This park is claimed to be the county’s most popular park. It consists of 5 kilometers of fairly straight, virtually flat paths. There are separate paths for pedestrians and wheeled vehicles, plus bathrooms and water fountains along the way. A marked out and back 8 kilometer course is available starting near the yacht club and heading north. Because the paths are close to the lake, it will often feel 10 degrees F cooler (make a note for winter) than in the rest of the area.

Directions: From Syracuse, take I-81 N and exit at the Liverpool off ramp. Take 370 in the left lane, and the park entrance will be on the left just before the Village of Liverpool. (Currently under construction, this entrance is closed. You must continue north, and make a left at the next light.)
Cost: Free! Parking is also free, but hard to find during good weather.
Open: Year round, dawn to dusk.

          

Green Lakes is a scenic park with many flavors. One can stick to the roads and run rolling hills, or tour the (mostly) unpaved flat loop around the two lakes (about 3 miles). There are many trails to explore that spur off of the lake path. No bikes are allowed on the lake paths. The roads leading around the park also provides for a good distance workout with rolling hills, and at the north end, one can hook up with the Erie Canal Towpath.

Directions: From Fayetteville, take East Genesee Street east and proceed outside of the village. The park entrance is located a few miles on the left. Another entrance is located due north, on Route 298.
Cost: $8.00 per car, May through October, $53 for a seasonal pass.
Open: Year round.

          

The University area and the area to its immediate southeast is the hotbed of local distance running, where Kathrine Switzer pounded the pavement with Arnie Briggs in preparation for Boston in 1967, where the Syracuse Freihofer’s Run for Women (1990-1992) and the Syracuse Festival of Races (1993-present) have hosted Lynn Jennings (twice), Khalid Khannouchi (four times), and other great athletes year after year, and where the top collegians competing in the Big East Indoor T&F Championships do their warm-ups and cool-downs. The streets and roads are very runner-friendly, since these neighborhoods are heavily populated by walkers and runners, and the residents have seen runners out there in big numbers for decades. There is a GREAT availability of both flat and hilly routes owing to the glacial drumlins and the mix of streets running around them as well as up and down them. There are two outdoor high school tracks (Nottingham HS and CBA), the SU outdoor track, and SU’s indoor facility in Manley Field House (see the Chargers Indoor Practices available to Chargers members during selected practices throughout the winter). Run with others and follow common sense safety rules for running in an urban setting.

Directions: From Downtown Syracuse, take I-81 S to Exit 17. Make a left at the light at the end of the ramp onto State Street, then make the next left onto Brighton Avenue. Go up the hill, and make the next left onto Thurber. Proceed down Thurber until you reach Comstock, and make a left. The intersection of Colvin and Comstock, which is the southwest edge of the University section, also marks the location of Manley Field House.
Cost: Free! Observe parking regulations.
Open: Year round.

          

Highland Forest is a favorite amongst trail runners and hikers in the area. It is a forest with 20 miles of trails marked for runners and hikers. For the less adventurous, there are some roads that can be followed within the park. It is recommended to run with others, in case of injury or loss of directions. Carry a whistle, and let others know where you are going and when you’ll be back.

Directions: Highland Forest is in the SE corner of Onondaga County on Route 80, 4 miles East of Fabius.
Cost: $1.00 per vehicle
Open: Year round, 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.

          

A must stop for nature lovers is the Beaver Lake Nature Trails. The surrounding woods has several nature trails that make a great getaway from the hard asphalt roads. Expect a shady route through the woods, with a soft running path. Take a peak at the Nature Center before you leave. This park is the venue for several festivals and races.

Directions: Beaver Lake is located in the northwestern corner of Onondaga County. Look for the entrance signs on Route 370, several miles west of Baldwinsville.
Cost: A dollar for parking.
Open: Year round, dawn to dusk.

          

Ever wanted to just run straight, with few turns and intersections? The Erie Canal towpath is an excellent location for runners. The towpath is a loose gravel path, although ideal for running, that is built next to the old Erie Canal. Need a long distance? This path extends to Rome, NY (30+ miles!) You may have to dodge snowmobiles in the winter, and swat a few mosquitoes in the summer, but the scenery is definitely beautiful and varied. Be prepared for country conditions along some stretches, and don’t run by yourself.
Another section of the Erie Canal is the Erie Canal Park at Sims Store, where you can find 8+ miles of trails to run. The northern tow path (Sims Store side) has been recently improved and one can park at Sims Store, a neat place for history of the Canal, and walk/jog/bike/XC ski the two miles east towards Amboy or the 2 miles west towards Warners. This towpath is all newly laid crushed stone and drains very well so there are no standing puddles. The south trail is more akin to the trails at Beaver Lake or Highland Forest as the surface is all grass, dirt or wood chips. Again, this trail can take you two miles to Warners or two miles to Amboy. If one travels east from Sims Store you can take one trail out, turn around at the aqueduct (about 1 mile) and return on the other trail.

Directions: The towpath is most easily accessible from Cedar Bay Park at the intersection of Burdick Street and Cedar Bay Road, in Fayetteville. The Sims Store is in Camillus Erie Canal Park, located at 5750 Devoe Road, in Camillus.
Cost: Free!
Open: Year round, daytime recommended

Photo courtesy of Chuck Wainwright

Not to be confused with Onondaga Lake Park, this is a small, scenic area embedded in the Strathmore section of Syracuse. It has a small pond and a closed road looping around the pond. For runners, this area is a great get away area, although the loop is fairly small for those who run longer distances. Observe safety rules for running in an urban setting.

Directions: The park is bounded by Roberts Avenue, Crossett Street and Onondaga Avenue
Cost: Free!
Open: Year round, dawn to dusk.