10 Scenic Trails Every Central New Yorker Should Hike At Least Once
After a season of exploring some of the most scenic hiking trails in and around Central New York with the cny women’s walking club, we wanted to share a few favorites that every hiker should experience at least once.
From forest paths and waterfalls to lake overlooks, these top hiking trails near Central New York showcase the region’s natural beauty and make for incredible outdoor adventures.
While our women’s walks and hiking meetups wrapped up for the year, now is the perfect time to plan next season’s adventures. Bookmark your favorites, map out your route, and get ready to explore these stunning trails when our season returns!
The CNY Women's Walking Club Hiking Series is proudly powered by Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique—Central New York’s premier destination for float therapy and holistic wellness.
Located in Oswego, NY, and overlooking the beautiful Oswego River and Lake Ontario, Aqua Spa’s expansive 6,500-square-foot facility is one of the largest of its kind in the region.
The center offers a wide range of transformative services, including float therapy, cryotherapy, halotherapy, infrared sauna, massage, oxygen bar, Cryoskin, aesthetic treatments, and more.
learn more and plan your visit at aquaspafloatcenter.com.
North Rim and Gorge Trail
Taughannock Falls State Park in trumansburg, New York
The North Rim and Gorge Trail gives you a front-row spot to one of the Northeast’s most majestic waterfalls. On this easy 3.5‑mile out‑and‑back route, you’ll hike down to an overlook to see Taughannock Falls plunging 215 feet into a gorge framed by towering cliffs. The trail winds through forest and climbs about 593 feet, making it a peaceful but meaningful walk. Pause at the overlook to take in the scale of the falls — it’s a spot that truly stops you in your tracks.
trail statistics:
Distance: 3.5 miles
elevation gain: 583 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: easy
estimated Time: 1.5 hours
our 2025 Hike at taughannock falls State Park was proudly sponsored by north ferry hats.
Olivia Ashline is the founder of North Ferry Hats, a woman-owned, artisan-made hat company based in the Finger Lakes.
Grab a comfortable cotton sun hat, they stretch to fit all sizes – or shop from seasonal collections of Flat Brim Caps, Knit Beanies, and Satin-lined Headwear at www.northferryhats.com.
North Ferry Hats offers packable sun hats for travel, wellness, and everyday living. North Ferry Hats has partnered with us to offer an exclusive packable sun hat. Order yours here!
Rim & Gorge Trail Loop
Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, New York
This 4.2‑mile loop at Robert H. Treman State Park is a must-hike for anyone who loves dramatic gorge scenery and waterfalls. The trail winds along the rim and into Enfield Glen, offering access to multiple waterfalls, including the iconic 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Hikers can enjoy nearly a mile‑and-a-half of gorge views, with the wooded cliffs and rushing creek creating a breathtaking backdrop. Moderately challenging with about 793 ft of elevation gain, the loop takes roughly 2 hours to complete, making it a perfect mix of adventure, exercise, and spectacular scenery.
trail statistics:
Distance: 4.2 miles
elevation gain: 793 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: moderate
estimated Time: 2 hours
TRAIL CLOSURE: the gorge trail at Robert H. Treman State Park is closed for the season. LEARN MORE HERE!
our 2025 Hike at robert h. treman State Park was proudly sponsored by aqua spa float center & wellness boutique—Central New York’s premier destination for float therapy and holistic wellness.
Located in Oswego, NY, and overlooking the beautiful Oswego River and Lake Ontario, Aqua Spa’s expansive 6,500-square-foot facility is one of the largest of its kind in the region.
The center offers a wide range of transformative services, including float therapy, cryotherapy, halotherapy, infrared sauna, massage, oxygen bar, Cryoskin, aesthetic treatments, and more.
learn more and plan your visit at aquaspafloatcenter.com.
Green Lake to Round Lake Trail
Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, New York
This 2.9‑mile loop at Green Lakes State Park is a must-hike for anyone who loves stunning scenery and unique natural features. You’ll walk around two breathtaking glacial lakes — Green Lake and Round Lake — set against a backdrop of lush upland forest. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it perfect for a relaxing walk, but the real draw is the lakes themselves: both are meromictic, meaning their deep waters don’t mix with the surface, a rare and fascinating feature that makes this park truly one-of-a-kind.
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.9 miles
elevation gain: 164 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: EASY
estimated Time: 1.5 hours
our 2025 Hike at Green Lakes State Park was proudly sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine.
With more than 4,200 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit www.chooseexcellus.com.
Supporting members in understanding and navigating the complexities of the health care system is central to their mission. They invite everyone to explore our affordability resources here.
PULPIT ROCK TRAIL
CLARK RESERVATION State Park in JAMESVILLE, New York
ThE PULPIT ROCK TRAIL AT CLARK RESERVATION takes you through THE DENSE FOREST and along the edge of Glacier Lake, a cool reminder of the area’s GLACIAL past. Most of the trail is easy, though there are a few rocky spots that make it a little more interesting. It’s a peaceful, scenic HIKE that gives you a sense of the park’s unique geology without taking too long.
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.4 miles
elevation gain: 291 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: EASY
estimated Time: 1 hour
OUR 2025 Hike at Clark Reservation WAS proudly sponsored by Sydney C. Hopkins, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones.
As a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Sydney is passionate about helping people set — and reach — the financial goals that matter most to them. Born and raised in Central New York, she’s built her practice on a foundation of dedication, financial knowledge, and a personal connection to the community her family calls home.
Whether it’s planning for retirement, saving for a child’s education, or protecting a family’s financial future, Sydney takes the time to truly understand what’s important to her clients and offers strategies tailored to their unique needs.
She believes that strong relationships are the key to long-term success — and she’s here to help you move confidently toward your goals. Learn more about Sydney's services here!
Fillmore Glen Gorge Trail
Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia, New York
Just north of Ithaca in the quiet village of Moravia, Fillmore Glen State Park offers a gorge hike that feels like a hidden gem. The 2.5‑mile trail follows Dry Creek through the gorge walls, past small waterfalls and cascades, giving you a peaceful, scenic walk. While it’s considered easy, there’s about 351 ft of elevation gain, and parts of the path go over stone steps and bridges — adding a little extra interest to the stroll.
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.5 miles
elevation gain: 351 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: easy
estimated Time: 1.5 hours
TRAIL CLOSURE: as of november 2025, the Gorge Trail is closed for the season. check the official park page for trail closures before your visit. LEARN MORE HERE!
our 2025 Hike at Fillmore Glen State Park was proudly sponsored by Cycle Alchemy.
tere (pronounced TREE) is the owner of Cycle Alchemy. She is an Organic Farmer, Astrologer, Somatic Spiritual Doula, Herbalist, Holistic Reproductive Health and Sexuality Educator, and creatrix of The Intentional Feminine Conference.
She helps folx deepen their truth, authenticity and purpose through the wisdom of cycles. She believes in the power of finding the medicine in the mess, and being personally responsible for creating the life you desire. Learn more about Cycle Alchemy's offerings here!
Watkins Glen North Rim Trail
Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, New York
Located in Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, NY, this trail gives you stunning views from high above the gorge. You’ll see waterfalls, cliffs, and the winding creek below, all while enjoying a quieter, less crowded path than the main gorge trail—perfect for soaking in the scenery and snapping a few unforgettable photos.
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.5 miles
elevation gain: 564 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: moderate
estimated Time: 2 hours
TRAIL CLOSURE: The Gorge Trail will open for the season on May 10, 2025 and typically closes for the season mid to late October depending on the weather. LEARN MORE HERE!
tinker falls Trail
Labrador Hollow Unique Area in tully, New York
Tinker Falls Trail is a short but stunning hike that leads to one of Central New York’s most impressive waterfalls. The 50‑foot main fall and nearby 30‑foot cascade sit in a natural rock amphitheater, creating a picture‑perfect scene. The trail climbs gently along forested paths and stone stairs, eventually taking you behind the falls. At just 0.6 miles with 95 ft of elevation gain, it’s an easy route — but watch your step, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery.
trail statistics:
Distance: 0.6 miles
elevation gain: 95 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: easy
estimated Time: 30 minutes
Looking for a challenging adventure? Take on Jones Hill via Tinker Falls here and enjoy views of labrador pond. the CNY Women’s Walking Club completed the route in about two hours.
our 2025 Hike at jones hill via tinker falls was proudly sponsored by aqua spa float center & wellness boutique—Central New York’s premier destination for float therapy and holistic wellness.
Located in Oswego, NY, and overlooking the beautiful Oswego River and Lake Ontario, Aqua Spa’s expansive 6,500-square-foot facility is one of the largest of its kind in the region.
The center offers a wide range of transformative services, including float therapy, cryotherapy, halotherapy, infrared sauna, massage, oxygen bar, Cryoskin, aesthetic treatments, and more.
learn more and plan your visit at aquaspafloatcenter.com.
Chimney Bluffs Trail
Chimney Bluffs state park in wolcott, ny
For stunning cliffside views, the Chimney Bluffs Trail is a must. Walk along cliffs that resemble chimneys and take in sweeping vistas of Lake Ontario. After reaching the ridgeline, the trail flattens and follows the bluffs before descending to a rocky lakeside beach. at 2.9 miles with an easy rating, it’s perfect for a leisurely hike.
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.9 miles
elevation gain: 285 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: easy
estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Devil's Hole + Niagara Gorge Trail
Devil’s Hole State Park in Niagara Falls, New York
If you want more than just overlook views, this trail delivers. Begin on the Gorge Rim Trail, then descend a long stone staircase into the Niagara Gorge to walk right beside the river. Along the way, you’ll pass layered rock formations and feel the force of the rapids below — it’s a raw, grounded way to experience this part of the gorge. (Just be careful: it’s steep, rocky in parts, and you definitely don’t want to stray too close to the water.)
trail statistics:
Distance: 2.4 miles
elevation gain: 410 ft.
SKILL LEVEL: moderate
estimated Time: 1.5 hours
TRAIL CLOSURE: check the official park page for trail closures before your visit. LEARN MORE HERE!
Upper Falls, Gorge Trail
Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York
The Upper Falls is a 70-foot, horseshoe-shaped waterfall and one of the most photographed spots in Letchworth State Park. You can reach it easily via a short 0.9-mile out-and-back walk along the Gorge Trail. The path is mostly paved, with only a small elevation gain, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting the park.
If you’re up for a longer hike, the full Gorge Trail (13.9 miles) continues past the Upper Falls to the Middle and Lower Falls, with stone staircases, cliff-edge paths, and plenty of scenic spots along the way. learn more here!
trail statistics:
Distance: 0.9 miles
SKILL LEVEL: easy
estimated Time: under 30 minutes
TRAIL CLOSURE: check the official park page for trail closures before your visit. LEARN MORE HERE!
join the cny women’s walking club
The CNY Women’s Walking Club is a 6-month annual event series (May 1–November 1) created to bring women together and support wellness across Central New York.
During the season, we host walks every Sunday morning and Tuesday evening, rotating among Camillus, Fayetteville, and Liverpool. Each month, we also hold a women’s hiking meetup at scenic locations throughout Central New York. All events are free and provide an accessible, low-pressure way for women to meet new people, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors.
We’re already planning for 2026 and aim to expand our reach with more walks, new trails, and additional meetup times across the region.
