Hiking Hot Spots in the Southern Tier

Outdoor enthusiast Melanie Wood shares Some of Her Favorite Local Trails

There are those among us who set lofty goals that may intimidate the faint of heart. Corning business owner and podcast host Melanie Wood is one of those people.

In June, Wood publicly pledged that she would hike the 2,100+-mile Appalachian Trail in 2024. She started Onward: An Ongoing Hiking Story, a video podcast of her training, to share with hiking enthusiasts and supporters, and to keep her on track to attain her goal.

Wood spends a lot of time on trails throughout the Southern Tier, conditioning her body and mind for her upcoming journey. Here, she has, graciously, agreed to share her expertise and knowledge of local trails to help hiking adventurers of all skill levels get started with the following three hikes, which vary in difficulty. Press 'Play' and enjoy!

If videos don't initially load, please refresh the page.

Spencer Crest Nature Center, Corning, N.Y.

Local hiking enthusiast Melanie Wood shares some highlights of an easy trail hike at Corning, N.Y.'s Spencer Crest Nature Center.

Steege Hill Nature Preserve, Corning, N.Y.

New York hiking enthusiast Melanie Wood shares some cool features on a moderate trail hike at a natural jewel of the Finger Lakes, Steege Hill Nature Preserve in Corning, N.Y.

Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, Elmira, N.Y.

Southern Tier hiking enthusiast Melanie Wood shares some of the wild, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful features that can be found on one of the more challenging trails at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira, N.Y.

Follow Melanie's journey by subscribing to her YouTube channel, Onward: An Ongoing Hiking Story, and following the podcast on Facebook.

Happy Hiking!