10 Great Central NY Outdoor Destinations

Posted by David Figura/The Post-Standard , link to original (full) post

Turn your cell phone off, get away from your computer and take a good look around. The Central New York/Finger Lakes/Adirondacks region is an outdoor Nirvana. The diversity of fantastic outdoor settings within a short ride from Syracuse is incredible. Make it a goal this summer to visit several of the following locations. All are within roughly an hour’s drive from the city. Make it an afternoon. Pack a lunch. Enjoy.

Taughannock Falls: The hiking trails at this state park offer spectacular views and unique geological formations, including the 215-foot falls, which is 33 feet taller than Niagara and is the highest vertical single-drop waterfall in the Northeast. It’s located on the western side of Cayuga Lake off Route 89. Call 607-387-6739.

Labrador Hollow Unique Area: Nestled in a valley on the Onondaga/Cortland county line on Route 91 east of Tully, this area offers an Adirondack-like, forestry feel and picturesque Tinker Falls in one part — and an expansive, bio-diverse wetland and pond made accessible by a raised boardwalk in another. The area’s 1,474 acres is a favorite spot for hikers, birders, nature lovers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Bear Swamp: A picturesque state reforestation area in southeastern Cayuga County off Route 41A with several vantage points overlooking Skaneateles Lake. It contains about 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Enter by the Colonial Lodge restaurant/tavern in Sempronius. (It’s also a good place for a meal or drink afterward.)

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: A mecca for bird lovers. Enough said. The refuge headquarters and visitor’s center is off Route 20, west of Auburn. Call 568-5987.

Selkirk Shores: This state park’s campsites overlook a bluff on Lake Ontario. In addition to Great Lakes swimming, visitors can expect outstanding fishing and spectacular sunsets, plus hiking and biking trails. Birders take note: It’s on the direct migration route for a wide variety of bird species. Located off State Route 3 in Pulaski. Call 298-5737.

Fair Haven State Park: Features high bluffs above sandy beaches and hilly woodlands. Inland, there is Sterling Pond. Fishing is excellent and very accessible. Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes are for rent. Located off Route 104A in Fair Haven. Call 947-5205.

Fillmore Glen: This park is an oasis of cool, dense woods crowding into a long, narrow gorge. Its hiking trails offer great views and unique geological formations, including five waterfalls and a botanically rich glen. Located off Route 38 in Moravia. Call 497-0130.

Robert G. Wehle State Park: The region’s newest park. A real sleeper. I’ve never been, but those who have say it’s a jewel. The former estate of Mr. Wehle, the park boasts 1,100 acres and more than 17,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline. On Military Road in Henderson. Call 938-5302.

Chittenango Falls: A picturesque, 167-foot waterfall is the main attraction at this state park. Glacial sculpting of 400-million-year-old bedrock is responsible for this scenic feature. An interesting variety of both plants and wildlife may be found along the trails. Located off Rathbun Road in Cazenovia. Call 655-9620.

Chimney Bluffs: Land and water clash at this state park, sculpting the most dramatic landscape on the Lake Ontario shore. You can experience massive earthen spires from above or along the lakeshore on nature trails. Day-use services include picnic areas and nature trails. Located off Garner Road in Wolcott. Call 947-5205.

Detailed maps and directions for finding most of these can be found in the guidebooks:
200 Waterfalls in Central & Western New York – A Finders’ Guide
Take A Hike – Family Walks in  New York’s Finger Lakes Region
Take Your Bike – Family Rides in  New York’s Finger Lakes Region
Snow Trails – Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe in Central & Western New York

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks

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