On this sunshine bright Fall afternoon I decided walk the Cayuga Community College Trail located on Franklin Street in the City of Auburn.
Using Rich & Sue Freeman's Take a Hike Family Walks in the Finger Lakes Region as a guide, parked at the coordinates below:
Beyond the parking area entrance is large sign that provides a trail map.
Also there is a sign with the trail rules.
This 1-mile loop was extremely busy today. Taking advantage of it were parents with children, dog walkers, runners, causal strollers, and one elderly couple who were enjoying a snack sitting on one of the benches along the trail.
Just off the parking area headed left on a stone dust trail. For the most part I will stay on the 6-foot-wide stone dust trail as it makes its way around the perimeter of this natural oasis.
On my right was a knoll with a bench. It overlooks a man-made pond.
To the right of the bench near two black walnut trees and a crab apple tree was a wooden bridge.
Crossing it gives you access to the far side of the pond.
At the north end of the pond was a wooden swing.
Behind the swing an elevated trail crosses a marshy area. This is for another day.
Back on the main trail there was a gateway to my left which enter into the Auburn High School athletic fields. Football, soccer and field hockey teams were practicing.
Came upon a second pond. To the right was a wooden bridge. Crossed over and looped the pond.
Just before a concrete bridge on the right was third pond.
After walking over the concrete pad went right into the woods.
On the left before the S curve there was a trail. Took a short excursion which brought me to the west end of the third pond. Flushed out a rabbit before reaching the pond.
Back on the main trail after crossing another wooden bridge came to an opening on my right from which I could view both the second and third ponds. Walking on crossed yet another bridge and came upon a couple resting on a bench.
Then came the most exciting point of the journey. Proceeding along the northernmost stretch of the trail a good size doe leaped out in front of me. She did not wish to be photographed.
After regaining my breath passed the alternative entrance at the intersection of Bowens Street and Boyle Avenue.
Came to a “T” with this sign.
Decided to take the Running Trail. Following a white chalked line in place for the runners brought me to knoll on the east side of area.
After continuing through some woods got off the trail to my left.
Visited the Thomas F. Steenburgh Nature Center.
This compacted area accommodates a classroom, a gazebo, a lily pond, and a bench dedicated to Shirley Kudla.
Returning to the trail crossed a bridge on the left.
There was one final bridge before approaching the parking lot.
Photo of first pond - taken 7/30/2007.
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