Page 12 - 2026 Cortland Travel Guide

OUTDOORS

Happy Hikes HOXIE GORGE-UNDERWOOD

Hour HILL- NORTH COUNTRY
NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
Length 11 mi
Elevation gain 2000 ft
Route type: Out & Back
Nothing beats the satisfaction of A full day of wilderness exploration awaits
a cold beer or smooth whiskey at the Hoxie Gorge-Underwood Hill
stretch of the North Country Trail (NCT).
after a day in the great outdoors.
Start your trek at the south end near the
We’ve compiled Cortland County’s Tioughnioga River’s fishermen’s park-
top hiking spots, conveniently ing area. The trail passes through Hoxie
close to craft beer and spirit Gorge State Forest, crosses several gorges,
and treats you to panoramic views from
hotspots, ensuring the ultimate
Underwood Hill’s open fields. Backpackers
blend of outdoor thrills and chill get a Lean To, and overnighters will find
vibes. two campsites. Fun Fact: The NCT is the
longest continuous hiking trail in the US,
spanning 4,800 miles from North Dakota
to Vermont.

MCGRAW BOX BREWING
After a stroll through the woods, pop into
McGraw Box Brewing. Set in a converted
cutlery box factory, the brewery offers
weekly events to pair with its ales. The
menu boasts a range of brews, each pay-
ing homage to the former business with
names like Pine Box Pilsner and Edge
Sander Blonde. Grab their award-winning
Holznot Hefewizen, featuring a perfect
banana nose and subtle wheat flavor for a
HIGH VISTA HOMER HOPS BREWING crisp drink.
NATURE PRESERVE Swap your hiking sticks for a cold bever-

Length 1.2 mi age at Homer Hops Brewing, where you’ll WOODCHUCK HOLLOW
Elevation gain 236 ft be treated to a spacious taproom and Length 3.6 mi
Route type: Loop panoramic views of surrounding farmland Elevation gain 1306 ft
and rolling hills. Try the Exit 12 as your
Explore the 153-acre High Vista Nature post-hike recovery beer. An American Pale Route type: Loop
Preserve, perched high above Skaneateles Ale, it clocks in at just 5.3% but delivers Tucked into Tuller Hill State Forest,
Lake’s east shore. The diverse hillside boasts serious pale ale flavor with citrus and pine Woodchuck Hollow feels like an adventure
various tree species, murmuring streams, notes. If you want to extend your stay, every time. The trail follows an old truck
and vibrant spring blooms. It’s perfect for try one of their many sours or slushies by route, plus sections of the Finger Lakes
tranquil, low-impact nature excursions season. Trail and North Country Trail, guiding
like hiking, trail running, and snowshoeing. you over Snyder Hill and into the
Extend your journey with a 4.5-mile trek hollow’s scenic core. The reward is a
to Hinchcliff Family Preserve in neighbor- lean-to perched above a babbling creek—
ing Onondaga County. perfect for a cocoa break. Beautiful year-
round, it’s especially beautiful in early
winter. Want more? Backcountry camping
is allowed for an overnight escape under
the stars.

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