Highland Forest is a sprawling outdoor area in Onondaga County, New York, encompassing over 2,700 acres of reforested land. The region features rolling terrain with elevations between 1,550 and 1,900 feet, dense deciduous and coniferous forests, and numerous wooded streams, creeks, and ponds. This diverse landscape provides a remote, deep forest setting for outdoor activities.
Highland Forest offers a variety of things to do across several sports like hiking and road cycling. The area…
17
Routes
5
(3)
Average rating
76
People visited

11
hikers
15.7km
04:26
350m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.59km
00:44
30m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.38km
00:47
160m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.29km
00:44
110m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
riders
50.6km
02:18
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
73.1km
03:17
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3
riders
50.4km
02:36
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Highland Forest provides opportunities for hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park features an extensive network of trails for various activities, including over 20 miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails. Many additional miles are available for mountain biking and skiing.
Yes, Highland Forest offers a diverse trail network suitable for various skill levels, from easier paths to more challenging treks. Trails are well-marked with square markers for hiking. Explore options in the Hiking in Highland Forest guide.
Highland Forest offers a mix of country roads and mountain trails for road cycling, with varying surfaces and difficulty levels. Cycling surfaces provide three levels of difficulty. Information on routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes in Highland Forest guide.
Yes, Highland Forest has mountain biking trails, typically open from May 1 to September 30. Bikers must register at the Skyline Lodge. E-bikes are not permitted on the trails.
Highland Forest includes trails suitable for families, offering shorter and easier excursions. The park's well-marked network allows for enjoyable experiences for all ages. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in Highland Forest guide for specific routes.
During winter, Highland Forest offers cross-country skiing on 40 miles of trails, some of which are groomed. Snowshoeing is also popular, and equipment rentals are available at the lodge. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are another winter activity.
The Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest offers a spectacular panoramic view of southern Onondaga County. This location serves as a central hub, especially during winter, and provides a scenic overlook of the surrounding landscape.
Highland Forest features rolling terrain and rugged hills, with elevations generally ranging between 1,550 and 1,900 feet above sea level. The park is centered on Arab Hill, contributing to its deep forest setting. The landscape includes dense deciduous and coniferous forests, along with numerous wooded streams and ponds.
Highland Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 300 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes available have an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Highland Forest, including Hiking in Highland Forest, Easy hikes in Highland Forest, and Road Cycling Routes in Highland Forest. Other guides cover waterfall hikes, family-friendly hikes, and traffic-free bike rides.
The official website for Highland Forest is managed by Onondaga County Parks: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest/. For direct inquiries, the park's contact number is +13156835550.

