There is a park in Syracuse that stretches over 8 miles along the shores of Onondaga Lake, has four separate trails, a brand-new pickleball court complex, the region’s best playground, a dog park, bike rentals, and costs absolutely nothing to visit.
If you live in CNY and have not walked, biked, or run Onondaga Lake Park recently, this is your reminder that the best free activity in the Syracuse metro is sitting right there off Onondaga Lake Parkway.
The Four Trails
The park is a linear greenway running along the lake’s shoreline with four distinct trails:
- East Shore Recreation Trail: The main paved multi-use path. Flat, wide, and perfect for biking, running, strollers, and inline skating. This is the one most people know.
- Shoreline Walking Trail: Closer to the water, softer surface, quieter. Best for walking and birdwatching.
- Lakeland Nature Trail: The wooded option. More shade, more solitude, occasional wildlife sightings.
- West Shore Trail: Extends the route along the western side of the lake. Less crowded, good for distance runs.
THE PARK AT A GLANCE
Wegmans Landing
The centerpiece of the park’s recent upgrades is Wegmans Landing, which includes:
- Wegmans Playground: Climbers, swings, play houses, and slides. One of the best playgrounds in Onondaga County, regularly packed on weekends.
- Pickleball Court Complex: Opened in 2023. Multiple dedicated courts. The fastest-growing sport in America has a home at the park.
- Bike Rentals: Available seasonally for riding the East Shore trail.
- Skate Park: The region’s premier skate facility.
- Dog Park: Fenced, off-leash area for dogs. Bring your own bags.
WHAT TO DO AT THE PARK
The Creekwalk Connection
The Onondaga Creekwalk connects downtown Syracuse to Onondaga Lake Park via a paved, off-road walking and biking path along Onondaga Creek. You can walk from Clinton Square to the lakefront without crossing a single major road. It is one of the best urban trail connections in Upstate New York.
GETTING THERE
What to Know
- 8+ miles of trails along Onondaga Lake’s shoreline
- Four trails: East Shore (paved), Shoreline Walking, Lakeland Nature, West Shore
- Wegmans Landing: playground, pickleball courts (2023), bike rentals, skate park
- Dog park with fenced off-leash area
- Creekwalk connects downtown Syracuse to the park (no road crossings)
- Free admission, free parking
- Contact: (315) 453-6712
Photo: Pexels. Sources: Onondaga County Parks, Visit Syracuse, City of Syracuse Creekwalk.
