Labrador Hollow Unique Area
Labrador Hollow Unique Area encompasses 1,483 acres and is nestled between the towns of Tully, Apulia, and Truxton on the borders of Onondaga and Cortland County. It is a delightfully scenic area well known for its diverse recreational activities, some of which include hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping, bird watching, nature viewing, canoeing, mountain biking and even hang gliding. Labrador Hollow truly encompasses a phenomenally unique area; from a wondrous waterfall, to a beautiful boardwalk, to a picturesque pond... one can hardly stop being amazed at the incredible, breathtaking beauty of New York State! 
History
Labrador Hollow Unique Area was acquired with funds provided by the Environmental Quality Bond Act of 1972 as a means to protect areas of great natural beauty, wilderness, and/or historical, geological or ecological significance. This includes rare plant life and scarce animal habitats.
Labrador Hollow's topography is what is responsible for its unique character. It is located in the middle of a valley running north to south that was dug out by glacial movement that occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch. Massive ice sheets from the last glaciation episode (Wisconsinan glaciation episode) retreated from the area approximately ten thousand years ago, leaving behind numerous sedimentary deposits and superficial features; including elongate scour features, some of which filled with water and are now called the Finger Lakes while others became valleys.
The floor of Labrador Hollow's valley is only about one-half mile wide, but its walls rise abruptly for several hundred feet. Today, this unique and attractive area provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for many New York residents and visitors alike, and will continue to provide incredible natural beauty for generations to come.
Accessible Features
Labrador Hollow Unique Area encompasses 1,483 acres in the towns of Tully, Apulia and Truxton in Onondaga and Cortland Counties. Labrador Hollow's accessible facilities include a 1,990-foot boardwalk that transitions between various ecological zones, from a woodlot on dry land, through a pine and hemlock swamp, into marshlands and out toward open water. Accessible benches are located along the boardwalk. From the boardwalk parking area, turn left on Labrador Cross Road and left again at the next intersection and about ½ mile south down the road on the left there is a spacious accessible fishing pier on the western shore. There is an accessible rustic toilet building.
Full listing of DECs Accessible Recreation Destinations.
Field Notes
Much of the area in Labrador Hollow is shaded for most of the day, resulting in plant life that is typically characteristic of high mountain bogs, such as those found in the high peaks of the Adirondacks. While the prominent cover type is northern hardwood forest, several uncommon and rare species have been identified in the area.
There are several 'must-see' attractions located in Labrador Hollow. First of which is the large, shallow pond. Not only is it fantastic for fishing, but the canoe launch located on it provides countless opportunities for a lazy day floating amidst the lily pads and gazing up at the forested hillsides. Even if you aren't drifting on the water, because the majority of the pond is bordered by wooded wetlands, including bog-like areas on the south and east sides, the view from any direction is simply resplendent! Drainage follows a southern route through Labrador Creek. Canada geese are the primary water fowl in the area, however, keep an eye out for species such as the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and the pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), as their range is known to extend through Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
Another must see attraction is Tinker Falls, an impressive natural rock amphitheater about 50 feet in height located on a small stream in the southeast section of the area. The falls are most spectacular during spring run off, and they can be reached via a foot trail from Route 91.
A long time favorite for many bird watchers, early reports have identified more than 107 different species within Labrador Hollow. At least twelve different species of warblers have been identified within the area, including the Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus), which has been identified as a rare and protected species by the New York Natural Heritage Program. Today the list of identified species continues to grow, and many uncommon species are being added.
Near the north end of the steep east side of the valley, conditions combine to create one of the most preferred hang-gliding sites in central New York. As westerly winds cross the valley floor, thermals are carried up the slope toward the launch site at the tip of a 700-foot hill. Watching the colorful gliders ride the thermals and soar through the sky can be quite an enjoyable pastime, but anyone who is considering participating in the sport is advised that gliding can be dangerous and requires considerable expertise. Further, hang-gliding in Labrador Hollow is by state permit only.
Trails
Through a partnership with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, there are a number of well-marked hiking trails that are quite popular. For example, the Tinkers Falls Trail, reached via Route 91, twists through the peaceful woods alongside Tinkers Falls Stream. Eventually, the traveler is transported into a magical place where Tinkers Falls, a spectacular waterfall, can be seen in its full glory.
A boardwalk travels secretly through the tall brush of the wetland, occasionally bringing the tourist to a place where the view of the pond, surrounded by towering emerald green mountains, is truly stunning. Some of the trails that run through the Unique Area continue east through the adjacent Morgan Hill State Forest, linking the two lands. Additional trails may be developed in Labrador Hollow Unique Area so as to take advantage of the awe-inspiring and sublime surroundings within the area.
***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend When Out On The Trails***
Directions:
From Tully, take NY 80 east to NY 91 south, Labrador Hollow Unique Area may be accessed from Labrador Cross Road as well as Markham Hollow Road. There is a sign on the right side of Route 91 indicating the unique area. Parking for Tinkers Falls is available from Route 91, across from the trail entrance.
State Forest Regulations
For your safety and protection of the resource, the following regulations are in place:
- All State Forests and Unique Areas are Carry in Carry Out facilities.
- Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
- Mountain Bikers must stay on the DEC designated trails.
- The DEC requests that Mountain Bikers not ride during wet conditions.
- Swimming and bathing are prohibited.
- Camping, along with the building of fires, is prohibited on Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
- Fishing is permitted from a boat on the pond or creek, or from the boardwalk.
- Boating is restricted to non-motorized boats, which must be carried to the pond at designated access sites only.
- Non-motorized hang-gliding is allowed by permit only.
- Keep pets under control and on a leash while other forest users are around.
- Hunting and trapping is permitted as follows:
- Zone 1- Hunting is PROHIBITED. This area includes all of the pond, the Wetland Walk, Tinkers Falls, and trails.
- Zone 2- Hunting and Trapping is PERMITTED
- Unauthorized use of motor vehicles is prohibited. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATV's.
Important Numbers:
State Forest Office (M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.): 607-753-3095 ext. 217
Emergencies: 911
