Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Open: Year Round, except from November 1 – the end of the New York State Late Bow Hunting Season3/4 miles until it connects with the Ridge Trail (one of the Esker Brook Trails) Difficultly: Easy, mostly flat, mowed grass surface The South Spring Pool Trail is located off of route NY-89. The small observation platform near the beginning of the trail brings you close to the water’s edge where you’ll see scores of minnows. Great blue heron, Canada geese, and other waterfowl can often be seen here, as well as woodpeckers and warblers along the trail leading to the Esker Brook Trails. The trails are open year-round, except from November 1 through the New York State white-tailed deer hunting season.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 

From the Wildlife Drive, this short trail brings you to a photo blind overlooking the refuge's Main Pool.

Open: Year Round, except from November 1 throughout the New York State Late Bow Hunting Season Three ¾-mile connecting trails Difficultly: Moderate; some elevation change; natural, stone, and wood chip surface You can get to the Esker Brook Trails from Route 89 via the South Spring Pool Trail or from Lay Road, right onto East Tyre Road. A series of three ¾-mile trails (Orchard, Brook, and Ridge Trails), you can walk through woods, along a brook, and around two ponds.  You may see or hear songbirds, woodpeckers, great blue heron, ducks, white-tailed deer, or small mammals during your visit. Wildflowers flourish in May. A trail guide is available at the Visitor Center.  The trails are open year-round, except from November 1 through the New York State white-tailed deer hunting season. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 

This trail is currently closed and under re-development.

Open: Year Round, except during the New York State Late Bow Hunting Season About one mile, looping around the refuge's headquarters area Difficultly: Easy, flat, stone dust and mowed path surface The start of the Seneca Trail is at the Visitor Center parking lot, just past the big heron sculpture. Dog walking is permitted on this trail only. Public restrooms are located near the beginning of this trail. You will pass a viewing tower and viewing platform; climb up for a whole different perspective looking out over the Main Pool. After you cross over the Wildlife Drive, you will walk along the Cayuga-Seneca Barge Canal. A kiosk will help you learn about canal history. Right before the trail turns away from the canal and back towards the parking area, you will see an active osprey nest (osprey use the nest in spring and summer). Cerulean warbler, a species of conservation concern due to declining populations, have been known to nest along the trail, along with other warblers and songbirds.