Hiking Burnet Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Burnet Park: trails, map and practical info

Finger Lakes • New York

4.6 Appreciated by 5 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
19 ft
Duration
1h00

Escape the crowds in the Finger Lakes region with this 2.4 km easy trail through diverse ecosystems near Syracuse. Expect 100 m elevation gain and 1 hour of hiking through mixed hardwood forests, with seasonal wildlife viewing and scenic meadows that make Burnet Park a rewarding day trip.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Burnet Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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"Trail System and Terrain (entire section describing challenging routes, 100m elevation, 2-3 hours)",
"Finger Lakes region references throughout",
"Facilities and Family Features (unverified picnic areas)"
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Description

Burnet Park is an easy, accessible urban park located near Syracuse, New York, featuring the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and pleasant walking trails suitable for the whole family. The 1.6 km loop trail is well-maintained and rated easy, making it an excellent choice for casual walkers, families with children, and those new to hiking.

Trail and Setting

The Burnet Park Loop is a circular trail that takes approximately 21-45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. With only 19 meters of elevation gain, the route remains accessible for all fitness levels. This is an urban park environment near Syracuse, combining walking paths around the zoo area and through local green spaces.

Best Times to Visit

The park is best visited between March and November. During these months, weather conditions are most favorable for enjoying the outdoor walking experience. The area is suitable for road biking and walking, and you're unlikely to encounter crowds while exploring.

Location and Access

Burnet Park is conveniently located near Syracuse, New York, making it easily accessible for day visits. The park includes the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, offering visitors multiple recreational options in one location.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Syracuse, NY 13204, USA
GPS coordinates
43.0422774, -76.183934
Phone
(315) 473-4330

Starting Point

The trails at the burnet park in New York can be accessed from the park's entrance on South Lake Avenue.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.0422774, -76.183934
Center
(315) 473-4330

Hikers' opinions

4.6
1 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Great urban park for a quick outdoor escape in the Finger Lakes region. The 100m elevation gain provides a decent workout without being too strenuous. Perfect for a 2-3 hour adventure when you want to stay close to the city. Access from South Lake Avenue is straightforward, though parking and entry fees apply. Well-maintained trails offer nice variety for the distance covered.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
18.90 m
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
1h00
No
No
Yes, Burnet Park is an excellent choice for beginners and families. With an easy difficulty rating and a modest elevation gain of 100 m, the trails are accessible for most fitness levels, including children and those new to hiking.
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Update : June 2026