[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qee-OExgqVs%5B/embedyt%5D
Combining peaceful scenery and a bit of history, the Charlie Major Nature Trail covers just under a mile of old railroad bed. Following the Skaneateles Creek, the rail trail takes you past the remnants and ruins of several old mills that were powered by the creek and serviced by the railroad all the way back to 1840.
The trail is an easy and mostly flat out-and-back with entrances at both the northern and southern ends. The northern entrance in Mottville has a dedicated parking lot with several spots available for cars. Parking at the southern end of the trail is a little less obvious, but there are spaces for a couple of cars just a short walk away from the trailhead. And about midway up the trail, there is a short spur off of the trail that runs behind Skaneateles Brewery and Last Shot Distillery, so you can access the trail from there, too.
On this visit, we started our walk at the southern end of the trail and headed north. Being an old rail bed, the entirety of the trail is pretty wide with not much of an incline, and is made up of crushed gravel and wooden bridges. The trail crisscrosses Skaneateles Creek several times, offering beautiful views of the slow flowing creek with some rippling waterfalls here and there.
The old railroad that used to cover this trail was known as the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad and it was in use from 1840 all the way up until 1981. The railroad served a number of functions in its time – carrying goods from the mills along the creek, hauling ice from Skaneateles Lake, and taking passengers from the main rail lines to the north down to the village of Skaneateles.
Though the mills along the creek and trail are no longer in use, many of their remnants can still be seen today, making it a fun trail for history buffs. Several old stone walls line the sides of the creek and cross over it in places. I do wish there were markers or plaques here to give more information on what these old structures used to be. It’s just fascinating to think about what they may have been.
About midway up the trail, there’s a little spur off to the right, if you’re heading north, that brings you to a really cool old part of a mill with a little waterfall that had been built in. Don’t miss it if you go.
Back on the main trail, we continued north. We passed quite a few dog walkers and several couples out for a stroll. It really is such a great and accessible trail for people of all ages and pets, too. Everyone we passed was so friendly. And how could they not be when they’re here? This section of the trail is so peaceful as it winds through the woods with the sounds of the babbling creek right nearby.
After what seemed like no time, we made it to the northern trailhead. There is a small playground here, which is perfect for letting kiddos get some of their energy out, along with a parking lot.
A few steps take you down from the trail to a really nice grassy area that’s a wonderful spot for a picnic. It’s kind of tucked away and just a really quaint little corner of land surrounded by the creek and some old building ruins.
The Charlie Major Nature Trail is such a great option for people of all ages and abilities to explore nature with a little history thrown in. And, it’s open year round! So don’t wait until next summer to check it out.
Know before you go
Lake: Skaneateles
Address: Skaneateles, NY 13152
More info: AllTrails Description and Reviews
Finger Lakes Explorers 