Hiking in Upstate New York always provides me with spectacular sights and is a perfect activity for enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise in. Tanglewood Nature Center is located in Elmira, NY near the Finger Lakes Region. With 10+ miles of trails, along with a visitor center with 40+ animals to see, Tanglewood is a must-visit destination for any hiking enthusiast.
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Location
Tanglewood Nature center is located in Elmira, NY which is situated in the Southern Finger Lakes Region. This area is known for its long, slender lakes and delicious wine varieties.
Tanglewood Nature Center is bordered by Coleman Avenue near Harris Hill Amusement Park off of West Hill Road. The Chemung River borders the nature center on the south side and can be seen from trails within Tanglewood. The trails in the park are surrounded by tall Red Oak and Sugar Maple tress, as well as lush meadows with flowers and tall grass.
To find directions from your location, simply click “directions” on the map and it will take you to Tanglewood.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by the wooden entrance sign. There you will find a gravel road that will take you directly to the parking lot and visitor center. This is where you want to park to access the trails.
Deer are very popular both in and around Tanglewood Nature Center. Be sure to look out for them as you are driving as they may dart out to cross the road.
Entrance to Tanglewood
What time of year is best to visit Tanglewood?
Tanglewood hiking trails are open year round, with open access all times of day. You can take a nice afternoon hike through the Bluebird trail, wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Chemung River on the Twain Trail. Here is a breakdown of Tanglewood hiking trail condition by season:
Summer
During the summer, Tanglewood hiking trails are bright and sunny, with warm temperatures and an occasional breeze. The temperatures during these months range from 50 degree lows to highs in the mid 80’s.
It’s important to bring some bug protection as the trails may be muggy. This bug spray is made from all-natural ingratiates like citronella and lemongrass, has no deet, and provides protection without being greasy for long hours. It is definitely recommended to wear a short sleeve shirt, but keep pants on because of ticks and snakes. More on that below.
Fall
Fall is a great time to hike the Tanglewood hiking trails as the tall oaks, pines, and maples start to turn to beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows.
Having the opportunity to view the river and city from the top of the Twain trail with the wide vista of fall colors makes this season my favorite time for visiting Tanglewood Nature Center.
The temperatures during the day range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit on average. For this weather, pack a light jacket and a good pair of hiking pants like the Prana Hiking pants for men or the Prana Halle pants for women.
For jackets, the Patagonia nano puff is a go to. Later in the season, make sure you take a beanie to keep your ears warm from the cold breeze.
During the night, temperatures range from 30 degrees to 50 Fahrenheit. Although there is no camping allowed, make sure you are prepared with a jacket that will handle the cold if taking a hike in the night or early morning.
Winter
Winter time allow you to enjoy the Tanglewood hiking trails with a blanket of snow over the trails and trees. One of my favorite places to go is again to the Twain overlook to see the snow layered over the town next to the winding river.
Temperatures in the winter range from 16 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to make sure you have a hat, gloves, winter jacket, and think pair of socks. A pair of boots will also be handy so that your feet won’t get cold. Check out my recommendations to stay warm during your winter hike!
Spring
Hiking Tanglewood nature center in the spring takes your through winding trails surrounded with blooming flowers like the vibrant yellow buttercup or the deep purple lilac. It’s also a good time to get outside as the temperatures start to warm up from the winter.
Temperatures for the Tanglewood hiking trails in the spring range from 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. For the earlier months, pack for colder temperatures with hats, gloves, and jackets.
For the later months of spring, temperatures will near 70 degrees. It is a great time to get fresh, warm air and prepare for summer. Make sure to pack a light jacket just in case.
Where do I go to start the Tanglewood Hiking Trails?
After parking at the parking lot, you will see the visitor center directly across from you. Right next to the visitor center will be a small pavilion that displays trail maps and warnings for environmental hazards.
Trailhead Pavilion at Tanglewood Nature Center
Once you have arrive at the trailhead, you can continue to the left along the paved trail to access all of the other Tanglewood hiking trails.
Hiking Safety: Must-know before you go
Although the Tanglewood hiking trails provide access to a beautiful 10+ miles of maintained hiking trails, its important to keep these safety tips in mind in order to have an enjoyable experience.
Beware of Ticks
Tick warning at the Tanglewood hiking trails
When hiking in upstate New York, it is very important to wear long pants as ticks are prominent in the area.
In the warmer months, consider using bug spray to protect yourself. When using the Tanglewood hiking trails, try to stay in the center of the path and avoid walking into areas with tall, thick grass.
Make sure to check yourself for ticks periodically during your hike, and especially after your hike. If you have to remove a tick, be sure to use fine tweezers to remove the entire bug from your skin.
Beware of Rattlesnakes
The Timber Rattlesnake is a native species of upstate New York and have been seen along the Tanglewood hiking trails. They are also a protected species, so make sure to leave them alone.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, remember that they are not venomous. The rattlesnake may hiss as a warning call for you to step away from up. A bite is not lethal and could ultimately be left alone, although a bite is very rare.
A memorial bench along the Twain Trail
Tanglewood Hiking Trail List
President's Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance : 0.97mi
- Style: Out-and-back
The Presidents trail is a green, easy difficulty hike and a great one to start on if you are new to Tanglewood. With a distance of .96 miles and a loop-style path, this trail is very scenic as you will be surrounded by fields and meadows.
If you are taking on other trails such Bluebird, Train, or Allyn Hoffman Tree trail, you can add this into your loop for an extra miles.
To do so, start on the main path following the Twain and bluebird trail. About a quarter mile into the hike, look for the President’s trail sign located on the left. Take a quick left and you are met with an open field to enjoy the scenery. This is the start of the President’s trail.
Around halfway through the loop on the trail, you can access the Tanglefoot trail by veering off the loop. This hike is an easy extra loop that leads to a quiet, secluded pond.
Sign to the President’s Trail
Bluebird Trail
- Diffuculty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.70mi
- Style: Loop
The bluebird trail follows the border of Tanglewood Nature center and features fields and forestry. The bluebird trail is a bit more difficult than the President’s trail and involves more elevation gain than the previous trail. However, this is a good trail to try and conquer before tackling the Twain trail, and is the second longest trail of the Tanglewood hiking trails.
I consider the Bluebird trail the “Main” trail as it intersects with many other trails to gain a little extra milage like the Twain Trail, President’s Trail, and Allyn Hoffman Tree Trail.
To access the President’s trail from the Bluebird trail, veer left about 0.25mi from the start of the trail head.
To access the Twain trail, follow the bluebird trail either clockwise or counter clockwise, and you will be met with trees with a red sign. Just veer toward the red trail and you are on the Twain Trail
To access the Tanglefoot trail, keep right on the Bluebird trail for about 0.75mi. After this, there will be an intersection to the Tanglefoot trail to the right.
The fall foliage on the bluebird trail
Twain Trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 2.99mi
- Style: Loop
The twain trail is the longest and most strenuous of the Tanglewood hiking trails and is personally my favorite. The trail involves hiking through narrow passages, through forests, and passing by flower fields. The reward at the top of this trail is the amazing view overlooking the Chemung River. The Twain trail is a must-hike!
Chemung River lookout on the top of the Twain Trail
Tanglefoot Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.51mi
- Style: Loop
The tanglefoot trail is a moderately challenging loop trail that stems off of the presidents trail toward the beginning of the trailhead.
The best part of the tanglefoot trail is that it features a nice small pond toward the middle of the trail to relax and enjoy the view, and it is often more secluded as you cannot access the trail directly from the main path.
Whitetail Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.43mi
- Style: Loop
The whitetail trail stems directly from the trailhead near the parking lot when you first arrive to begin your hike. The trail is less than 0.5mi, making it easy for inexperienced hikers to complete it.
The Whitetail trail may relate to the Whitetail Deer, as I’ve seen many on my hikes on this particular trail.
This trail also allows you to get to the Presidents trail without taking the beginning of the Twain or Bluebird trail which allows for a unique detour with more elevation gain.
Allyn Hoffman Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.01mi
- Style: Loop
The Allyn Hoffman Tree Trail is one of the longer loop trails that offer an easier hike compared to Bluebird and the Twain Trail. I love passing by the Teaching Pond during my hike on this trail and take some time to sit and enjoy the view.
The Hoffman Tree Trail leads you through meadows of tall grass where deer are easily seen.
It can also connect you to the Bluebird trail if you are looking to hike a little more.
Allyn Hoffman Tree Trail Pond
Children's Sensory Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.19mi
- Style: Loop
The Children’s sensory trail is a unique trail situated at the start of the trailhead that adds great accessibility to the Tanglewood Hiking Trails. The path on this hike is made of wood chips which adds a nice cushion on your feet. You can also see objects scattered around the trail like a toy owl.
Tanglewood Hiking Trails: Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to hike at Tanglewood?
Hiking trails are completely free to access and can be used at all times of day. If you love your experience, you can consider making a donation in the visitor center across from the parking lot.
What kinds of animals are at Tanglewood?
Some of the most common animals that you can encounter when hiking the Tanglewood hiking trails are Whitetail Deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Having a deer jump by your during your hike is definitely an awesome experience. In the ponds, check for minnows and snapping turtles. At night time, you could often hear owls and bats, but they are hard to spot in the dark. There are also many species of birds to spot along the trails.
Can I learn more about the area at Tanglewood Nature Center?
The Tanglewood hiking trails are only a part of the nature center. There is also a museum that features many types of animals and plants to lear about and see. Tanglewood also hosts many events throughout the year that allow people to become a part of the community and learn about nature from qualified educators.
Final Thoughts
Tanglewood Nature Center is a beautiful park situated in the Finger Lakes Region that allows access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, along with a visitor center situated with history and environmental education.
Hiking the Tanglewood hiking trails provides a way to experience the sense of amazement when surrounded in the forest by sounds of insects and tall oak, maple, and birch trees.
Having the change to hike in Tanglewood Nature Center is an awesome experience the should definitely be taken advantage of!! If you have ever been here or have any questions about any of the trails or the nature center, feel free to leave a comment! I would love for you to share your thoughts!
3 beautifully orange trees at Tanglewood Nature Center
2 comments
Amazing photos!
Thank you so much!