This area is the best of the few remaining examples of pre-European settlement forest in the region. This old-growth forest is notable not only for the extreme size of many individual trees, but also for the very high number of tree species, at least 23, of canopy size. Among these is yellow oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), a locally rare species.
Printable MapTrails
Two-miles of trails pass through a continuum of land use history from meadow to successional forests of different ages to old-growth forest. Find trail routes on the mobile-friendly website ithacatrails.org.
Old-growth Forest Network
This natural area was recognized for its significance by the Old-growth Forest Network, and was registered as the network's 16th Eastern Old-growth Forest in September, 2013.
Natural Heritage of Fischer Old-growth Forest
More about the geology and plant communities here.
Conservation History
Learn the story of how this amazing forest was protected.
Rules of Etiquette
Help protect our natural areas by following our rules of etiquette.