Heavenly Hiking at Highland Forest Park

Highland Forest County Park, located in Fabius NY, is the oldest Onondaga County Park, and one of my favorites. Called the “Adirondacks of Central New York”, it contains more than six square miles of rugged forest terrain. The 2729 acres features over 50 miles of trails, 20 miles of them open year-round. The park also has over four miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail that travels through park. All the park trails are well marked and maintained. The park offers free maps available at Skyline Lodge. According to Onondaga County Parks it is highly recommended and required that if individuals are going to hike, bike or cross country ski the trails at Highland Forest, they do so within park hours, complete the trail registry and purchase a trail pass inside Skyline Lodge. At Highland Forest there is hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, downhill sledding, and sleigh rides. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at Skyline Lodge. There are 2 outdoor shelters for picnicking. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and stay on hiking trails at all times. Skyline Lodge, with a unique Adirondack style, is a lovely place to relax after your outdoor adventure. It hosts a fireplace surrounded by Adirondack chairs, the Pioneer Museum, restrooms, concession type foods during winter weekends, and a Prime Rib Buffet the first Thursday evening of every month, year round. You can enjoy outstanding scenic views from inside, out on their deck, or their Adirondack style swing. It also hosts weddings and other special events. The Kirnan Trail is 3.6 miles. You start on the Main Trail, then branch off on the Kirnan Trail, then pick up the Torbert Trail, which then takes you back to the Main Trail and back to the Skyline Lodge, where you need to sign out when finished. Peaceful trail in a mature forest with natural paths, lots of scenic variety, challenging inclines and dips, several bridges and streams, and plenty of solitude. Loved it!