Find Somewhere New To Run

By: Coach Maggie

With warmer weather and the days getting longer, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails and find somewhere new to run. Here are 4 great places to try for the next time you want to enjoy nature on a hike or run: 

Clark Reservation State Park

If you’re from Syracuse, you likely have been to Green Lakes State Park, known for its beautiful glacial lakes and miles of trails. The type of lake is called a meromictic lake, and the striking color is due to the lack of mixing in these unique lakes. There are only a few in the country, and another one of these lakes can be found at Clark Reservation!

Clark’s is known not only for this glacial lake but also for the rocky cliffs and table rock on much of its trails. There are trails here for everyone, with some difficult technical terrain, some easier trails, and even some rustic stone stairs. There is also a great playground for kids and a nature center. Be sure to check out the view of the lake from the Cliff Trail!

Great Bear Recreational Trails

If you’re willing to venture around 30 minutes northeast of Syracuse, a beautiful network of trails for running, snowshoeing, biking, and horseback riding awaits! This trail system near Fulton promises an adventure with over 10 different trails, including handicap-accessible trails. This is a great place to explore if history interests you: there are many interpretive signs, historic structures, and hidden treasures for the explorer with a keen eye. 

Trails are easy to moderate and they can definitely get a bit muddy! Be sure to see the old spring pumphouse, a historic canal lock, and read about the reason behind the name Great Bear.

Rand Tract

Known for its scenic duck pond and its location in the Valley Neighborhood of Syracuse, Rand Tract is a hidden gem. It offers hiking, trail running, and mountain biking opportunities for enthusiasts looking not to venture far from the city. The land was donated by the Rand family in 1943 and neighbors Onondaga Valley Cemetery. The trails nearby Webster Pond (where you can feed ducks for a small donation) also offer wheelchair access. Though the trails are short, they offer variety for those looking to mix up their running in Syracuse. The Valley Nature Run, presented by Syracuse Track Club, happens here annually in August. More trails are still under construction with the help of CNY D.I.R.T.!

Pratt’s Falls Park

Part of what makes trail running and hiking great is seeing gorgeous scenes you may not have otherwise known about. Pratt’s Falls is home to the eponymic waterfall that plunges 137 feet and can be heard rushing throughout the park. With rolling hills, stairs, and some good climbs, the park is perfect for beginner trail runners or for a good hill workout. The park was named after Manoah Pratt, who built Onondaga County’s first sawmill on the site in 1796.

Join us for our June Community Trail Runs!

Like the sound of these trails? We do too! That’s why we’re hosting FREE trail runs at these locations on Thursdays at 6 pm throughout the month of June. Come to one run or all five, and explore these local gems and meet other runners. Runners of all paces and abilities are welcome! Click here for more information and to sign up now!