More Information
Trailhead GPS: Coordinates N42.04339 W74.72780
Getting There: From the east exit State Route 17 at Exit 96W and turn right on DeBruce Road. Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17 toward Roscoe. Drive 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Exit State Route 17 at Exit 96E and turn right on White Roe Lake Road. Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17. Drive 1.2 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Turn right on Beaverkill Road and drive 10.8 miles to Barkaboom Road on the left. Turn left on Barkaboon Road and drive .8 miles to Big Pond. Watch for the access road to the upper parking area on the right. Drive up the access road and park in the lot.
Difficulty: This hike is rated STRENUOUS because the distance is over 6 miles and there are a series of ascents along the way which add up to a little over1500 feet of vertical gain.
Trail Surface: The trail surface consists rocks and roots in most places although parts of the trail are grass and dirt.
Hike Description: The Touch-Me-Not Trail begins in the back right corner of the parking area and is marked with red blazes. You may also see some whet markers with the letters FLT as this trail is part of the Finger Lakes Trail System. After about .2 miles the trail enters a evergreen forest and starts one of several climbs heading first northeast and then east. At about 1 mile you will have gained 400 feet skirting the shoulder of a ridge and it is now time to start a matching descent. At 1.8 miles you will cross a seasonal stream or at least the bed of that stream. Just south of this crossing is a marsh or swamp. It is now time to start ascending again now heading northeast to 2.15 miles where the trail turns east. The trail now descends again to Alder Creek and Alder Creek Road at 2.8 miles. Crossing the creek is only a problem when the water is really high. Walk across the road and onto the access road to Alder Lake which is marked by an iron gate painted yellow. The .4 mile walk to Alder Lake is worth it as the lake is very beautiful. On the shores of Alder Lake you will notice some stone foundations and walls which mark all that is left of the Coykendall Mansion. After enjoying the lake, turn around and retrace your steps back to the car.