Beaches and Parks at a GlanceFinger Lakes RegionLike giant fingerprints of Ice Age glaciers, the Finger Lakes span across Central New York. Water and its works are the attractions and State Parks are jewels on the fingers. Eleven parks front on lakes, while six feature gorges with waterfalls. Taughannock Falls State Park, near Ithaca, does both. One of the highest waterfalls in the east, Taughannock plunges into a canyon that opens to Cayuga Lake, the longest Finger Lake. If you want to swim in a natural pool by a magnificent waterfall, or hike a tame trail through a wild gorge, then try Stony Brook, Fillmore Glen, Buttermilk Falls, or Robert H. Treman State Parks; or walk behind waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park, which also offers 305 campsites. Cayuga Lake, with its 286 campsites and 14 cabins, and Long Point, with its newly developed day-use and boat launch areas, are two of the five state parks that ring Cayuga Lake's basin. On Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, Sampson, Seneca Lake and Lodi Point State Parks offer camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, bird watching and swimming. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park boasts New York's largest inland marina; and you can put your boat, fishline or yourself in Lake Ontario at Fair Haven Beach State Park, which also offers 185 campsites and 35 cabins. No one can teach us about Native Americans better than Native Americans themselves. Ganondagan State Historic Site, just east of Rochester, serves as New York State's only historic site dedicated to Native American history. Featuring a replica of a bark longhouse, this 17th century site highlights Seneca history and culture. 
Central New York & Greater Syracuse RegionAs one of the largest regions within the state parks system, the Central Region encompasses a 9,000-square-mile area, from the shores of Lake Ontario in the north, through Syracuse, NY to the Pennsylvania state line in the south. The physical beauty of the glacially carved lakes, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains is stunning. If you are looking for a great place to camp, Gilbert Lake State Park is known as the "wildlife" park of the region, featuring 221 campsites and 33 cabins. Just down the road sits Bowman Lake State Park, known for its spacious, 198 campsites, beautiful scenery and relaxing setting. At the eastern end of Oneida Lake, Verona Beach State Park boasts 40 campsites and outstanding shaded picnic areas. Pixley Falls State Park offers visitors a dramatic 50-foot waterfall, 22 stream-side campsites, and a nature trail. Green Lakes State Park, which hosts one million visitors annually, offers two glacial lakes, 17 miles of trails, a swimming beach, and an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed championship golf course. Selkirk Shores State Park is home to some of the finest fishing in the state, as well as some of the most spectacular sunsets. 
Parks & Outdoor RecreationOnondaga Lake Park 315-453-6712
No matter what the weather, there is always something to do at Onondaga Lake Park. Located in Liverpool, New York, it features seven miles of shoreline and more than two miles of running and walking trails. Opportunities for water-based activities include fishing, row boating and kayaking. From mid-April through the end of October, park visitors can enjoy the first and largest concrete Skatepark in central New York (16,900 sq ft.), where both skates and skateboards are available for rental. If you are looking for something a little bit more relaxing, you can rent one of the many different styles of bicycles the park has to offer. Their newest ride, a conference bike, sits up to seven people. This park is also an ideal place if you have children or pets, thanks to the Wegman's Good Dog Park and Playground, which is 70 percent handicap accessible. The Salt Museum, which is located on the shore of Onondaga Lake, includes a number of exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn how salt was made and distributed in Syracuse during the early 1900's. Open daily, May through October, and is free.
Beaver Lake Park315-638-2519 
Located off of East Lake Road in Baldwinsville, New York, Beaver Lake Park is a quiet 600-acre nature sanctuary that is home to more than 200 species of bird and more than 800 varieties of plants. Its 200-acre lake is a migratory stopover to thousands of Canadian geese. There are nine miles of maintained walking trails and up to seven different paths to choose from. Visitors can rent or bring their own canoe or kayak to enjoy a peaceful ride around the lake. Beaver Lake Nature Center offers more than 400 annual programs. Highland Forest Park 315-683-5550
Located in Fabius, New York, just south of Syracuse, Highland Forest is the oldest park in Onondaga County. It features more than 20 miles of trails and more than 6 square miles of rugged forested terrain for visitors to explore. Activities also include mountain biking, horseback riding, and youth group camping. Open June through August on the weekends, the park's Pioneer Museum depicts the history of Highland Forest from the late 1700's to the present through photos and artifacts.
Jamesville Beach Park 315-435-5252
Located just 15 minutes outside Syracuse, Jamesville Beach Park offers the cool, clear water of the Jamesville Reservoir for visitors to enjoy. With over 140 yards of life-guarded beach front, this park is a safe and friendly place to take the family for the day. Visitors can rent row boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats or fish along the reservoir or in Butternut Creek. The park also offers facilities for picnicking, volleyball, horseshoes, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
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Beaches & Parks in CNY & Finger Lakes Region
Finger Lakes and CNY/Syracuse NY guide to Beaches and Parks on YourCNY.com. Find the best local Beaches and Parks in Greater Syracuse NY and the Finger Lakes.
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