The Road Less Travelled-A Series
Volume 6-Return to the Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest
A couple of weeks ago I returned for yet another visit to this vast NY State forest of over 9,000 acres. This is my fourth visit this winter, I have written stories on all but one of my adventures. Following is the first story I wrote:
February 21st was a sunny, crisp late February day. Temperatures in the low 20s. Not much wind. Plenty of snow.
This day finds me on the Western end of the Nine Mile Truck Trail, a product of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) of the 1930s and 1940s. Another section of the Pharsalia Freeway. A snowmobiler’s and skier’s dream.
The access point which I found today is definitely a snowmobiling hot spot. As I approached the Nine Mile Truck Trail, there were 5 or 6 trucks with snowmobile trailers parked along the road. Even the Chenango County Sheriff had a truck and a trailer. I didn’t realize that the local Sheriff Department patrolled the trails.
Since this was a Sunday, the snowmobilers were out in force. Perhaps I chose the wrong day to explore this section of the forest. Oh well, I was determined to ski away on this Winter afternoon.
At the intersection of the Truck Trail with North Road, is a nice sign with a map and information regarding the Pharsalia NY State Forest. The map is huge, indicating just how large this area is. I will definitely return here this summer with my bike, to further explore the area.
I usually ski about 3 miles on a typical cross-country skiing outing. That is about my limit. On occasion 4 miles. When biking I normally cover about 5 to 7 miles. So a better opportunity to explore a larger area.
Since I was near the Western end of the Truck Trail, I decided to head East for the first leg of journey this day. The skiing was beautiful, well travelled by snowmobile, but not too packed down or icy. Probably 30 to 50 snowmobilers passed me this day, more than I would prefer. But I must say, they were all respectful to me as they slowed down to carefully pass me. A lot of friendly waves this day, even from the Sheriff buzzing by. And plenty of quiet time in-between the motorists.
This section of trail was a nice mix of level areas and hills. A good workout climbing the hills, and a refreshing glide down them. The singing of the skis. A skier’s delight. The Finger Lakes Trail, a very popular 950 mile hiking trail here in New York, also passes through this forest. Following are several photos of the intersection with this trail.
After about 1.5 miles, I turned around and returned to the intersection with North Road. Wanted to go further, but always must save energy for the return trip. I then crossed North Road, and explored a half-mile or so of the Truck Trail heading West. This was a beautiful section, lined by tall pines planted by the CCC years ago. Standing likes soldiers in formation. Coated in snow.
When I came to the crest of a hill, I turned around, Enough for the day, the total would be 4 miles. Another great day of skiing. It has been a great Winter.
