10 Spring Strolls in CNY

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

 

As spring weather beckons you to take a walk in nature, consider these local trails.

Central New York offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including scenic routes along Lake Ontario, Onondaga Lake and unique geological formations.

Here’s a list of 10 places you may want to check out this spring:

1. Selkirk Shores State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/selkirk-shores-state-park) in Pulaski provides breathtaking views of Lake Ontario while walking nearly 12 miles of these trails.

2. Salmon River Falls Unique Area (https://dec.ny.gov/places/salmon-river-falls-unique-area), view waterfalls and foliage on 112 acres of trails with a variety of hiking difficulty.

3. Winona State Forest (www.winonaforest.com) has more than 30 miles of easy and challenging trails through a picturesque forest in Mannsville.

4. Verona Beach State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/verona-beach-state-park) in Verona Beach has a diverse landscape, including the lake, Black Creek, cattail marshes and bottomland hardwood swamps. The Woods and Wetland nature trail is 13 miles long. Hikers may see whitetail deer, small game and waterfowl.

5. North Country National Scenic Trail (https://northcountrytrail.org) spans 4,800 miles across eight states, comprising the longest National Scenic Trail in America. The trail passes through Madison, Oneida, Cortland and Onondaga counties. Check the online map for trailheads.

6. Whetstone Gulf State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/whetstone-gulf-state-park) trails pass by the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, rock formations and waterfalls. Enjoy more than 7.5 miles of hiking trails.

7. Rice Creek Field Station (ww1.oswego.edu/rice-creek/visit-rice-creek) in Oswego provides hiking trails on its 350-acre nature preserve. View forested wetlands, an herb garden and more.

8. Green Lakes State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/green-lakes-state-park) in Fayetteville has trails throughout the park and encircling its two glacial lakes, Round Lake and Green Lake, surrounded by forested land.

9. Chittenango Falls State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/chittenango-falls-state-park) in Cazenovia offers 2.5 miles of trails, along with a 167-foot waterfall and glacial sculpted bedrock in the gorge.

10. Clark Reservation State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/clark-reservation-state-park) in Jamesville boasts rugged cliffs, forest, meadows and wetlands. View a plethora of wildlife while walking on any of the five trails that comprise more than 5 miles.

Keep in mind that some parks charge by the vehicle for parking, but most accept the Empire Pass, which permits unlimited parking in nearly all state parks by the season. Typically, parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk. Take out anything you bring in and do not remove anything. Not all trails are accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.