HERE’S TO ENJOYING ‘CUSE VIEWS

Head to one of the region’s 100+ parks, lakes and greenspaces for a variety of boating, biking, hiking and outdoor adventures

Wheels On The Ground

Choose between a number of trails and experience cedar forest views, rocky terrain, smooth paths and whatever else the adventure-seeker in you desires. The Old Erie Canal State Historic Park offers a 36-mile trail for biking, walking, horseriding and snowmobiling. The entire Canal stretches 351 miles, connecting Buffalo to Albany, where many visitors experience the waterway via recreational watercraft in certain areas. Mimicking the route of the Erie Canal, the newer Empire State Trail is a 750-mile bike and foot pathway that not only connects Buffalo to Syracuse and Albany, but also extends north from Albany, through the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks to the Canadian border and south to New York City through the Hudson Valley. Check out over 7 miles of lakeside trails at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool, touted as “Central New York’s Central Park.” Here you can run, walk, bike, skate or relax with waterfront views. This park is dog-friendly, complete with a playground for kids of all sizes, so bring the whole family for a day of fun in the sun.

Slice The Ice

Come winter, we don’t hibernate in Syracuse. Whether you ski, snowboard, or snowskate, hit the hills of Song Mountain Resort and Labrador Mountain — with combined options of over 40 trails and board parks, it’s a trip that won’t disappoint. Enjoy the magic of the snowy season at Highland Forest with horsedrawn sleigh rides on winter weekends. This county park is also perfect for an afternoon of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding through the forest.

Being the land of snow, serious sled enthusiasts can discover hundreds of miles of snowmobile & ATV trails among the rural woodlands just south of the city or along the Erie Canal

All Terrain Fun

For an extra challenge, mountain bike throughout Green Lakes State Park, which offers 28 trails spanning nearly 30 miles of dirt access roads, single-track wooded terrain and narrow bouts. If urban biking is your preference, rent VEO bikes and scooters to easily maneuver downtown Syracuse. Discover city murals, historic buildings, monuments and an array of food and drink options.

Slay Those Steps

Accumulate your steps while taking in the views of Syracuse, no matter the season. During the winter months, snowshoe through Beaver Lake Nature Center, or wait for spring blooms and summer sunshine to discover 9 miles of serene trails. Clark Reservation State Park in Jamesville offers five hiking trails, including the cliff trail, with a 175-foot ledge overlook above a small lake that was formed from glacial ice during the last Ice Age. Upper Onondaga Park is a picturesque community park offering amenities such as a public swimming pool, recreational courts, playgrounds, and an arched stone bridge overlooking Hiawatha Lake, an ideal spot for a quaint stroll or photoshoot.

SWIM, BOAT + FISH

Jamesville Beach State Park + Green Lakes State Park. Dip your toes in or go full send with relaxing days by the water at any of Onondaga County’s natural water amenities. Both of these popular spots offer kayak and canoe launch areas, as well as miles of hiking and snowshoeing.

You don’t have to be in the water to enjoy it. Oneida Shores, Onondaga Lake and Oneida River all offer boat launches and allow for a perfect day out to fish, relax or celebrate the season!

Did you know Skaneateles Lake is one of the cleanest bodies of water in the United States, and is known as one of the most beautiful bodies of water globally? Come visit and see for yourself. Schedule a boat cruise with MidLakes Navigation or cruise the waters solo.