Staff Report / December 10, 2025
As winter blankets upstate New York, outdoor-recreation enthusiasts are once again turning to the trails. A recent feature from the regional guide platform Go Finger Lakes spotlights the top places to cross-country ski across the Finger Lakes region — from well-groomed beginner loops to remote forest terrain.
Why the Finger Lakes Is a Great Winter Destination
With the arrival of snow — often boosted by “lake-effect” patterns — the Finger Lakes region transforms into a quiet winter wonderland. According to local skiing guides, the area offers a wide variety of cross-country options: technical forest tracks, open-pasture routes, groomed beginner trails, and even downhill-style terrain in forested hills.
Thanks to this diversity, skiers of all skill levels — from first-timers to seasoned winter adventurers — can find something to suit their taste.
Trail Highlights: Nine Standout Ski Destinations
Here are nine of the top ski-friendly spots across the Finger Lakes, each with its own character and appeal.
Bear Swamp State Forest
Set above Skaneateles Lake, Bear Swamp feels almost “Adirondack-like.” With around 15 miles of multi-use trails that wind over ridges flanking Bear Swamp Creek, it offers a mix of wetlands, ridgelines, and woods — all drawing generous snow from lake effects.
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area
As New York’s largest wildlife-management area by acreage (11,645 acres), Connecticut Hill is a vast, high-elevation forest. The 5.7-mile Van Lone Loop offers a fairly level, scenic journey along Cayuta Creek before climbing through forest and forest-road terrain. For those wanting a shorter outing, the 2.6-mile Bob Cameron Loop is a good alternative.
Cumming Nature Center
Nestled between Canandaigua and Honeoye Lakes, this 900-acre preserve features 12 miles of groomed, gentle trails — ideal for beginners or families. Ski equipment rentals are available, and the center charges a modest admission fee (with advanced ticket purchase recommended)
Finger Lakes National Forest
The only national forest in New York State, this tract stretches between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. When snow conditions allow, over 30 miles of varied trails — from wooded paths to open pastures — open up for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Hammond Hill State Forest
With 20 miles of trails offering everything from beginner-friendly loops to steeper downhill tracks, Hammond Hill provides a versatile skiing experience. Trails are maintained in part by the local ski club and allow for both serene exploration and more adrenaline-driven descents.
Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area
Located west of Honeoye Lake on a high wooded ridge, this area is popular with skiers from the greater Rochester region. Its roughly 20-mile trail network is often groomed by local ski foundations, with trails clearly marked by difficulty and grade. Elevation above 2,000 feet often means reliable snow cover, and the “Overlook Trail” rewards skiers with sweeping views of Honeoye Lake.
Highland Forest
Just south of Syracuse, Highland Forest is a 2,700-acre park characterized by a network of interconnecting loops, lean-tos, and separate tracks for skiing and snowshoeing. Its varied terrain is ideal for skiers looking for both short stroll-style tours and longer outings.
James Kennedy State Forest
Located near Virgil, this 4,422-acre forest includes several named trails — including the popular Virgil Mountain Loop — and 4 dedicated miles for cross-country skiing. While all hiking trails are ski-permissible, the designated ski trails offer a more straightforward winter experience.
Lime Hollow Nature Center
Tucked away in Cortland County, this 430-acre property is ideal for families and casual skiers. Its 2.5 miles of relatively flat, easy terrain weave through meadows, scrubland, woods, and ponds — perfect for relaxed, peaceful outings with gentle slopes to mix things up.
What Makes These Spots Worth Visiting
Diversity for all skill levels — groomed beginner loops, quiet woodland tracks, challenging hills and even downhill-style runs make the region inclusive.
- Diversity for all skill levels — groomed beginner loops, quiet woodland tracks, challenging hills and even downhill-style runs make the region inclusive.
- Scenic variety — lakeshores, wetlands, ridgelines, forested hills, and open meadows offer a changing landscape that keeps every outing fresh.
- Accessibility — with centers that rent gear, well-known maintained trails, and a wide geographic spread across the region, there are options within reasonable reach for many.
Local skiing guides also emphasize that when snow conditions are right, even lesser-known forests — like the national forest or remote wildlife management areas — can provide peaceful solitude away from busier ski resorts.
To learn more, visit https://www.gofingerlakes.org/top-8-cross-country-ski-spots-in-the-finger-lakes-region/
