avatarDan Pfeifer

Summary

The article discusses the author's recent cross-country skiing experiences at Bowman Lake State Park and Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest, highlighting the conditions and natural beauty encountered during the outings.

Abstract

The author shares their first two ski outings of the season in Central NY State, beginning with a less-than-ideal experience at Bowman Lake State Park due to sticky snow but resulting in enjoyable photography and exercise. The second outing at Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest provided excellent skiing conditions, with the author noting the peaceful and quiet environment, despite some uneven trails due to vehicle tracks. The article also touches on the history of the area, such as the Coy Street's role in the snowmobile trail system and its connection to the Chenango County trail system, as well as the conservation work by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 40s. The author expresses a desire to further explore the forest, including the Round Pond wetland area, and mentions other activities like mountain biking in the summer.

Opinions

  • The author finds carrying skis due to sticky snow at Bowman Lake State Park to be particularly challenging.
  • Despite the initial poor conditions, the author appreciates the opportunity for photography and exercise at Bowman Lake.
  • The author describes the conditions at Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest as excellent for cross-country skiing, with good gliding on snowmobile tracks.
  • The quiet and peaceful nature of Pharsalia Woods is highlighted as a positive aspect of the skiing experience.
  • The author values the historical significance of the CCC's work in the area and its impact on conservation.
  • There is an enthusiasm for continued exploration of Pharsalia Woods, including the Round Pond wetland area, indicating a deep appreciation for the natural environment.
  • The author enjoys diverse activities in the forest, such as mountain biking during the summer, showcasing a year-round engagement with the area.

The Road Less Travelled-Skiing at Bowman Lake Park and in the Pharsalia Woods of NY State

Volume 27-Cross-Country Skiing Season is Here Again

View From Coy Street in the Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest/Author Photo

First Outing of the Season — Bowman Lake State Park

Welcome back. Once again ski season has arrived here in Central NY State. My first ski outing of the season was on December 12th at Bowman Lake State Park, one of my go-to locations year-round here in Central NY State. However, the snow was too sticky that day, and I carried my skis for the second half of the trek. For those of you who cross-country ski, you know that there is nothing worse than snow sticking to your skis. However, The day did produce some lovely photos and it was great exercise:

Bowman Lake NY State Park/Author Photos

Second Outing- Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest

After our second snowfall, I headed out on December 18th to the Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest (9,151 acres). The conditions that day were excellent. Coy Street did not disappoint, although the trails are not yet groomed for snowmobiles (not until January). There were only a few snowmobile tracks, however, enough to provide excellent gliding. The trail was a bit uneven in places since someone must have driven through with a truck. But overall it was a great experience. So quiet. So peaceful.

Author Photo

Coy Street is not at all what the name implies. It is a seasonal road with no maintenance during the winter. It serves as part of the Chenango County snowmobile trail system this time of the year. It leads to the Nine Mile Truck Trail, aka the Pharsalia Freeway. The truck trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s and 40s. Many conservation projects were completed by the CCC during this time period across the United States. I met a man in a 4-wheeler who was putting up signs for the snowmobile trails. I also met another man out enjoying skiing also.

Author Photo

Since this forest has over 9,000 acres, you don’t often run into many people, except on the 9 mile truck trail which is popular with snowmobilers. I have yet to explore all areas of this forest.

Author Photos

One area that I want to explore is the Round Pond wetland area. From the Pharsalia Woods NY State Forest website:

Pharsalia Woods now features an accessible boardwalk that leads to an elevated, covered viewing platform overlooking the 90-acre Round Pond wetland complex that contains several protected plants, including the carnivorous pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) with the ability to digest insects. The wetland also provides habitat to many wetland bird species including sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis), rare visitors to New York State.

I also enjoy mountain biking here in the summer. I will continue to explore and enjoy this wonderful NY State Forest.

Skiing
Winter
Nature
Life
Forest
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