Hannah the hiker

In my efforts to embrace my local resources I have really enjoyed being on the Sackets Harbor Historic Trail.

It’s a short walk (and an even shorter drive) from where I live. It is pretty accessible too with a relatively even gravel grade. I first started using this trail in fall of 2024.

Since then I have walked, ran, and snowshoed on it quite a bit!

The trail has quite a bit of history attached to it, per the name. It is recognized with the National Park Service as a national War of 1812 site. The trail also leads right into the War of 1812 Bicentennial Trail. I’ll be referencing both of these trails in this post, as one “historic trail.”

I normally walk on this trail starting from behind the Sackets Harbor Central School. This way I start in the more wooded section and slowly get closer to the lake. I find that there are less people walking this way as well.

Another option is to start from Spencer Drive and connect the Bicentennial Trail and the Historic Trail to make a 6 mile walk.

In the fall you can see the foliage and really immerse yourself in the woods. Cash and I like this trail because there can be quite a bit of squirrel and bird action, which we both like to watch. The trail winds around the schools fields and then skirts some farmland as well. The path crosses two roads but there are crosswalks posted and for the most part drivers pay attention to the signage.

There are two different spots to dispose of dog poop, one is near a crosswalk and the other is near where the trail follows Ontario Street. Dogs must also be leashed for the entire trail.

After the trail skirts around some farm land it will take you closer to Ontario Street and then to the Sackets Harbor Battlefield site. Along the way there are a couple monuments and informational signs posted. Eventually you end up in the heart of “downtown” Sackets.

The trail is very easy to follow with a wide crushed gravel path.

I really like this trail because it is so close to home, and has some great spots for viewing nature. I think anyone visiting the area would benefit from walking this because it also allows for some learning of history to take place!

This trail is open year-round, and you will find snowshoe or ski tracks in the winter!

Here is a map of the trail from the Sackets Harbor website.