This one mile one way hike to the "hang glider view point" on Jones Hill is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 650 feet.  This hike utilizes the Skyline Trail, a dirt road and the North Country National Scenic Trail.  Before doing this hike, you should take the short 1/4 mile hike to Tinker Falls along the Tinker Falls Trail.

From the parking area (elevation 1260 feet) cross NY 91 (toward the left, away from the Tinker Falls Trail) climbing the bank along the road.  You will see an old dirt road and the orange blazes of the Skyline Trail immediately.  Turn right and follow the Skyline Trail as it ascends sometimes steeply up the old road.  At 0.2 miles (1414 feet) the Skyline Trail veers right and the dirt road veers left.  Follow the dirt road (no blazes).  The Skyline Trail ends in 0.1 mile at the North Country Trail near the top of Tinker Falls.

Continuing to ascend along the old dirt road.  At 0.5 miles the North Country Trail (blue blazes) comes in from the right (1710 feet) and follows the old dirt road.  At 0.7 miles (1817 feet) the NCT turns right off the old dirt road, continue your hike following the dirt road.  At 0.9 miles the NCT crosses the dirt road (1898 feet).  Continue to ascend the old dirt road.  At 1.0 mile reach the view point from the hang glider spot on Jones Hill.  The elevation here is 1920 feet.  The North Country Trail also passes here.

The views are some of the best in Onondaga County and are some of the best along the North Country National Scenic Trail.  To return to the parking area simply retrace your steps.  Look below for a map, a few pictures and a video.

Tinker Falls

Skyline Trail

 

contact CNY HIKING by email at contact@cnyhiking.com

(c) 2006-today CNY Hiking - All rights reserved.  Any use of information from this site without permission is strictly forbidden.