West Shore Trail - Onondaga Lake Park

By Ed Griffin

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite running routes in Central New York over the next few weeks. These routes could be used for running or walking and I encourage you to get out and enjoy our great autumn weather and colors.

West Shore Trail- Onondaga Lake Park

This has become one of my favorite running spots because of how diverse it is. Access the trail head in the parking lot before the single lane bridge on Long Branch Road in Liverpool. You can also park at Long Branch Park and cross over the road to the trail head.

The trail runs for 4.5 miles and there are markers every .25 miles, so you can really track how far you are going. The trail is paved and about 12 feet across. In less than a mile, you will see signs for the Lakeland Trail, which is a soft dirt or stone dust trail which joins back up to the West Shore Trail about 1.25 miles down the trail.

The trails curve, have lots of shade and are generally quite flat until you reach the St. Joseph’s Amphitheater, where a short and moderate incline takes you through the Amphitheater. You can even jump on the stage and imagine you are Zac Brown or Mary J. Blige.

The West Shore Trail offers spectacular lake and city views and several shelters and benches can be found along the trail. The trail is not plowed in the winter and is closed near the entrances to the Amphitheater during concert season before shows.

Give this one a try, I think you will enjoy it.

Ed Griffin and his wife Ellen own Fleet Feet Syracuse, which they founded in May of 2000. Fleet Feet Syracuse has received National Recognition as a Top 50 Running Store in America 12 years in a row and was named Best Running Store in America in 2012. Ed enjoys helping the team at Fleet Feet and our customers achieve their fitness and professional goals. In his spare time, Ed speaks to companies and organizations on a variety of topics, walks his dogs, enjoys good music and is the family chef. He can be reached at ed@fleetfeetsyracuse.com.