6 scenic spots near Syracuse University to trek this fall
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Popular destinations such as Green Lakes State Park aren’t the only places where Syracuse University students can hike near campus. Before classes and campus commitments fill every weekend and weekday, take advantage of central New York’s brief fall weather and changing leaves.
From waterfall overlooks to backcountry campsites, there are plenty of waterfalls, forests and hiking trails scattered throughout the region. The Daily Orange has chosen six options within about an hour of SU that will give you a much-needed break from homework and studying:
About 15 minutes from campus, Clark Reservation State Park in Jamesville offers rocky cliffs, woodlands, wetlands and a glacial plunge-basin lake.
For Minh Khoi Tran Nguyen, who graduated from SUNY ESF in May and is now an SU engineering master’s student, the park is among the area’s closest options for a hike.
“The best thing about ‘Cuse is its proximity to natural scenery,” Nguyen said. “If you really want to stay local, there are Green Lakes, Clark Reservation Park and Beaver Lake.”
The park has five trails, including the 1.1-mile Cliff Trail. The trail passes a ledge approximately 175 feet above Glacier Lake. It’s considered easy, but because of the steep drops and uneven terrain, visitors should remain on marked paths and wear shoes with traction.
Nguyen has been hiking around central New York for the past four years. Exploring what nature has to offer has been rewarding, especially when it isn’t too hot outside.
Three Falls Woods — which actually has five waterfalls — is a 78-acre nature preserve about a 20-minute drive from campus in Manlius. Several miles of marked paths cross its wooded and rocky landscape, leading hikers toward the three main waterfalls: Bridalveil, Staircase and Tall Twins.
A bridge above the waterfalls at Three Falls Woods allows hikers to view the water without entering the gorge. The Central New York Land Trust considers the trails moderately difficult because of rocky and uneven sections, so hike with caution. Parking is available in a small lot on Sweet Road, but street parking is prohibited.
While exploring the woods is rewarding, the towns around the area are the best part of his trips, Nguyen said, making the perfect meals after this trek.
“I love the food in the diners in many of the upstate towns I’ve hiked,” Nguyen said. “They have some of the best breakfast you can find.”
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Tinker Falls and Morgan Hill State Forest
Tinker Falls, located in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area in Tully, is a scenic quarter-mile trail located 25 minutes from campus. A short 10-minute walk rewards hikers with a complete view of the waterfall.
Josie Smith, an SU senior and member of the SU Outing Club, said that more experienced hikers can pass the waterfall and continue toward Jones Hill, a former hang gliding location overlooking Labrador Hollow.
While the falls are located within Labrador Hallow, it directly neighbors and is interconnected with the trails in Morgan Hill State Forest, offering lush landscapes and views from the tallest point in Onondaga County.
“Morgan Hill State Forest is close to campus and has a great trail system up to a hang gliding spot,” Smith said. “Its a good place to start, and you get to choose how long of a hike you want and either area is equally as rewarding.”
The longer routes include steeper terrain that weaves up and around the forest. It’s recommended to plan your trail accordingly with your expected hiking duration.
About an hour from campus, Chimney Bluffs State Park overlooks Lake Ontario in Wolcott. Wind, rain and waves have eroded the shoreline into pointed clay formations that rise above the water. If you’re planning on visiting the park, make sure not to walk on the shoreline to preserve the area, Smith said.
A roughly one-mile route leads to a viewpoint overlooking the bluffs. Chimney Bluffs State Park also contains picnic areas, restrooms and additional nature trails. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. From April to October, the park charges a $5 vehicle entrance fee.
“Chimney Bluffs on Lake Ontario is stunning and worth the one-hour drive to see some wild formations,” Smith said. “It’s a short mile walk out to the viewpoint, and is even beautiful in winter.”
Students interested in a longer trip or an overnight excursion can visit Mariposa State Forest. Located in DeRuyter, nearly 50 minutes from campus, the state park has a trail and a wooden shelter.
The Finger Lakes Trail crosses the forest, which leads to the Paradise Garden lean-to — a three-sided roofed shelter — west of Paradise Hill Road. The lean-to gives backpackers a sheltered place to rest during longer trips through the forest.
Students planning to camp should review New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations, download a trail map and bring enough food, water and equipment for an overnight trip. SU students can take part in overnight trips every fall and spring hosted by the Barnes Center at The Arch.
More than 20 miles of trails stretch throughout Highland Forest, located about 35-40 minutes from campus in Fabius.
The park offers short walks and longer hikes, including trails that connect with the Finger Lakes Trail system. The forest’s higher elevation provides views of the changing leaves across southern Onondaga County.
Hunting is permitted in designated areas during the fall. Hikers should check park notices before visiting, remain on marked paths and wear brightly colored clothing during hunting season.
Melissa Martins, an SU sophomore from Greenwich, Connecticut, first hiked the forest a few months before committing to SU. While it wasn’t a reason she committed, it was a trail she returned to after moving close by.
“While some of the hikes are challenging and involve a lot more experience, it’s a good distance from campus, and in my opinion has undoubtedly the best view,” Martins said. “As long as you are getting out there, it’ll be worth it.”
