finger Lakes Trail County Hike Series Returns to Cattaraugus County in 2026
The long-running guided hiking series brings outdoor enthusiasts together to explore scenic sections of the Finger Lakes Trail in Western New York.
The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) is bringing one of its longest running hiking traditions to Cattaraugus County in 2026 as part of the organization’s annual County Hike Series.
Originally launched in 1991 as the Cross-County Hike Series, the program was created to help hikers experience extended portions of the Finger Lakes Trail without the logistical challenges that often come with point-to-point hiking. The series was started by Finger Lakes Trail volunteer Ed Sidote in Chenango County near the eastern end of the trail. At the time, transportation between trailheads was one of the biggest barriers for hikers hoping to explore longer sections of the trail. The Cross-County Hike Series addressed that challenge by organizing a series of guided hikes across a county, with transportation provided between start and end points. Volunteer leaders and sweep hikers ensured that participants of varying experience levels could safely enjoy the trail.
The concept quickly proved popular. Over the course of several years, the series moved westward along the Finger Lakes Trail, county by county, allowing hikers to explore large stretches of the trail while building a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts. By the time the first run of the series reached Cattaraugus County in 1997, nearly 1,000 participants had taken part.
The program was revived in 2002 and has continued as one of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference’s most popular organized hiking events. Today, the County Hike Series follows the same spirit as the original program, offering guided hikes that allow participants to explore a different county along the trail each year.
One unique feature of the series is that it continues where the previous year’s hikes ended. Over time, hikers who participate regularly can gradually experience the entire main Finger Lakes Trail through the program.
The Finger Lakes Trail itself stretches more than 580 miles across New York State, from the Pennsylvania border in Allegany State Park to the Catskill Mountains. Maintained largely by volunteers, the trail connects forests, gorges, farmland, and scenic ridges across some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes.
In 2026, the County Hike Series arrives once again in Cattaraugus County, offering hikers the opportunity to explore scenic sections of the trail in western New York. The hikes will showcase a variety of terrain and landscapes that make this portion of the Finger Lakes Trail a favorite among long distance hikers and local outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The County Hike Series continues to serve as both a celebration of the Finger Lakes Trail and a way to introduce new hikers to the trail community. By combining guided hikes, volunteer leadership, and shared transportation, the program makes it easier for people of all experience levels to discover the beauty of the Finger Lakes Trail.
More information about the Finger Lakes Trail and the County Hike Series can be found at fingerlakestrail.org. Watch future issues of ellicottvilleNOW for additional information, including trail section spotlights and historical insights, as well as tips to help you make the most of your time on the trail.