Things to Do in James Kennedy State Forest
James Kennedy State Forest, a state forest in Cortland County, encompasses 4,507 acres of diverse landscapes. The terrain features densely forested hills and U-shaped valleys, shaped by glacial activity, providing varied environments for outdoor pursuits. This area is a destination for several sports like hiking, jogging, and road cycling, making James Kennedy State Forest a significant outdoor resource in the region.
Things to Do in James Kennedy State Forest
James Kennedy State Forest offers several routes for outdoor activities, with…
15
Routes
5
(2)
Average rating
79
People visited
9
hikers
7.97km
02:20
230m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
9.38km
02:42
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.77km
01:05
120m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.71km
00:29
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
13
runners
10.9km
01:23
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
6
runners
24.4km
03:11
660m
660m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
runners
9.38km
01:12
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
6.24km
00:50
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
12
riders
34.9km
01:39
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
69.0km
03:21
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
49.1km
02:40
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
2
riders
47.0km
02:31
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in James Kennedy State Forest?
James Kennedy State Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, and road cycling. The forest features an extensive trail system suitable for various skill levels and interests.
How large is James Kennedy State Forest?
James Kennedy State Forest spans 4,507 acres (1,824 ha) in Cortland County. It is recognized as the most visited state forest in the county.
What hiking trails are available in James Kennedy State Forest?
The forest features an extensive trail system, including 16 miles (26 km) of the Finger Lakes Trail, which is also part of the North Country Trail. Numerous loop trails like Figure 8, International, and Spanish Loops are also available. For more details, explore the Hiking in James Kennedy State Forest guide.
Are there road cycling routes in James Kennedy State Forest?
Yes, road cycling can be enjoyed on three public forest access roads (PFARs) within the forest. These unpaved roads include Scutt (2.1 miles / 3.4 km), Courtney Hill (0.8 miles / 1.3 km), and Cotton Hanlon (0.9 miles / 1.4 km). Find more information in the Road Cycling Routes in James Kennedy State Forest guide.
What options are available for jogging in James Kennedy State Forest?
Jogging is popular on the forest's extensive trail network, which includes sections of the Finger Lakes Trail and various loop trails. The forest also hosts three annual competitive running events. Refer to the Running Trails in James Kennedy State Forest guide for more information.
Are there easy or family-friendly trails in James Kennedy State Forest?
Yes, the forest offers loop trails ranging from short, family-friendly one-mile (1.6 km) routes to longer options. This variety ensures trails are available for different skill levels and preferences.
What natural features can be found in James Kennedy State Forest?
The forest features densely forested hills and U-shaped valleys, shaped by glaciers. Notable water features include Mercedes Springs, Enrique Creek, Cristina Springs, and Cristina Creek Falls, particularly along the Spanish Loop Trail.
Are there scenic viewpoints in James Kennedy State Forest?
While there are no true mountains, 'Virgil Mountain' offers scenic vistas. A southern-facing view can be found along the Dabes Diversion Loop, providing picturesque landscapes of the surrounding area.
Is primitive camping allowed in James Kennedy State Forest?
Yes, primitive camping is allowed within James Kennedy State Forest. A lean-to is also available along the Finger Lakes Trail for overnight stays.
How popular is James Kennedy State Forest for outdoor activities on komoot?
James Kennedy State Forest is a popular destination, with more than 100 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The routes in the forest have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for James Kennedy State Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in James Kennedy State Forest, Running Trails in James Kennedy State Forest, and Road Cycling Routes in James Kennedy State Forest.
How can I contact James Kennedy State Forest for more information?
For more information, the official website for James Kennedy State Forest is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The DEC Region 7 Cortland Office can be reached at (607) 753-3095, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
