Looking for the best trails around Cortland?

Explore the best rated trails in Cortland, NY. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Verona Beach State Park Rail Trail and Auburn-Fleming Trail. With more than 25 trails covering 444 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Erie Canalway Trail

Enjoyed the newer completed section along Lake Onondaga

June, 2023 by dradke

*PLEASE NOTE that the portion from Bridge Street to the Onondaga Creek, Syracuse NEEDS UPDATING on the Trail map, as connecting trail is now available and this isn't reflected in the map.* Today was our 3rd ride (each out and back) on this trail, completing the section from Port Byron to the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. Today's ride in nice weather was 21 miles round trip to the Camillus Museum from Syracuse. We enjoyed the museum and the newer section that is paved along the west side of Onondaga Lake from the Fair Grounds parking area to the south part of the lake. We did miss a turn heading up the hill to turn off the trail to the parking area so we could cross 690; not sure there was clear signage on that; there was going back down. We were able to go through the portion on the NYS Fairgrounds and noted that this is not open to biking during the colder months (I believe Oct-April 1); it wouldn't be hard to go around, but signage would be helpful on that, too. Signs for this portion of the Empire State Trail were quite good otherwise. Since we haven't had much rain in the past month, trail conditions were excellent on today's portion. Least favorite was the road portion (or "sidewalk ride") on Hiawatha Blvd as it was very busy. Parts of the portion we did today is hillier than most sections; it was not difficult for us "intermediate level" bikers, but parts wouldn't be the best for younger children or somebody who hadn't biked in a while.

Erie Canalway Trail

great views and ride

June, 2023 by mkahl2b

Starting in Colonie in the parking lot on rt9 it was a great ride headed towards Schenectady. Smooth paved surface. A little on a local road but minimal car traffic and clearly marked. Plenty of bench’s and stopping areas along the way.

Vestal Rail Trail

Not for bikes

May, 2023 by ptrqv9rnvd

Just my opinion, this is a great walking trail. Not long, paved with wide paths. I am sure it’s because it’s a holiday weekend, but it was jam packed and not at all friendly for bikes. People don’t move, they walk 3 or 4 across. Not enjoyable for biking.

Accordion

Oswego County Trail

very rough

May, 2023 by dierdre

We started from the Fulton end. We only did 5 miles and then turned around. A few times it was necessary to walk our bikes through sections.

Black Diamond Trail

Beautiful Trail

April, 2023 by brtcom007

We’re on vacation and walked this trail for approximately 6 miles with our dog. Loved it the scenery and serenity were amazing. We’ll definitely be visiting this again our next trip.

Erie Canalway Trail

Did a small section from Jordan to Solvay. Nice Ride about 14.5 miles on a cooler sunny day. Muddy in a couple spots. Hope to complete more sections soon ¿¿¿

April, 2023 by rnbarnes36_tl

Did a small section from Jordan to Solvay. Nice Ride about 14.5 miles on a cooler sunny day. Muddy in a couple spots. Hope to complete more sections soon ¿¿¿

Keuka Outlet Trail

great trail

April, 2023 by brtcom007

Enjoyed a peaceful morning walk , time to relax with our dog. Beautifully maintained and an easy walk.

Keuka Outlet Trail

Amazing views of the Keuka Lake Outlet. Waterfalls. Wildlife. Parked in Dresden and rode a bike to Penn Yan and back. Not the best for bikes, though. Lots of rocks and sticks (some broken glass) on the trail (rode in mid April). Trail width varies.

April, 2023 by biabernum

Amazing views of the Keuka Lake Outlet. Waterfalls. Wildlife. Parked in Dresden and rode a bike to Penn Yan and back. Not the best for bikes, though. Lots of rocks and sticks (some broken glass) on the trail (rode in mid April). Trail width varies.

South Hill Recreation Way

love this!

January, 2023 by 8fx762jzvh

I really enjoy hiking this trail. There are lots of marked side trails off of the main trail that can really get your heart rate up if your looking for a more challenging hike.

Catharine Valley Trail

Very poorly labeled

August, 2022 by dab7007

From the beginning we got after a mile or so. Lacking in signage and painted bike markings on the road. We gave up after a few miles after getting lost a few times .

Oswego County Trail

I am glad to say I tried this trail so that I never have to try it again

August, 2022 by kepalazzoli

Oswego County Trail starting in Central Square and heading East toward Sylvan Beach. If you enjoy riding a combination gravel pit/mud bog through swamps and what smells like a sewage treatment plant this trail is for you! We rode 20 miles dodging mud pits and ATVs but that was easy because there was really no interesting scenery to distract us from the trail. The abandoned playground was mildly creepy and the outhouse was too sketchy for me (and I grew up with outdoor facilities) so we kept going. The trail was so rough parts of my bike rattled loose but I wanted to decrease the bike weight anyway (silver lining am I right?). We actually left the trail in Constanta so we could look at the lake. The 10 miles of trail crossed 10 roads so if you enjoyed playing Frogger in the 80s you will LOVE this ride. All in all I give this trail one star because it is actually a trail and it is well marked. There is no parking at the trail head so you have to ask a nearby business if you can leave the car in their lot while you ride.

Oswego County Trail

West Monroe to Bernard’s bay

August, 2022 by chains

Parked at west Monroe park off rt 49, road to where the entrance to Sand Bar is. 11.27 miles out and back. It was flat but did have a lot of soft gravel areas. I would recommend it.

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Accordion

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