🌲Into the Woods🌲
Early Autumn Trial Journey
On an early September morning, the woods around Cayuga County begin to change. Light tumbles through the leaves in gentle pools of gold and rust. There is a hush to the air, a promise of cooler days and new adventures under canopies tinged with the first fire of fall. This is the perfect time of year to wander the local trails and discover how a familiar landscape is transformed with every step.
Early fall is a season made for hiking. The heat of summer softens, replaced by crisp air and a palette of changing leaves. Trails are quieter now, shared with only the soft tread of other walkers and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. Along lake shores and in wooded gorges, the landscape is filled with signs of the season. Even the birds seem to pause in their journey south, resting in the wetlands and woods that make this corner of New York special.
🌲For those ready to explore, these local destinations stand out for their beauty and variety.
🌲Emerson Park, Auburn
At the northern tip of Owasco Lake, Emerson Park is a lively hub all summer, but early fall brings a gentler pace. Walkers and cyclists move beneath old maples and oaks, following shoreline paths as the last boats cross the water. There are beaches, boat launches, picnic spots, and dog-friendly areas, making it easy to enjoy the changing season from every angle. The historic pavilion and the nearby Merry-Go-Round Playhouse offer cultural color, while the open lawns and lakeside benches invite quiet reflection.
🌲Fillmore Glen State Park
Quietly set within Moravia, Fillmore Glen State Park beckons hikers in search of striking scenery and a touch of adventure. The heart of the park is its narrow gorge, where five waterfalls tumble between sheer stone walls and the forest closes in overhead. On the Gorge Trail, the air is cool and damp, and the sound of falling water fills every corner. The North Rim and South Rim trails offer different perspectives, winding above the glen for views of the cascading streams and the dense woodland below. Early fall brings a bright patchwork of color to the treetops, while the last ferns and wildflowers line the path. The park’s stream-fed swimming area, fishing spots, and campsites offer even more ways to extend a visit, but it is the sense of quiet discovery on the trail that lingers long after the walk is done.
🌲Sterling Nature Center, Sterling
Near the shores of Lake Ontario, the Sterling Nature Center sprawls across nearly 1,500 acres of forest, marsh, and meadow. Ten miles of trails weave through these habitats, welcoming everyone from serious birders to families out for a stroll. The Lake Trail traces the bluffs for views across the open water, while the Heron Trail skirts beaver ponds and wetland thickets alive with wildlife. In September and October, marsh grasses sway beneath flocks of migrating birds, and the horizon opens wide to the drama of clouds and light above the lake. Visitors might glimpse eagles, herons, or the sudden flash of a fox along the path. The sense of space and wildness is unmistakable here, inviting even seasoned locals to slow down and notice the shifting moods of autumn on the lakeshore
🌲The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve
Experience quiet, lakeside experience. Here, short trails wind through marsh and floodplain, home to herons, waterfowl, and the soft chorus of frogs at dusk. The wetlands filter light into shifting gold and green, and there is always the chance to spot something new among the willows and tall grasses. For a peaceful walk or a moment of solitude, the Flats are a perfect early fall retreat.
🌲Trails for Biking
Cayuga County also offers several trails well-suited for biking as the days grow cooler. The Cato-Meridian Recreation Trail features a nature pavilion overlooking the water, making it a fine spot for glimpsing waterfowl and even the occasional eagle. The Auburn-Fleming Trail runs for about a mile and a half on a former trolley line, passing through quiet woods and fields—a gentle ride or walk for all ages. The Cayuga Hojack Trail near Sterling is an 8.5-mile stretch of converted rail line that welcomes bikers, walkers, and even horseback riders as it winds through forest and farmland. Each of these paths shows off a different side of the county’s scenery and is worth exploring before the last leaves fall.
🌲Tips for Hikers and Bikers
Dress in layers to adjust as the day changes, and choose sturdy footwear for wet or rocky paths. Check trail maps and seasonal access, since some trails, like Fillmore Glen’s gorge route, may close after heavy rains or later in the fall. Bring water and snacks, and remember that early mornings can bring fog, especially along lakes and wetlands. Respect local wildlife and keep dogs leashed where required. Above all, follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the trails beautiful for everyone.
As autumn settles in and the sun drops lower each afternoon, there is no better place to be than out on the trail. Whether you lose yourself in the dappled shade of a gorge, pause at the marsh’s edge, or amble along a quiet lakeshore, Cayuga County’s parks and paths are made for savoring the journey. Early fall is fleeting, but its golden days are waiting just outside your door.
📸 Fall Footprints Fall Photo Challenge
For information about our upcoming 🍁Fall Footprints photo challenge, check out:
🍁Our Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/CayugaTourism
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🍁or our dedicated Trails of Cayuga County Webpage at: https://www.tourcayuga.com/cayuga-county-parks-and-trails/