New York State Parks
Clark Reservation
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New York State Parks Clark Reservation
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Clark Reservation State Park is a geologic wonder of the last ice age. The park's natural features include rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops with views of the basin lake, woods and meadow areas, a wetland and a glacial plunge basin lake in which the surface waters and bottom waters do not mix.
Birdwatchers might see cedar waxwings, kingfishers and woodpeckers. Guided nature walks leave from the Nature Center building, which also offers numerous exhibits. Hikers have their choice of thirteen marked hiking trails to explore, including the Cliff Trail, which has numerous ledge overlooks that are 175 feet above the water.
We have included links of two suggested loop hikes for the park (see links above), however you can create your own adventure while visiting this unique state park located close to the city of Syracuse.
Guide to the Hiking Trails at Clark Reservation State Park -- ONLY $1
A five page mini-guide that features information on the hiking trails at Clark Reservation State Park with maps to help plan your adventure in this state park. The guide comes to you in the form of a pdf, meaning you print the pages you want, whenever you need them! As an added BONUS we'll include the GPS Tracks of the trails in a gpx file. All of this for just $1. Once we receive your payment, we'll send you via e-mail your files (normally within 24 hours). Use the buy now button below!
Directions
Syracuse: I-481 south to Jamesville exit 2. Follow Jamesville Rd to NY 173. Take NY 173 west 1.25 miles to park entrance.
Buffalo-Rochester: I-90 east to exit 34A (I-481).
Utica-Albany: I-90 west to exit 34A (I-481). Continue with directions from Syracuse.
Pictures from Clark Reservation State Park
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Hiking Trails at Clark Reservation State Park
Big Buck Trail - This white blazed trail travels 0.3 miles from the Mildred Faust Trail to the Cliff Trail. It is a pleasant woods walk on a wide trail. The Dry Lake Trail ends along this trail.
Cliff Trail - This blue blazed trail travels 0.6 miles from the main parking area, past the rest rooms along the rim of Glacier Lake to a nice view at the power lines. There a few rock scrambles and numerous ledge overlooks with views of the lake as well as the surrounding area. Extra care should be taken as the trail travels next to cliffs.
Cliff Trail Extension - This is a 500 foot continuation of the Cliff Trail that follows the fence along the rim from the rest rooms to the observation pavilion and on to the stairs of the Lake Trail.
Dry Lake Trail - This red blazed trail travels 0.2 miles from the Mildred Faust Trail to the Big Buck Trail. The trail is above Dry Lake and has access to the Mildred Faust Woodland Trail.
Lake Trail - This aqua/green blazed trail travels 0.6 miles from the observation pavilion, down the stairs and follows the west/north shore of Glacier Lake as it heads clockwise around the lake. After the junction with the Swamp Trail, the trail then ascends and meets the Cliff Trail near the power lines (which is not shown on the map below). This trail tends to be flooded in spots and can require serious scrambling to keep your feet dry.
Swamp Trail - This 0.3 mile, aqua/green blazed trail travels on the southern shore of Glacier Lake and is normally flooded/impassable. The trail starts to the right at the bottom of the stairs. This trail also requires a crossing of the lake outlet (no bridge).
Long Trail - This red blazed trail travels 0.5 miles from the Mildred Faust Trail to the Cliff Trail.
Long Trail Extension - This red blazed trail is a 0.3 mile extension of the main Long Trail that leads to the state park boundary. This trail passes an old stone wall.
Lower Basin Trail - This short 0.1 mile blue blazed trail travels from the end of the Cliff Trail at the power lines to the Saddle Back Trail.
Mildred Faust Trail - This popular green blazed trail follows a service road and then loops around in the woods. At 0.7 miles long, it is the parks longest trail. The trail is named after a famous local botanist and a trustee of the Council of Park Friends based in this state park.
Mildred Faust Woodland Trail - This 0.2 mile green blazed trail passes by Dry Lake and hikers can view the waterfalls from above the trail.
Pulpit Rock Trail - This yellow blazed 0.6 mile trail travels over Pulpit Rock, a steep climb/descent along the trail.
Saddle Back Trail - This 0.2 mile red blazed trail connects the Pulpit Rock Trail with the Cliff Trail.
Table Rock Trail - This 0.1 mile yellow blazed trail connects the Woodland Trail with the Cliff Trail. The trail travels over bedrock as well as over glacial cracks. This trail has a nice view above Dry Lake.
Two "unauthorized" trails that are not on the official state park map below.
Cliffside Trail - This unauthorized herd path leads into POSTED state park land off the Mildred Faust Trail and leads over cracked rocks and a view over the cliffs above a trailer park.
Quarry Loop Trail - This unauthorized herd path leads past the cliffs above the trailer park, leaves state park land and enters posted land at the edge of a deep quarry. The trail starts off the Mildred Faust Trail and one can loop back to the Mildred Faust Trail, creating a 0.6 mile loop off the trail.
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