Highland Forest

Free hilltop singletrack south of Syracuse.

Onondaga County’s oldest park covers more than six square miles of hilly forest, with about 20 miles of trails that mix mountain trail, fire lanes and park roads. It is a local favorite under an hour from Verona, with rugged, hilly terrain and quiet woods. Riding is free; sign in at Skyline Lodge, and note the mountain bike season ends September 30.

At a glance

Trail miles

20+

Park size

6+ square miles

Fee

Free for biking

E-bikes

Not allowed on trails

Good for

Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Cross-country

Rentals, guides and shops

• Syracuse Bicycle

  Bike shop on Erie Boulevard East for service, parts and new bikes.

• Mello Velo Bicycle Shop

  Bike shop on Canal Street in Syracuse.

Where to stay

• lodgeHope Lake Lodge

  Big lodge at Greek Peak with an indoor waterpark.

  35 min drive
• innThe Brewster Inn

  Lakeside mansion inn with a dining room on Cazenovia Lake.

  30 min drive
• innLincklaen House

  Historic inn and tavern in Cazenovia village.

  30 min drive

Nearby

• Beak & Skiff · 20 min drive

  Apple orchard with cider, spirits and a tasting room on Lords Hill, busiest in fall picking season.

• Pratt’s Falls Park · 15 min drive

  County park with a tall waterfall and short trails.

• Critz Farms · 20 min drive

  Farm with a cidery and brewery, pick-your-own apples and fall festivals near Cazenovia.

Getting there

• Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) · about 35 min drive
• Verona, NY · about 0.9 hr
• Syracuse · about 0.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps