Arts and Nature in Oswego County, New York: mountain biking

Our latest tour led us to the northernmost reaches of Oswego County. On the edge of the Tug Hill plateau, outdoor adventure-seekers will discover the Winona State Forest. A special thanks to Rose Driscoll, one of the original board members of the Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA), as well as to Claire and Mary Shadduck and Dave Cronk, our trail guide and groomer extraordinaire.

The all-volunteer group maintains approximately 70 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails throughout the forest. This area covers more than 9,000 acres in Oswego and Jefferson counties, providing more than enough room to accommodate outdoor enthusiasts of all interests in every season. Favorite activities include: hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mushing (dog sledding), birding, horseback-riding, hunting, fishing, and ATV riding.

While Winona State Forest may be a bit of a hidden treasure locally, it is well-known internationally as a popular training and racing ground for sled dogs. It also hosts an Empire State Games Qualifier for the New York State Ski Racing Association.

Year-round, there is much work to be done in order to keep this area operational for all users. The winter season requires two-person groom teams to create and maintain a good snow base. Throughout the remainder of the year, fallen trees are removed, branches are trimmed and trails are cut back. Much of these tasks are accomplished through the hard work and devotion of WFRA volunteers and local civic groups.

From our front row seat on the groomer, we witnessed the untouched beauty of this winter wonderland and enjoyed the great satisfaction of a fresh-cut trail! See our pictures below:

Many groves throughout Winona State Forest were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was the brainchild of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in an effort to revitalize the nation’s economy during the Great Depression. Thousands of unemployed young men were recruited to work on improving millions of acres of federal and state lands throughout the country.

The CCC camps stimulated local economies; improved forest activity through reforestation, flood control and fire protection; and developed forest recreation by building campgrounds in many areas.

Between 1933 and 1941, more than 3 million men served in the corps and more than 3 billion trees were planted on municipal lands and parks. The CCC has given us the tenets of modern conservation and a legacy of natural resources.

Claire Shadduck and Dave Cronk groom a trail at Winona State Forest.

Volunteers have been involved in organizing events and grooming trails at Winona State Forest for more than 30 years. Originally the Tug Hill Ski Club, the WFRA organized the Tug Hill Tour-a-thon, an annual marathon race to promote recreational cross-country skiing in the area. Since then, the group has re-organized to include all user groups of the forest.

The WFRA is an active, not-for-profit volunteer organization supported through memberships and donations. Additional fundraising helps with year-round trail maintenance. For more information about the WFRA, upcoming events or trail reports, visit the group’s Web site at: www.winonaforest.com.

Visit Winona State Forest and discover the natural beauty of the area. Parking is available along the north side of Center Road at the Wart Road and Bargy Road intersections. See map below:

Map of Winona State Forest
(highlighting Center Road)

Don’t miss the upcoming Winona Forest Winterfest & Try-It Ski Race! Explore the snow-covered forest with a cross-country ski race, a dog sled ride and a snowshoe walk. Try the thrilling excitement of skijoring and enjoy demonstrations by a chainsaw wood-carving artist and a snow sculptor. There will also be food, raffles, a silent auction and a groomer display. On Saturday, January 16, the festival begins at 9 a.m. and admission is free. The Try-It Cross-Country Ski Race starts at 10:30 a.m. and admission is $30 with additional discount for family or BKSYL skiers if they register online at http://www.skireg.com/ by Friday, January 15 at 5 p.m. Registration on race day is $40. The festival and race will be held at CCC Camp on county Route 89 east of Mannsville and parking is available at the camp. For event details, visit the WFRA Web site listed above.

If you would like more information about the great outdoors and events in Oswego County, please visit our Web site at http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

We recently discovered a remarkable trail system in Oswego County. Rich in history and natural beauty, Great Bear Springs is made up of over 300 acres along the east side of the Oswego River; owned in part by the City of Fulton and the Town of Volney.

According to Native American legend, a young brave (some say the father of Hiawatha) was attacked at the springs by a large bear. In honor of his victory over the animal, the brave named the springs “Mishemokwa”, meaning great bear.

From Great Bear Road, we began our hike on Alec’s Trail. Along the way, we found an abandoned (filled) well and pump house from a time when the springs of Great Bear provided water for commercial sale. Continuing on our path, we followed the former tow path toward the historic Hinsmanville Lock that was once part of the Oswego River Canal.

After stopping at the lock, we backtracked to Root Hill Trail (not for the faint of heart, by the by). At the summit, we turned onto the “Ifster” Trail where we learned to identify the red pine tree. What a delicious smell! Our path then took us through the quarry where we finished our journey along Upper Quarry Road.

Here are some of the sights and trails of Great Bear Springs…

There are six miles of diverse trails in the Great Bear Springs Recreation Area. Some are level and easy, while others provide a bit of a challenge; some are out in the open sunshine and some provide shelter from the heat of summer. You’ll find your way by following the trail markers (color-coded circles) on the trees along the trail. You can obtain a trail map at the entrance of Great Bear Springs or online at http://www.friendsofgreatbear.org/.

The trail system is open year-round for non-motorized activities such as hiking, mountain-biking and cross-country skiing. You can find Great Bear Springs on County Route 57 between Fulton and Phoenix, New York. The entrance is a bit obscure, so look sharp… it is well worth your discovery!

Friends of Great Bear was formed by residents of Oswego County interested in the conservation and protection of the Great Bear Recreation Area. With help from the local community, they have built bridges, marked trails and developed and posted a trail map of this unique area.