Syracuse Outdoors: Highlights for Hiking, Biking, and Exploring!

Are you heading to the Syracuse area for a few days and want to get outdoors? Here are some highlights in Central New York that include a state forest with mountain biking trails, a family-friendly nature center, a county park with activities for all seasons, and amazing state parks. Make your own itinerary with these and other Syracuse-area locations from our Go Finger Lakes map.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Rolling wooded hills, well-groomed trails, varied niches, and year-round educational and environmental programs make this small gem a must-visit for all members of the family. Short trails through an arboretum as well as wildflower and herb gardens near the John A. Weeks Interpretive Center are perfect for toddlers or those who just want a brief, easy stroll. The longer Valley, Boundary, and Field to Forest trails offer extended trips to expand the experience and are thoroughly enjoyable for hikers of all levels.

Clark Reservation State Park

Roughly 340 acres in size, Clark Reservation State Park packs in a great deal of botanical and geological diversity in a small footprint. Hundreds of flowering plants, 80 species of trees, 100 types of moss, and, most notably, 26 species of ferns are all observable along the nearly six miles of interconnected loop trails.

Green Lakes State Park

With nearly 20 miles of trails, old-growth forests, two pristine lakes, boat rentals, 137 campsites, a sandy swimming beach, and even golf courses (traditional and disc versions), there are numerous ways to get outside and enjoy Green Lakes State Park. At the heart of the 1,955-acre park, literally and figuratively, are two meromictic lakes — a unique condition where surface waters and deeper waters do not intermix.

Highland Forest

Long trails are in short supply in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Loop trails as well. Fortunately, Highland Forest has plenty of both. The extensive network of trails — over twenty miles of hiking/snowshoeing trails and many additional miles of mountain biking/skiing trails — intersects numerous wooded streams and rolling terrain through a variety of deciduous and coniferous forests.  (Note: hiking trails are also used by equestrians.)

Labrador Hollow Unique Area

The most popular destination in Labrador Hollow is the universally accessible, quarter-mile path to Tinker Falls. Tinker Falls is a stunning example of a “hanging” falls. Its origin dates back to when New York and much of the North American continent were part of an inland sea. Second in popularity, and perhaps also in scenery, is the climb to the Jones Hill hang glider launch.  From this vantage point, you can look down upon the hollow and Labrador Pond, at one of the few truly scenic hilltop vistas available along trails in the Finger Lakes region.

Morgan Hill State Forest

A popular destination for people from the Syracuse area and beyond, Morgan Hill is a fine example of an outdoor recreational resource that thrives when the community comes together.  Over 25 miles of multi-use trails weave through the forest’s 5,284 acres. The rugged trails feature some higher levels of difficulty along lengthy rising and falling treks, which experienced hikers and mountain bikers will cherish.

Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

From Dewitt to Chittenango, 11.5 miles within this state park, encompass a small percentage of the 363-mile-long Empire State Trail. It is a thin corridor that follows the enlarged canal route from its western terminus at Butternut Creek in Dewitt to the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. The intersections between roads are well-spaced, and the entirely off-road towpath is mostly stone dust with some paved sections. The even terrain is easy-going and it’s no wonder why cyclists, joggers, and walkers are almost always present.

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