If you’ve survived a Syracuse winter before, you know that the weather doesn’t stay sunny for long. Lake effect snow typically arrives by early November, and temperatures can start dropping at any time, so take advantage of the nice weather while you still can! Whether you’re into being active or tailgating, Syracuse has plenty to offer. Here’s a list of things to explore.
Hiking Trails
If you haven’t been hiking in Upstate New York, you’re missing out! There are many state parks within driving distance of campus, including Green Lakes, Clark Reservation and Chittenango Falls. Green Lakes also has a beach where you can tan, bring food for a picnic or go swimming – perfect for a hot day! Some flatter trails, more accessible for walking and running, can also be found close by at the Erie Canal Park and Onondaga Lake Park, where you can hop over to the pickleball courts afterward for some fun competition.
The Barnes Center at The Arch offers Outdoor Adventure trips to several parks, with beginner, intermediate and advanced day hikes. For experienced hikers, the University also organizes several overnight backpacking trips at James Kennedy State Forest and Mariposa State Forest.
Apple Picking
Apples are a Syracuse staple, and whether you’re on the hunt for the best apple cider donut or you’re looking for apples to bake into a pie, there’s plenty of orchards to visit! Abbott Farms is the closest, and for just a few dollars, you can go and pick a small basket of apples through the Barnes Center. Other local orchards you can visit with your friends on the weekend include Beak and Skiff, Navarino Orchard and Woznica Orchards, but the fun doesn’t stop at apple picking. Most orchards also offer cider, donuts and other festivities, so have fun exploring!
Syracuse Athletics Games
Don’t have a car to easily venture off campus? No problem, you can take a campus shuttle to the SU Soccer Stadium for Women’s and Men’s Soccer games! The Men’s Soccer team won the national title three years ago and hopes to replicate that success this year.
If you’re not a soccer fan, field hockey games are also held on South Campus at J.S. Coyne Field. Football, volleyball and basketball games are also great indoor options! If the weather cooperates, you can join the herd of Syracuse fans and enjoy some tailgating before the game.
Unfortunately, the Syracuse Mets, the city’s Minor League Baseball team, will close out their 2025 season next week, but they’ll return next semester, in late March. The team will announce a new name next year, so keep an eye out for the opportunity to vote on potential choices!
Recreational Sports
For those who enjoy playing sports more than watching them, there are many opportunities to join a club sport or form an intramural team with a few friends. The Barnes Center organizes a number of intramural sports teams that compete in tournaments across different leagues each semester. With everything from 3 vs. 3 basketball to Canoe Battleship, there’s something for everyone to try!
The Local Zoo
Not everyone knows about the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, but it’s a must-see during your time at Syracuse. From reptiles to jungle cats, this conservation-focused zoo hosts over 300 species in both indoor and outdoor habitats. While the outdoor animals can handle Central New York winters, exploring the zoo and all the exhibits is much more enjoyable in pleasant fall weather.
Whitewater Rafting
Another fall activity offered by the Barnes Center is whitewater rafting. The program includes transportation to the Black River, which empties into Lake Ontario, and a professional guide for your rafting adventure. Get your wetsuits and hop on a raft for a thrilling, fun ride you won’t want to miss!
Horseback Riding
Last but certainly not least, horseback riding is also offered through the Barnes Center in the fall. The trip takes you to Highland Forest, where you’ll experience some of Upstate New York’s natural beauty on a one-hour guided horseback trek.
Check out more Outdoor Adventure trips on the Barnes Center website and have fun exploring!
Written By Kate Jackson ’26, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.