Nestled in the heart of Central New York, Syracuse offers a rich tapestry of landscapes perfect for trail running enthusiasts. Onondaga County's parks and forests provide options for every skill level, from flat lakeside paths to rugged, hilly singletrack.
Here are the best trails to add some scenery to your next run.
Clark Reservation State Park
6 miles of trails: easy - moderate | Clark Reservation also offers hiking, a nature center, playgrounds, restrooms, and fishing.
For a trail running experience that combines geological wonders with serene beauty, Clark Reservation State Park is a must-visit. The park is home to rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and the stunning Glacier Lake. A dozen interconnected trails let you build your own loop, but the Cliff Trail is the one to run for the views, tracing the rim 175 feet above the water before dropping into classic Central New York woodlands.
Onondaga Lake Park
8+ miles of mostly paved trails: easy | Onondaga Lake Park also offers biking, a marina, historic sites, fishing, restrooms, and a skatepark.
Looking to experience nature without venturing too far from the city? Onondaga Lake Park is the perfect choice for a more urban trail running experience. Restoration Way, the paved multi-use path that traces both the east and west shores, now covers more than 8 miles, and Onondaga County has broken ground on the final segment of the "Loop the Lake" project, which will eventually connect Onondaga Lake Park to the Inner Harbor and create a full 12-mile loop around the lake. Until then, the East Shore Trail is a favorite out-and-back to the Syracuse University Boathouse, with water views nearly the whole way.
Highland Forest County Park
20+ miles of trails: easy - moderate | Highland Forest also offers hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, sledding, sleigh rides, cross country skiing, horseback riding (BYOH), camping, restrooms, and historic sites.
Known as the "Adirondacks of Central New York," Highland Forest offers over 20 miles of trails through dense forests, open meadows, and rolling hills. With plenty of elevation change, it's a favorite for runners looking to challenge themselves while taking in some of the region's best scenery.
Old Erie Canal State Park
Varied mileage: easy | The Old Erie Canal is a part of the Empire State Trail and also offers biking, cross country skiing, and historic sites.
A historic trail that stretches across New York State, the Old Erie Canal State Park offers a unique blend of history and nature. The section running through the Syracuse area provides flat, well-maintained paths perfect for long distance running, with mile-markers along the route. The trail runs alongside the historic canal, offering picturesque views and a tranquil running experience, ideal for logging miles without worrying about footing.
Green Lakes State Park
15+ miles of trails: easy - moderate | Green Lakes also offers hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, camping, waterfront, playgrounds, restrooms, and all-terrain wheelchairs.
A gem for trail runners, Green Lakes State Park is home to two glacial meromictic lakes surrounded by old-growth forests. The park offers breathtaking views across more than 15 miles of trails with varied terrain, from gentle hills to flat meadows, making it accessible for runners of all skill levels. Popular runner loops include the Green Lake and Round Lake trails, which combine for just over 3 miles, and the Rolling Hills Trail for a bit more climb. For an easier out-and-back, pick up the Old Erie Canal Tow Path right near the main entrance.
Pratt's Falls Park
5+ miles of trails: easy - moderate | Pratt's Falls also offers picnic shelters and a 137-foot waterfall.
Just southeast of Syracuse in Pompey, Pratt's Falls Park is a smaller county park with an outsized payoff. The North Rim and West Branch trails combine for a roughly 3.5-mile loop through open fields, forest, and along the edge of a gorge, with the towering 137-foot waterfall as the centerpiece. The trails are wide, well-maintained, and easy to link into a longer run if you're building mileage. Note that the park operates seasonally, typically April through October.
Morgan Hill State Forest & Labrador Hollow
13+ miles of marked trails: moderate - difficult | This DEC-managed forest also offers backcountry camping, hunting, and access to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
For runners craving something a little more wild, Morgan Hill State Forest and the adjacent Labrador Hollow Unique Area deliver the most rugged terrain in Onondaga County. More than 13 miles of marked trails connect the two, including a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail (also known locally as the Onondaga Trail). A popular route climbs to Tinker Falls and the Jones Hill overlook before dropping into Hemlock Glen, with real vertical gain to make it feel like a mountain run. This is a spot for experienced trail runners comfortable with technical footing and route-finding.
Jamesville Beach Park
Mile-marked cross-country course: easy | Jamesville Beach also offers a guarded beach, disc golf, and off-leash dog areas.
A few minutes from Green Lakes State Park, Jamesville Beach Park is an easy, low-key spot to log a training run. The park's marked cross-country course runs along Jamesville Reservoir and Butternut Creek with mile-markers at each mile, making it simple to track pace without a watch. It's a great warm-up loop before tackling something bigger, or a family-friendly option if you want to bring the kids along. The park operates seasonally, typically April through October.
Trail running in Syracuse, NY is a rewarding experience that offers a diverse array of landscapes and challenges. From the serene waters of Green Lakes State Park to the rugged terrain of Morgan Hill State Forest, there's a trail for every runner. So lace up your running shoes, hit the trails, and discover the natural beauty that Onondaga County has to offer!
Need a spot to refuel after your run? Check out outdoor dining in Syracuse, NY or these local favorites: Yard's Grille, Meier's Creek Brewing Company, , Local 315, or Harvey's Garden.
