There are so many great places to run and walk in Central New York. Below you'll find a few of our staff's favorite places to run.
Have a great place you would love to share? Email us with a short write up, don't forget to include a picture of yourself running at your favorite location.
Name: Sarah BettingerFavorite Place to Run: Beaver Lake Nature Center
Why you think it is great: Great woodland trails along the lake with very friendly wildlife.
Why visitors to Syracuse should check it out: Opportunities to see native wildlife up close and personal, including the resident grouse that will trail you on some of your runs (ran through my legs once!); a variety of types of trails to add variety to your run.
Any thing a visitor should know: $3 parking fee; I love the early morning runs when the fog is rolling of the lake
Staying Near the UniversityName: Michele MaciejewskiFavorite Place to Run: Clark Reservation State Park
Why you think it is great: There are numerous short trails throughout the park, ranging from flat, soft dirt to technical rocky climbs. It's easy to customize the length and difficulty of each run and keep it interesting.
Why visitors to Syracuse should check it out: The park has a beautiful view of a rare glacial plunge basin lake and also rocky cliffs embedded with fossils of all sorts of creatures.
Anything a visitor should know: The park charges a $4 fee on holidays and weekends, but is free all other times. The best time to run is in the mornings when the regulars are out, but any time is great as the traffic is relatively low. If you like running with a dog, bring them because the park is pet-friendly and even offers free poop bags and a disposal unit.
Why you think it is great: Beautifully groomed trails around Green and Round Lakes. Additional trails throughout the park.
Why visitors to Syracuse should check it out: The lakes are a beautiful and magnificent turquoise blue all year round. Many runners and walkers consistently work out in this location so it feels safe and friendly. Plenty of parking.
Any thing a visitor should know: Fees for park entrance from Memorial Day through Labor Day. State park pass covers all NYS parks, a terrific bargain! Fleet Feet Hot Feet Runs - Sunday mornings at 7:30 throughout the summer starting mid July.
Name: Mary ScoutenFavorite Place to Run: Creekwalk
Why it's great: It's like a hidden gem and never super busy and is an easy 4-5 miles depending on where you start.
Why visitors to Syracuse should check it out: It starts downtown, goes past the creek or through Franklin Square and down to the lake and back so you get a closer look at lots of great parts of the city.
Any thing a visitor should know: If running at dark bring a light and a buddy since some parts are very low foot traffic. Park in Armory Square to start so you can end up Kitty Hoynes for a drink after since they're runner friendly. Kitty Hoynes does Wednesday Night Pub Runs on the Creekwalk from March - November.
Willing to take a Drive
Name: Megan Dolinskas
Where: Pratt's Falls
Why you think it is great: It's quiet, you can't hear a lot of traffic and there aren't a lot of people out on the trails. There are some good hills so while there are only about three miles of trails you can still get a great workout in! The trails are well marked and the bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL!
Why visitors to Syracuse should check it out: It's scenic and beautiful!
Anything a visitor should know: There is a suggested donation of $1 and the park is open during daylight hours. The park is beautiful in the fall. Be ready for some hills and dress for trail running.
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