The Finger Lakes and Central New York are not known for rugged mountains and their panoramic vistas which are so commonly sought in the Adirondacks to the north. They hardly could be - the area was scoured clean by glaciers millennia ago. But don’t let that fool you, the region is full of natural wonders of its own. Instead of mountains and ridges, the region is known for rolling drumlins, an abundance of scenic gorges, quiet woodlands, beautiful waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Trails included in Five-Star Trails: Finger Lakes and Central New York by Tim Starmer feature a broad mixture of these landscapes and were carefully selected to give the most varied but also rewarding experience when picking a trail. Each trail has been thoroughly researched, recently hiked and includes a detailed description, trail profiles and map. At a glance ratings in important categories such as Scenery, Trail Condition, Difficulty, Solitude and appropriateness for children let you quickly select a trail that fits your tastes and ability. Other useful information such as fees, restrictions for dogs on the trail as well as advice on when to visit offers you the best information so you can plan your trip with ease. Tim Starmer has always been an outdoor enthusiast and spent most of his childhood seeking out remote and wild areas whenever possible. During a brief hiatus from Brown University during 1997, he drove across the United States for six weeks, camping the entire way. Along the way he explored many of the West's national and state parks, including Canyonlands, Yellowstone, Arches, Bryce Canyon. At the trip's conclusion, he headed down to Australia, where he backpacked for a few months exploring the eastern Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and the caves of Tasmania, as well as traversing the Tasmanian World Heritage Area along the Overland Track. Tim currently works in upstate New York as a timber framer and can still be found exploring the wilds whenever possible. Chimney Bluffs Scenery: 5 stars Trail Condition: 4 stars Children: 4 stars Difficulty: 3 stars Solitude: 4 stars Key Information GPS Trailhead Coordinates: (Main Parking Area) N43" 16.862' W76" 55.347' (East Bay Road Parking Area) N43" 17.399' W76" 54.394' Distance & Configuration: 2.5 miles; shoreline loop, out-and-back similar Hiking Time: 1.5 hours Highlights: Panoramic Views, Beach side stroll, Geological Features Elevation: 250 feet at the trailhead, 383 feet at the highest point along the Bluff. Access: Open year-round from dusk to dawn; no fees or permits required. Maps: NY State Park map; USGS 7.5' Sodus Point Facilities: Restrooms, picnic benches Wheelchair Access: Yes in the picnic area but not along the trail Comments: Be careful around the trail edges along the bluffs. The area is actively eroding and the ground near these edges may not be stable. Hikers have been injured in the past so take caution along the rim. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park but not recommended along the Bluff Trail due to unstable trail conditions along the rim. Contacts: New York State Parks, 7700 Garner Road Wolcott, NY 14590,(315) 947-5205, Overview Central New York is not known for its beaches or its coastal trails. How could it? The region is hundreds of miles inland, and yet hiking the Chimney Bluffs trail feels as if you are along one of the Coasts. While the open views along Lake Ontario are certainly beautiful the main attraction here are the Bluffs. Formed from eroding drumlins they create a picturesque panorama that is a must see. Route Details Unlike many state park trails featured in this book, there is no entrance fee associated with this trail. Acquired by the state in 1963, there were plans to develop this park similar to other parks across the state, but these plans were put aside and the park was left undeveloped until 1999. At that time restrooms, trails, picnic areas with grills, and parking lots were built. To find the trailhead from the parking area head north, along the paved walkway, towards Lake Ontario. Continue past the picnic area, and you will see the Bluff Trail on your right as you approach the shoreline (approximately one quarter mile from the parking area). You will begin heading east along a fairly broad trail, but as you delve deeper into the surrounding hardwoods it dwindles down to a narrow footpath. Blue diamonds mark the trail but the way is pretty straight forward. The trail is mostly flat for the first half mile but soon begins to climb at approximately .7 mile. The trail climbs 100 feet over the next 0.2 mile. Along the approach to the bluffs, occasional previews of the eroded drumlin ahead can be seen through the surrounding trees, but the truly breathtaking views don't begin until reach the bluffs rim a little shy of one mile into the hike. As the trail winds along the bluffs' rim, be careful not to get too close to the edge, as steady erosion make areas of the trail unstable. The chimneys/spires are spec