The best walks and hikes in Highland Forest

The Highland Forest Main Trail offers a true escape into the "Adirondacks of Central New York," winding through a varied landscape of hardwood and coniferous forests, open meadows, and numerous wooded streams. You'll navigate rolling paths and forested ridges, with the highlight of reaching Arab Hill, a prominent summit along the way. This 9.7-mile (15.7 km) route provides a deep-forest feel, perfect for those seeking a peaceful, immersive woodland hike.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as Highland Forest County Park is open year-round. You can pick up free maps and use restrooms at the Skyline Lodge. While the trails are generally well-maintained and clearly marked, be ready for muddy sections after rain, and expect icy patches or significant snow cover, especially in the park's southern areas, during colder months. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

What makes this trail particularly interesting is that a significant portion of it shares the path with the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT), marked by both the park's green "M" markers and the NCT's blue blazes. This moderate hike, with its 1141 feet (348 metres) of elevation gain and estimated duration of 4 hours and 25 minutes, is a great option for a substantial day out, offering a sense of wilderness within Onondaga County.

The North Country Trail to Kinney Hill offers a surprisingly vigorous hike for its length, leading you through a forested ascent to expansive views. As you climb, you'll pass an old abandoned ski slope, and at the summit, a stile opens up to panoramic vistas that reportedly include Cazenovia Lake. The trail continues past Armstrong Pond, a scenic body of water that evokes the feel of the Adirondacks, making for a diverse and engaging experience.

This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) out-and-back hike involves a significant 534 feet (163 metres) of elevation gain, which you can complete in about 47 minutes. The trailhead is easily accessible from a dedicated parking area, but remember that the route crosses private property, so staying on the marked path is essential to preserve public access. It's a great option for a quick, rewarding workout with a big payoff in scenery.

This section of the North Country Trail is considered one of New York state's best for a short day hike, thanks to its notable elevation gain and the stunning views from Kinney Hill. The trail's maintenance by the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club ensures a well-kept path, and the blend of forest, open views, and the picturesque Armstrong Pond makes it a standout natural feature in the New Woodstock area.

The Morgan Hill State Forest – Spruce Pond loop from Fellows Hill offers a truly immersive hiking experience through diverse woodlands and past scenic water features. You'll navigate through hardwood and mixed forests, encounter Norway spruce plantations, and discover small waterfalls along Fabius Brook tributaries. The highlight is reaching Fellows Hill, the second-highest point in Onondaga County, and enjoying the tranquil beauty of Spruce Pond, a perfect spot for a break.

This is a difficult 17.0-mile (27.4 km) hike with 2114 feet (644 metres) of elevation gain, so plan for a full day on the trail, approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes. You can start your adventure from the Spruce Pond parking area or the snowplow turnaround at the end of Herlihy Road. Make sure to pack enough water and snacks for this challenging route.

This extensive loop is part of the larger Finger Lakes Trail System, offering a sense of connection to a vast network of trails. You'll also notice sections that show evidence of past logging operations, adding an interesting historical layer to the natural landscape. The route provides a robust workout and a deep dive into the natural beauty of Morgan Hill State Forest.