The Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) has announced a proposal titled the Finger Lakes Mountain Biking Enhancement Project, and it includes important changes that will directly affect equestrian trail access and shared use across the Hector Ranger District in Schuyler and Seneca Counties.
As members of the horse community who value continued access to forest trails, it is important that we understand both the scope of the proposal and what it means for us moving forward.
Why This Project Is Being Proposed
During the pandemic, approximately 13 miles of mountain bike trails were created by forest users along Potomac Road south of the Potomac group campground. Forest review found that many of these trails were constructed in areas that could be sustainably maintained.
Currently, the FLNF only has about two miles of officially designated mountain bike trails. Because of this limited opportunity, unauthorized trail creation occurred. The Forest Service is now proposing to formally designate some of those trails and expand bike access on existing system trails.
A local Mountain Bike Association has also expressed interest in partnering with the Forest to assist with trail maintenance and stewardship.
What Is Being Proposed
The proposal includes:
1️⃣ Designating 9 Miles of User-Created Trails
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- 9 miles would become official system trails
- 4 miles would be closed and allowed to revegetate
- Three parking areas would be formalized and improved
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2️⃣ Constructing a 2.7-Mile Sassafras Loop
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- 1.6 miles of existing trail designated
- 1.1 miles of new trail constructed
- Designed to create loop riding opportunities
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3️⃣ Rerouting 0.35 Miles of Backbone Trail
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- A short muddy, eroded section would be moved
- The old section would be decommissioned
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4️⃣ Adding Mountain Bike Use to 24 Miles of Existing System Trails
The following trails currently open to foot, horse, and in some cases snowmobile use would also allow mountain biking:
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- Backbone (8 miles)
- No Tan Takto (3 miles)
- Burnt Hill (2 miles)
- Interloken (9 miles)
- Potomac Loop Trails (2 miles; currently foot traffic only)
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In total, approximately 36 miles of trail would allow mountain bike use once all phases are complete.
Mountain biking would be seasonally closed from March 15 – May 15 to protect muddy trail conditions.
The Forest Service anticipates starting construction May of 2026.
What This Means for Horse Access
It is important to note:
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- No existing horse trail mileage is being removed.
- Trails currently open to equestrians will remain open.
- However, many will transition to shared-use trails.
The Forest Plan allows bicycles on trails when consistent with safety and environmental standards. The emphasis in this proposal is on creating a “stacked loop” system that provides varied difficulty and disperses recreation users across a wider area.
From an equestrian standpoint, this means:
✔ Continued legal horse access
✔ Increased shared-use interaction with mountain bikers
✔ New “Share the Trail” signage
✔ Greater need for education, courtesy, and communication on the trails
Why Shared Use Matters
As equestrians know, horses are prey animals and can react unpredictably to fast-moving bicycles, especially on single-track trails with limited visibility. Safe trail sharing requires:
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- Bikers yielding to horses
- Clear verbal communication
- Controlled speeds
- Awareness at blind corners
- Courtesy and patience from all users
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The proposal emphasizes partnership and stewardship. This is an opportunity for the equestrian community to stay engaged, ensure our concerns are heard, and advocate for clear trail etiquette messaging and appropriate signage.
Forest Plan Compliance
The project aligns with Forest Plan direction that supports diverse trail opportunities in Oak Hickory, Northern Hardwood, and Grassland management areas. In Ecological Special Areas, interpretive signage would accompany any adopted trails.
New motorized trail construction is not proposed.
Final Thoughts for the Horse Community
This proposal reflects growing recreational demand in the Finger Lakes region. While expanded mountain bike access will change the character of some trails, equestrian access remains intact.
As always, continued respectful use, responsible horsemanship, and active participation in public comment opportunities will help ensure horses remain a valued and visible part of the Finger Lakes National Forest recreation landscape.
If you have questions about the proposal, contact:
Matt Lark
Hector Ranger District
607-546-4470
Matthew.lark@usda.gov