For some, November means going on those last fall rides, then putting up the horses for another winter. Most folks in the Northeast don't ride as often in the winter as they'd like, for one reason or another. There's hay to get in, feed to store, and pastures to mow to keep the weeds down.
But there are also those special fall rides into the colorful wooded areas. We have one of those special spots not far from where I live in south-central New York. Known as Connecticut Hill, the spot is located off State Highway 13, about halfway between Horseheads and Ithaca. It's not hard to find. There are access roads in all four directions, and fair dirt roads to haul in on.
Rich History
Connecticut Hill is the largest wildlife-management area in the state, covering 11,650 acres. Open to the public, it offers riders miles of riding trails and primitive camping. There's very little traffic, and oh, so much to see.
The area features hardwoods, open fields, creeks, and everything one would expect. The state has made a lot of improvements over the years, using inmates from the state work camps. Many years ago, the area was heavy with farms. But farmers found out rocks were the best crop, so one by one, they settled somewhere else, and the state took over their abandoned farms. Over the years, the old homesteads were either burnt or torn down.
Not far away is the famed Finger Lakes area, known the world over for its wine. There are almost 100 wineries to tour when you're not riding. Just east is Watkins Glen; auto racing fans know what goes on there.
One of my favorite rides is just north of Watkins on Route 14, called the Outlet Ride. It runs about seven miles between two lakes and follows a reclaimed railroad bed. There's great riding, no grade, and even outhouses along the way.
We usually start out on the east end near Seneca Lake, then ride the trail to Penn Yan. Along the way are old waterways created to run mills and generators, now left by the wayside.
Once we reach the western end, we tie up, set on the grass, eat lunch, then head back. After we load up, we always stop at the ice cream stand. Sort of the day's icing on the cake.
With the change in weather will come once more the close of one riding season and the start of another for those of us in the Northeast. Southern folks will be looking forward to more riding and cooler weather. Whoever heard of retiring to the north?
Moving On
"All's well that end's well," the bard once said. It's true. I've been writing stories for The Trail Rider for almost 16 years, but, like everything else, there's an end. With this column, there's a change for me, too.
I'd like to thank each and every one of you folks that I've met over those years for the support and kindness you've shown. I'm thankful for all the wonderful, beautiful places that the good Lord has made for me to visit on the back of a horse, and, of course those I have yet to travel to.
I have the fondest memories of the many campfires I've been invited to share, the people I've ridden with, and the campgrounds I've visited. I'm thankful for the thousand miles of trails I've ridden and the thousands of photos I've taken.
To each and every one of you, to quote Bob Hope, "Thanks for the memories."
I look forward to seeing you on the trails somewhere, sometime. Till then, ride safe, keep a tight cinch, carry a good camera - and drop me a line now and then.
