The Chicken Coop Trail is part of what is known as the Potomac Trail network in the Finger Lakes National Forest. This 2.6 mile trail is located near the Potomac Group Campground and can be accessed off Potomac Road, the Interloken Trail, the Potomac Trail or from the campground. This trail isn't as popular as others in the FLNF, however it offers a great option for those looking to explore the area.

The Potomac Trail network includes the Potomac Trail. The Potomac Trail is 0.7 miles long. Both trails are relatively easy and can be enjoyed by everyone in your family. Most signs will say Potomac Trail, however locals call this trail the Chicken Coop Trail. There are no signs that say Chicken Coop Trail. The overall elevation gain for the Chicken Coop Trail is about 280 feet. We recommend doing the Chicken Coop Loop if you are looking for a nice, easy loop hike to do in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Look below for a map of this trail.

Chicken Coop Trail is officially known as the Potomac Trail

Trail crossing Potomac Road

Directions:

From the South: Take I-86/NY 17 to Exit 52 (Watkins Glen/NY 14 North). In Watkins Glen, turn right onto NY 414 North. Go approximately 9 miles north, past the Hector Ranger Station of the Finger Lakes National Forest. 0.5 miles past the Ranger Station, turn right on Schuyler County Route 2. Go east 4.4 miles past County Route 4 to the “Tee” intersection. Turn left onto Potomac Road and look for the signs for the Potomac Group Campground. Continue on to the first or second parking area and then follow the signs and blaze marks. There is also shoulder parking where the trail crosses Potomac Road, just south of the campground. The GPS coordinates are N42 29.262 W76 47.475.

From the North: Take I-90 to Exit 41 (NY 414 South to Hector, NY). 0.5 miles past Wickham’s Plaza, turn left onto County Route 2, the second asphalt road on the left. Go east 4.4 miles east past County Route 4 to the “Tee” intersection. Turn left onto Potomac Road and look for the signs for the Potomac Group Campground. Continue on to the first or second parking area and then follow the signs and blaze marks.

The GPS coordinates for the parking area near the campground is N42 29.609 W76 47.442 for those who have a GPS devise. The GPS coordinates for the parking area at the intersection of Chicken Coop Road is N42 30.001 W76 47.393.