Hikes in Central New York

The Central Region of New York State, which consists of the Syracuse Metropolitan Area and its surrounding, is home to numerous parks with trails to beautiful natural features like lakes and waterfalls. In the winter, there are trails open for skiing and snowshoeing.

Hiking Central New York

TrailDescriptionDistance Location
Beaver Lake Snowshoe400Southern Exposure Snowshoe Trail
This snowshoe trail loops south through a winter wonderland from the visitor center at Beaver Lake Nature Center (where you can rent snowshoes).
2.2 miles
50 feet
43.180415,
-76.402519
Green Lake State Park400Green Lake & Round Lake
This loop explores a pair of aquamarine glacial lakes in Green Lakes State Park in Central New York.
3.25 miles
25 feet
43.058018,
-75.964424
Clark Reservation State Park420Cliff Trail – Long Trail – Mildred Faust Trail Loop
This loop crosses limestone cliffs above a glacial lake and combines several trails to explore Clark Reservation State Park.
1.95 miles
150 feet
42.995036,
-76.094169
Labrador Hollow Boardwalk500Labrador Hollow Boardwalk
This 0.5-mile boardwalk loop takes your through evergreens and wetlands to the shore of Labrador Pond in the heart of Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
0.5 miles
10 feet
42.792531,
-76.052256
Tinker Falls540Tinker Falls
This gradual 0.5-mile hike follows Tinker Falls Creek to the base of a lovely 50-foot waterfall. A trail to the top of Tinker Falls can be added to create a 1.3-mile trek in Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
0.5 - 1.3 miles
50 - 200 feet
42.780094,
-76.03589
Labrador Hollow Scenic Overlook550Hang Glider Launch Site
This out and back hike, which can be extended to 3.2 miles when combined with the trails to Tinker Falls, ascends Jones Hill on North County National Scenic Trail to an overlook in Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
2.5 miles
650 feet
42.780094,
-76.03589
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Cascade Mountain Trail Porter Mountain Trail Adirondack Mountains New York hike
Southeast of Lake Placid, you'll find a popular hike to a pair of scenic summits. Cascade Mountain (4,098 feet) and Porter Mountain (4,059 feet) are the thirty-sixth and thirty-eighth tallest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains and are members of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Cascade and Porter are two of the easiest High Peaks to reach, thanks to maintained trails and a relatively manageable... Read more.
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Tagged with · Adirondack High Peaks · Adirondack Mountains · Adirondack Park · Free Trails · Lake Placid · Summits
Distance: 6.2 miles · Elevation change: 1925 feet
By: Published: Last updated: September 9, 2019
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Ravine Trail Vernal Pool Trail Oak Trail Vestal New York hiking trail
The smart people who shaped Binghamton University knew that deep-rooted oaks can teach us more than ivory towers. With the good foresight, the SUNY Binghamton campus set aside 182 acres of wetlands and woodlands for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community. On a first visit to Binghamton University Nature Preserve, Pond Trail and Marsh Trail are recommended routes for... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 1.15 miles · Elevation change: 200 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 11, 2018
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Pond Trail Marsh Trail Redwing Trail Loop Vestal New York hiking trail
Some centers of higher learning probably overlook nature's value in education, but not Binghamton University. This SUNY Institution in Vestal, New York set aside 182 acres for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community. Several intersecting trails explore Binghamton University Nature Preserve, creating numerous hiking options, like this one — a figure-eight loop on the easiest... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 2.6 miles · Elevation change: 90 feet
By: Published: Last updated: August 31, 2019
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Forest Loop Trail Vestal New York hiking trail
We can learn a lot from nature, which is probably why Binghamton University, a SUNY Institution in Vestal, New York had the foresight to preserve a 182-acre natural space right on its campus. Binghamton University Nature Preserve has hillsides and valleys full of forests and marshes with lots of interconnected trails open to the students and the public. For a quick mile-long escape, get to... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 1.15 miles · Elevation change: 255 feet
By: Published: Last updated: April 23, 2017
High Line Trail in New York City Manhattan Aerial Greenway The High Line Walk
On the lower west side of Manhattan, an old raised rail line that was headed for demolition has been transformed into an attractive asset, a surprising park that hovers above city streets. The High Line has become a New York City landmark, offering a one-of-a-kind walk with a refreshing perspective of NYC. Like the rest of New York City, the High Line Trail has something for everyone,... Read more.
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Tagged with · Aerial Greenway · Free Trails · High Line · Manhattan · Wheelchair-Friendly
Distance: 3 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 7, 2019