Finger Lakes Trail Permit: Route
Finger Lakes Trail permits are walk-up only in Finger Lakes Trail. The route covers 559 miles.
This guide covers the Finger Lakes Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free
Permit Cost
typically 4-6 weeks for a full thru-hike
Duration
559 miles
Distance
About Finger Lakes Trail
The Finger Lakes Trail runs about 559 miles across New York, from Allegany State Park to the Catskills, crossing private land under handshake easements plus dozens of state forests and parks. It is free and walk-up with no single permit; this page gives sourced trip info.
The Finger Lakes Trail
- Distance
- 559 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 3,660 ft
- Low point
- 430 ft
- Trip length
- typically 4-6 weeks for a full thru-hike
Starts at Allegany State Park
Southern Tier of New York, from Allegany State Park east to the Catskills. Nearest town: Salamanca, NY (near west terminus, Allegany State Park); junction near Windham/East Branch area, Catskills (near east terminus)
Points along the route
- Allegany State Park (west terminus, NY/PA border)Mile 0, 1,376 ft
- Long Path junction (east terminus, Catskills)
- Finger Lakes National Forest section (Adirondack shelter)
- Canada HillMile 65.7, 2,132 ft
- Swift HillMile 96.3, 2,007 ft
- GarwoodsMile 135.3, 1,274 ft
- Pleasant ValleyMile 194.5, 795 ft
- Connecticut HillMile 268.9, 2,099 ft
- Virgil MountainMile 333.3, 2,131 ft
- Truman HillMile 397.1, 1,767 ft
- Beales PondMile 460.3, 1,643 ft
- Fork MountainMile 498.9, 2,440 ft
- Balsam Lake Mountain (high point)Mile 537.5, 3,660 ft
- Cayuga Inlet near Ithaca (low point)430 ft
- Bowman Lake State Park
Finger Lakes Trail permit detailsandAll Finger Lakes Trail permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Finger Lakes Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Finger Lakes Trail route?
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The route is 559 miles, as a point-to-point.
Where does the Finger Lakes Trail route start?
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Allegany State Park.
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