It’s officially fall! As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves slowly transform to hues of red and yellow, savor your last opportunities to spend some quality time outside. From Syracuse-run events to adventures in the surrounding community, read on for ideas for your next outdoor experience!
Apple Picking
A true fall season staple, apple picking is one of the best low-stakes ways to spend some time outdoors. Abbott Farms, a quick 15-minute drive from campus, has it all for a perfect autumn day. Equipped with a corn maze, apple orchard and fall treats like apple cider and apple cider donuts, the “Gilmore Girls” soundtrack will basically be “la-la-ing” in your ears.
Clark Reservation State Park Hike
One of many Syracuse University outdoor adventures accessible to students, Clark Reservation State Park day hikes will be available through the Barnes Center at The Arch on three dates this month, Oct. 5, 19 and 26. A retreat that will be doable for experienced and new hikers alike, get ready to enjoy lush fall colors, miles of wooded trails and even a lake! For undergraduate students, this day trip costs $5 and registration is open in the Wellness Portal. If you’re looking for more fun outdoor activities, be sure to check out the Barnes Center’s other outdoor trips!
Thornden Park Picnic
With 76 lush acres to explore, walk around Thornden Park and find a perfect patch of greenery for a relaxing meal with friends. Or, you can even sit on the steps of the amphitheater and play some music of your own! For fall food ideas, create an autumn charcuterie board, equipped with a variety of cheeses, almonds, jam, crackers and some fruits (apples, cranberries, figs and grapes are all in season!).
Stargazing
Upstate New York has some of the best conditions for stargazing as a result of dark skies and little light pollution. Soak up some of your last opportunities to find constellations (or even a shooting star!) one of these cool evenings. For information on how to find the best stargazing locations, check out some stargazing tips from NASA.
Farmers Markets
If you want to spend a peaceful morning outside and support local vendors in the process, head to one of Syracuse’s farmers markets before they’re done for the season! The Downtown Farmers Market on Clinton Square will have its final market of the season on Oct. 8, and the CNY Regional Market will run its Thursday markets until November. But don’t fret, if you have a love for fresh, local produce, the Regional Market will continue its Saturday market all year long!
Spending time outdoors is known to boost your physical and mental well-being, so enjoy all of the beauty that Upstate NY has to offer before the frigid cold sets in. Even taking a short walk around campus or your neighborhood might just have a positive impact. Savor the weather while it lasts and happy adventuring!
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.