Hiking Marcellus Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in Marcellus Park: trails, map and practical info

Finger Lakes • New York

4.8 Appreciated by 6 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
10 ft
Duration
1h15

A peaceful escape in the Finger Lakes region featuring 50 m elevation gain over 1 to 2 hours of family-friendly trails. This 40-acre park near Syracuse offers wooded paths alongside Nine Mile Creek's soothing waters.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

{
"trail_system": "

The park's trail network caters to hikers of all experience levels, with Fred's Trail serving as the main route. This primary out-and-back trail is approximately 1.6 to 2 kilometers long and guides visitors through a varied landscape of dense wooded sections and open meadows, creating an ever-changing backdrop as you move through the park. The gentle terrain with virtually no elevation gain makes it particularly appealing for families with children or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.

",
"time_note": "

Most visitors complete the trail in 30 minutes to 1 hour, though the park's layout encourages longer stays when you factor in time for picnicking or simply enjoying the creek-side scenery.

",
"remove_elevation_paragraph": "Supprimer: 'The elevation gain of 50 meters provides just enough climb to get your heart rate up without becoming strenuous.' - Contradictoire avec les sources indiquant une pente minimale."
}

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 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
2443 Platt Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108, USA
GPS coordinates
42.9777988, -76.3355477
Phone
(315) 673-3227

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the marcellus park can be accessed by traveling east on Route 174 until it intersects with Route 11. There is a sign for the park located on the northeast corner of the intersection.

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
42.9777988, -76.3355477
Center
(315) 673-3227

Hikers' opinions

4.8
1 Reviews
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Marcellus Park offers a pleasant outdoor experience in the Finger Lakes region. The 50-meter elevation gain provides just enough challenge for a moderate workout without being overwhelming. Located conveniently at the intersection of Routes 174 and 11, the park is easy to find with clear signage. Perfect for a 1-2 hour nature escape, though note that dogs aren't permitted and there are entrance fees.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
9.75 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
1h15
No
No
The trails at Marcellus Park typically take 1 to 2 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and which trails you choose to explore.
Marcellus Park features approximately 50 m of elevation gain. This makes it a relatively gentle hike suitable for various fitness levels.
No, dogs are not allowed at Marcellus Park. Please plan accordingly and consider alternative arrangements for your pets.
No, parking is not free at Marcellus Park. Be sure to bring payment for parking fees when planning your visit.
Marcellus Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week. These hours apply Monday through Sunday year-round, though it's recommended to verify current hours before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Finger Lakes
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Syracuse

0 trails to explore ~17 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026