Finger Lakes National Forest Gorge Road System

What started as farm roads in the 1800s became logging tracks during the Depression when the federal government bought out struggling farms and planted trees. Today, this maze of technical limestone and shale tracks winds through deep gorges and abandoned homestead foundations, including the challenging descent into Reynoldsville Gorge and the technical climb past the old CCC camp at Burnt Hill. Rock ledges, creek crossings, and loose limestone make for genuine technical driving in America’s smallest national forest.

This is expert-level terrain requiring rock sliders and good ground clearance – the limestone shelves will punish stock vehicles. Spring brings mud and washouts, while winter access is impossible. Summer and fall offer the best conditions, though you’ll share some roads with hikers on the Finger Lakes Trail. No permits needed, but camping is restricted to designated areas only. Watkins Glen makes a good base camp with full services just 15 minutes from the forest.