Not every great walk needs to be a challenge. Sometimes the best thing you can do is find a flat, beautiful path along a creek, bring the dog, and simply enjoy being outside. That’s exactly what the Charlie Major Nature Trail offers — and it does it very well.
The trail runs just over a mile between Mill Road and Crow Hill Road in Mottville. It follows the abandoned right-of-way of the old Skaneateles Short Line Railroad. That railroad once served the mills and industries that Skaneateles Creek powered. Today the rails are long gone. In their place is a well-maintained gravel and natural surface path. It meanders through a forested corridor alongside the creek, crossing it three times via wooden bridges.
What makes the trail more interesting than a simple walk is the history woven through it. Along the way you’ll spot remnants of the old railroad. You’ll also find the ruins of dams and the weathered foundations of millworks buildings. It’s a gentle journey through a bygone era. The creek itself is a highlight too. Each year the county stocks it with trout. It also offers lovely spots to stop, sit, and watch the water move.
The trail suits almost everyone. The grade is mostly flat and gentle. The surface is stable throughout. Furthermore, there are benches along the route for resting. Young children, older visitors, and dogs all enjoy it equally. Additionally, the trail connects directly to both Skaneateles Brewery and Last Shot Distillery at the Mill Road end. That makes for an easy and very pleasant combination visit.
Parking is available at both ends — on Mill Road near the Old Seneca Turnpike, and on Crow Hill Road in Mottville. It’s free, open year-round, and one of the nicest easy walks in the Skaneateles area.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.