Labrador Hollow Unique Area, a gem in New York State, offers a diverse landscape and a range of accessible outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil fishing spot, an easy boardwalk trail, or a scenic hike to a waterfall, Labrador Hollow has something for everyone. This guide will help you pinpoint Where Is Labrador Hollow, understand its accessible features, and plan your visit to this natural haven.
Accessible Adventures at Labrador Hollow
Labrador Hollow Unique Area prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that more people can enjoy its natural beauty. Different parking areas provide access to various wheelchair-accessible features.
Markham Hollow Road Parking Area: Located on the western side of Labrador Pond, this area provides accessible:
- Fishing/viewing platform: Enjoy fishing or simply take in the views from the accessible platform, situated 230 feet from the parking area.
Main Parking Area on Labrador Crossroad: This central access point offers wheelchair accessibility to:
- Hiking trail with boardwalk: Explore the Labrador Hollow Boardwalk, a 0.4-mile loop trail with a gentle grade (maximum slope 5%), a wide path (minimum width 5 feet), and a firm boardwalk surface, perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Portable toilet (seasonal): Accessible restroom facilities are available during seasonal operation.
Tinker Falls Parking Area: Situated off Route 91, the Tinker Falls area provides accessible:
- Hiking trail: Discover the beauty of Tinker Falls via a 0.25-mile one-way trail. This trail features a gentle grade (maximum slope 5%), a wide path (minimum width 8 feet), and a firm, compacted stone surface, making it accessible to wheelchairs.
For more detailed information on these features, refer to the Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections available on the official page. You can also explore additional accessible recreation destinations on the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations webpage.
Getting to Labrador Hollow: Directions
Labrador Hollow Unique Area is accessible from NY 80 to NY 91. You can reach it via Labrador Crossroad and Markham Hollow Road.
GPS Coordinates: For precise navigation, use the following coordinates in decimal degrees (NAD83/WGS84 datum):
- Markham Hollow Road Parking Area: (Coordinates – Please refer to official source for exact coordinates)
- Main Parking Area (Labrador Crossroad): (Coordinates – Please refer to official source for exact coordinates)
- Tinker Falls Parking Area: (Coordinates – Please refer to official source for exact coordinates)
Note: Please consult official maps or GPS navigation for the most accurate and up-to-date coordinates.
Rules, Regulations, and Safety Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and to protect the natural environment, please adhere to the following rules and guidelines when visiting Labrador Hollow Unique Area:
- Leave No Trace Principles: Practice Leave No Trace Principles to minimize your impact on the natural resources.
- State Land Use Regulations: All visitors must comply with State Land Use Regulations.
- Outdoor Safety Practices: Follow Outdoor Safety Practices for your safety and resource protection.
Site-Specific Rules:
- Prohibited Activities: Bathing, swimming, motorized boats, camping, open fires, snowmobiling, and off-road vehicle traffic are strictly prohibited within Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
- Domestic Animals: Pets must be kept under complete control at all times.
- Hunting and Trapping: Permitted in designated Zone 2 (918 acres), but prohibited in Zone 1 (556 acres) which includes Labrador Pond, boardwalk, Tinker Falls, and most trails. Refer to the Hunting Zone Map (PDF) for detailed boundaries.
- Fishing: In Zone 1, fishing is allowed only from a boat or the fishing pier to protect shoreline vegetation. Shoreline fishing is prohibited. Fishing is permitted in Zone 2.
- Hang-gliding: Non-motorized hang-gliding requires a special permit. Contact the relevant authority for permissions.
- Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking: Currently, there are no approved trails or facilities for horseback riding or mountain biking in Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
Planning and Management of Labrador Hollow
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages Labrador Hollow Unique Area according to the Hill and Hollow Unit Management Plan (PDF, 8MB). This plan provides comprehensive information about the area’s natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, history, habitats, wildlife, and fisheries.
For questions or comments regarding the Unit Management Plan, please contact the DEC via email at [email protected].
Nearby Amenities and State Lands
Nearby State Lands and Facilities: (Information about nearby state lands and facilities would be listed here – refer to original source for details).
Where to Find Amenities:
- Gas, food, and dining: Available in the nearby community of Tully.
- Lodging: Found in Tully and Cortland.
For more information on local recreation, attractions, and amenities, contact Cortland County Tourism and Finger Lakes Tourism.
Numerous guidebooks and maps can assist in exploring the area, available at outdoor retailers, bookstores, and online. Consider engaging local outdoor guides and outfitters for enhanced experiences, especially if you have limited experience in the outdoors. Consult the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for certified guides.
A Glimpse into Labrador Hollow’s History
Labrador Hollow’s distinctive topography is a result of glacial activity during the Pleistocene Epoch. The valley was carved out by massive ice sheets during the last glaciation episode (Wisconsinan glaciation episode) which retreated approximately ten thousand years ago. Glacial retreat left sedimentary deposits and features, forming the Finger Lakes and valleys like Labrador Hollow.
The valley floor is narrow, approximately one-half mile wide, with steep walls rising hundreds of feet. Today, Labrador Hollow provides ecological, economic, and recreational benefits for New York residents and visitors, making it a truly unique and valuable area to explore.
