Charcoal Burners Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

The Charcoal Burners Trail is located in Clarence Fahnestock State Park. The trail is well marked with red discs and travels from the northern end of the park to the southern end. You can access the trail from three locations, but only one has a parking area alongside Route 301. The trail starts/ends in the north when it meets the Wiccopee Trail. South of Route 301, the trail extends until it ends on the Three Lakes Trail.

You can park on Route 301 and hike north. This section is about 2.5 miles long and gives access to several other trails so you can complete a loop hike. After about 1.25 miles, you'll reach Beaver Pond. If you're hiking Charcoal Burners as part of a loop, Beaver Pond is a nice place for lunch. Past Beaver Pond, the trail is relatively level and easy. South of Route 301 is a 1 mile section that is more difficult with plenty of rocks – a definite change from the northern section.

Charcoal Burner is a great trail in the fall to see the leaves change color. In the summer, much of the northern trail is lined with fern. There are also far less people hiking this part of the park, which is nice.