Cush Hill
A Rogers Center Satellite
Quick Bits
Main Activities - Hike
Distance - 3 miles of trails
Quiet - very quiet
Surface - some mowed service roads and some narrow earthen, rooted trails
Elevation - moderately steep
Pets - no pets
Address - Cush Hill Road, Sherburne, NY
Click to go to Friends of Rogers Map for Cush Hill Trails.
In a Nutshell
A satellite location of the Rogers Environmental Education Center, Cush Hill offers more primitive hiking through diverse areas, including some American Chestnut trees. Lean-tos exist for camping with a permit.
Location and Parking
There are two parking locations, both on Cush Hill Road which is a seasonal road (gravel) that is not maintained in winter. The western parking location has a kiosk, while the eastern one does not. GPS systems may not show it and/or may take you on other seasonal roads getting to or from Cush Hill Road. The drive, in nice weather, is very scenic. There is room for four or five cars at each parking area.
The Google map to the right shows western parking area. From the north (Adams Farm) take West Hill Road off of Highway 80 south and then turn left onto Cush Hill Road.
From the Center, go east on Highway 80 and turn right on Bingham Road. Bingham Road will run directly into Cush Hill Road (Bingham continues at 90-degrees to the left). You'll come to the eastern parking area first as you go west on Cush Hill Road. Both parking areas are on the left as you travel west.
More details
Cush Hill Trails are the off the beaten path but still just a mile or so from the Rogers Environmental Education Center and Adams Farm Trails. Part of this satellite is about 17 acres of state land north of Cush Hill Road with the remainder being Rogers Friends land, 82 acres, south of the road. There is some moderate elevation gain here and trails do not get as much attention as the Center so blow-down may be encountered in sections, but nothing alarming. An area of interest is a section marked on the map as the American Chestnut Plantation. From what I have learned, there has been work done here trying to preserve the American Chestnut. Though, it is challenging and many of the trees appear dead. Though I did see what appeared to be at least one relatively healthy tree, a great find.
The Conifer Trail takes a loop through pines that were planted as part of CCC work. You can see what nice even rows they were planted. The Summit Trail switches up and around to the top of the hill. The views there are blocked by trees, but there are a few places where you get a nice glimpse of farm lands.
On the north side of Cush Hill Road, the trails lead up to a couple of lean-tos. This area is wooded and without the open fields of the southern section. There is also some elevation gain here.
Adams Farm Trails Satellite:
Adams Farm which is located 0.9 miles west on Highway 80. This area has two lean-tos for permit camping, catch and release fishing, and 1.5 miles of trails of service roads to wander. There are also some unblazed trails leftover from years ago.
Rogers Environmental Education Center:
The Center was originally the first NY Game Farm in 1909 and is now managed by Friends of Rogers non-profit. It offers various programs, over 2 miles of trails, and much to explore.
Farm Tower Trails:
I don't consider this a satellite since it's right across the street. There is, however, a separate trail map.
