The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) officially opened six miles of publicly accessible trails at the 990-acre Bad Bear Hill property in the towns of Erwin and Lindley, Steuben County, just southwest of Corning.

Bad Bear Hill, which represents the FLLT’s largest conservation project in its 35-year history, was acquired by the organization in February of 2024.

Photo: Chris Ray

Containing one mile of frontage on the Canisteo River, forested hillsides, multiple streams, and small meadows, the property lies within a Habitat Linkage Zone identified by the New York Natural Heritage Program and is home to black bears and Bald Eagles. Visible from Interstate 99, the property has an elevation of 1,520 feet at its highest point.

The property is open during daylight hours for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching. Mountain biking is allowed on forest roads only. A trailhead can be accessed from a road shoulder parking area off of Reep Road in the town of Lindley.

Please be aware that while these trails are open for public use, they are not currently marked or being actively maintained. Please be prepared to deal with fallen trees, tall grasses, and other obstacles, and have a map and compass/GPS with you and know how to use them.

The FLLT intends to convey Bad Bear Hill to New York State as an addition to the adjacent McCarthy Hill State Forest which will more than double in size. A video, maps, and additional information about Bad Bear Hill can be found at fllt.org/badbear.