Description
The Charlie Major Nature Trail follows an abandoned right-of-way that once carried trains along the old Skaneateles Short Line Railroad. The railroad served millworks in the area, including paper mills, grist mills, distilleries, and woodworking mills, which were powered by Skaneateles Creek.
The trail runs for just longer than 1 mile between Mill Road just north of Old Seneca Turnpike and Crow Hill Road in Mottville. The pretty little trail crosses the creek via three wooden bridges and meanders through a forested corridor. Along the way you'll see remains of the railroad, dams, and millworks buildings.
Near the Crow Hill Road bridge on the Mottville end is a nice place to have a picnic along the creek. There is also a playground at the Mottville trailhead.
Parking and Trail Access
Parking is available at both ends: in Mottville at Crow Hill Road and Frost Street; north of Skaneateles around 4144 Mill Road (Old Seneca Turnpike).
Interesting short trail and great for all ages.
By
fallzhunter
in
September, 2012
On web maps, it's know as: "Mill road Nature Trail". I tried looking for "Charlie Major Nature Trail" and could not find it. Great for photographers, lots of interesting stops all the way through to take pictures of. I've been there three times and plan ...
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"Fun, short trail!"
By
in
May, 2006
"We did this trail with babies on our backs, a few friends, and a couple dogs. It was a nice short trail that kids can also do. There was a lot of ruins to see from the mill time. We were able to pick up a map at one end before we went back that told ...
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Good condition
By
in
December, 2000
"The trail is in good condition, but slow down when going over a bridge as they are often slick."
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