A sloggy rain in November. Let’s wander the trails of Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve outside of Ithaca, New York.
Photo: FLLT
The trailhead is easy to find—just a few feet from the parking lot.
Photo: FLLT
At several points, the trail splits into prongs. When you take the red trail to the top, you are rewarded with a nice descent to the creek.
Photo: FLLT
An early snow has thawed, and the creek is wide. Footfalls are quiet on a carpet of mushy leaves.
Photo: FLLT
Even as winter arrives, life is vibrant.
Photo: FLLT
The creek is rushing with the first melt. Your sweet nothings can’t be heard above the din.
Photo: FLLT
Steady yourself as you cross the water. It is driving hard.
Photo: FLLT
There is still plenty of green to be seen. Not only conifers, but ferns and mosses.
Photo: FLLT
Hooligans painted emoticons on the trees. Or is this a trail marker?
Photo: FLLT
“Gandalf’s Pipe,” filled with fresh-fallen herbs and spices.
Photo: FLLT
On your way back to the lot, you can pick up the blue trail—fording the creek in your knee boots.
Photo: FLLT
At the kiosk, grab a copy of our newsletter, The Land Steward, or get the colorful quarterly by mail when you become a member. See our profile of Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve to learn the natural history and download your trail map.
