Top 10 Cross Country Ski Spots in the Finger Lakes Region

Cold, crisp air, snow falling silently through a hemlock forest, a distant birdsong – it’s winter in the Finger Lakes. Cross-country skiing is a great way for people of all skill levels to enjoy the beauty of the season. From technical terrain in state forests to groomed trails and more, there’s something for everyone.  See our top ski spots on this page, and also see the main map with the ski filter selected.

Bear Swamp State Forest

Known for its “Adirondack-like” character, Bear Swamp features extensive wetlands along with 15 miles of multiuse trails that provide lots of options for skiing. The forest overlooks the southwestern shore of Skaneateles Lake and is located in an area that typically receives ample “lake effect” snow. For the most part, the trails weave around and up-and-over two ridges that flank Bear Swamp Creek. 

Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area

Located on the high wooded ridge just west of Honeoye Lake, this state recreation area is one of the go-to places for Rochester-area skiers. Harriet Hollister features a 20-mile network of trails through mature forest with several trails groomed by the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation. Trails are marked with the cross country skier in mind including grade and difficulty levels. Elevations are above 2,000 feet, which makes it a better bet for snow cover than many other locations. Be sure to check out the Overlook Trail for a panoramic view of Honeoye Lake while you are there.

Highland Forest

This Onondaga County park spans 2,700 acres of hill country south of Syracuse. There is an extensive trail system of interconnected loops to accommodate long and short trips with the added benefit that the skiing and snowshoeing trails are separate. Along the loops are numerous lean-tos with orientation maps providing great places to stop and gauge your progress.

Cumming Nature Center

Nestled between Canandaigua and Honeoye Lakes, Cumming Nature Center is home to 900 acres of diverse habitats, including their iconic 90-year old red pine stand. In winter, the center offers twelve miles of groomed trails that are flat, easy, and perfect for beginners. No skis? No problem! Equipment rentals are available. The center also charges a modest admission fee to use the trails and recommends purchasing tickets in advance.

Hammond Hill State Forest

This forest’s 20 miles of trails include easy trails for beginners as well as challenging downhill runs for the most expert skiers. The best maps of the trail system are available online from gofingerlakes.org and the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club, one of several organizations that collaborate with the DEC to maintain the trails in the forest. The trails are broad and provide ample line of sight, making downhill runs exhilarating and less worrisome than narrow hiking trails found in other forests.

Steege Hill Nature Preserve

Located on a hilltop high above the Chemung River, the 793-acre Steege Hill Nature Preserve is the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s largest conservation area. A series of connected loop trails, seven miles in total, are excellent for cross-country skiing. Pause near a remote brook nestled in a hemlock-lined ravine, and you get the feeling of being in the most untouched of forests.

Oakley Corners State Forest

Located in the Southern Tier just north of Owego, Oakley Corners features a network of 13 miles of trails that were built by the Triple Cities Ski Club. This 1,000-acre forest is located about a half-hour drive from both Ithaca and Binghamton. The state forest is divided into northern and southern sections by Dutchtown Road and though the forest remains mostly the same, skiers will find flatter terrain in the southern section and slightly more rugged difficult trails in the northern section.

Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

Connecticut Hill is the largest wildlife management area in New York State, encompassing 11,645 acres. It is also one of the largest contiguous high elevation forests in the region. Skiers will enjoy the 5.7-mile Van Lone Loop which shares a picturesque section of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) that follows Cayuta Creek along a mostly level route free of obstructions. The trail then climbs beside a wooded stream and finally completes the loop by following sections of remote forest roads. Skiers looking for a shorter route can follow the 2.6-mile Bob Cameron Loop near the FLT, but entirely separate.

Lime Hollow Nature Center

This hidden gem in Cortland County boasts 2.5 miles of cross-country ski trails that weave through meadow, forest, and scrub land, often encircling numerous ponds found throughout the 430-acre property. Open dawn to dusk, the mostly flat trails are perfect for beginners and families with children—with a few steep slopes along the way.

Birdseye Hollow State Forest

The 3,446-acre Birdseye Hollow State Forest has nearly 11 miles along the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) which winds its way mostly north to south. Deep woodlands and babbling brooks occupy the majority of the trail experience here, providing skiers with plenty of solitude. There is also the short blue-blazed lakeside trail which traverses the transitional space between forest and wetland and acts as a nice complement to the FLT.

Gentler rides on rail-trails…

Jim Schug Trail

Black Diamond Trail

When there’s lots of snow…

Finger Lakes National Forest

Other places to explore…

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Portions of this article also appeared in Life in the Finger Lakes magazine.