Sports and Outdoors—Trails

Nature-walk, mountain bike, geo-cache or picnic on the 7-mile Chenango Canal Towpath Trail from Hamilton to north of Bouckville, where the canal creates a waterfall into Oriskany Creek. The Chenango Canal is a year-round designated trout fishing stream, using artificial lures only and a National Recreation Trail. Brown and Brook Trout are stocked by Madison Central School and Trout Unlimited with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Sight blue heron, red-tail hawks, beavers, muskrats, ducks, geese and song birds in their natural habitat. The Canal Cottage Museum, open 10-5 everyday on State Route 20, displays historic reprints of local businesses and the canal. Contact 315-893-7910 or towpath@twcny.rr.com for a historic tour. Entrances for the trail are at Montgomery and Eaton Streets, Hamilton; Woodman Road, north of Hamilton off of County Route 46 in the Town of Eaton (near Route 12B)and the intersection of Routes 46 and Canal Road. Two stairways are accessible on Canal Road near the Bouckville Mill and across from the Bouckville Antique Center located on State Route 20. The northern entrance is on both corners of Elm Street and Canal Road, north of Bouckville. The Towpath Trail is maintained by volunteers with the Chenango Canal Association, the Town of Madison and Village of

This multi use trail system provides year-round recreation opportunities on 13,000 acres of state forest with 130 miles of horseback, hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobile trails. The assembly area on Moscow Road has facilities for 150 horses, a pavilion, picnic area, camping facilities and more.

Frogs and feathers, trees and flowers, can be found at nature’s best by walking the bluebird trails at the Great Swamp Conservancy. An outdoor enthusiast delight is a stroll on the unique 900 foot boardwalk though a flooded forest. Bring your binoculars and visit the Anne Pickard Overlook. This is a 60 acre restored wetland, which is a major resting stop for thousands of migratory birds each spring and fall. 185 species have been identified in the surrounding area. Trails and overlook are open from dawn to dusk. Picnic tables are available. Come enjoy the peace and beauty.

A hiking trail linking natural, cultural, and historic resources in Central New York, provides a connection between the Finger Lakes Trail and the Old Erie Canal Park in Canastota, only a few segments are still under construction. Attractions include Muller Hill State Forest, The Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area, the Nelson Swamp Unique Area, the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. The trail includes connections with the local Cazenovia Preservation Foundation Trail System and a major segment south of Canastota.

Set on the historic site of an Oneida Indian Village and recognized as the site of the 1615 Champlain-Oneida Battleground. There are 45 acres with nature trails for hiking and winter activities, an observation deck overlooking a wetland habitat, interpretive signs, pavilions and a picnic site with grills. The park is a great location to observe the Fenner Wind Power Project.

This county park is set on 125 acres of woodland, streams, and rugged terrain with a beautiful 100 foot waterfall. Located on the northern edge of the Helderberg Escarpment, it offers panoramic views stretching across Oneida Lake to Lake Ontario. A well maintained hiking trails leads you past three waterfalls and a beautiful walk through the forest. Perfect for families.

This 194-acre park has picnic areas, fishing, and hiking trails. The main feature of the park is a 167 foot waterfall formed 10,000 years ago. A trail winds from the top of the falls down to the bottom.

A hiking trail linking natural, cultural, and historic resources in Central New York, provides a connection between the Finger Lakes Trail and the Old Erie Canal Park in Canastota, only a few segments are still under construction. Attractions include Muller Hill State Forest, The Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area, the Nelson Swamp Unique Area, the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. The trail includes connections with the local Cazenovia Preservation Foundation Trail System and a major segment south of Canastota.

The Nelson Swamp Unique Area is located in the west central section of Madison County within the Townships of Nelson, Cazenovia and Fenner. Nelson Swamp is an exhibit of unique and uncommon environmental values within the rapidly changing landscape of Central New York. The 0.7-mile Nelson Swamp Interpretive Trail provides opportunities for people with disabilities to access a northern white cedar swamp and learn about its natural and cultural history.

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, one of the first outdoor sculpture parks in the country, sits atop a breathtaking rural landscape of upstate New York hills, meadows and forests. Tucked into these elements of natural beauty are Stone Quarry’s heart: original, one-of-a-kind works of art. The Art Park serves a dual mission: preservation of the land, and to the creation and exhibition of sculpture, inspired by the relationship between art and nature. Sculptures are placed throughout the more than 100 acre site: in fields and woodlands, along hedgerows and trails and beside or even in ponds or gardens. Most are created especially for the Art Park, and many are designed to dissolve eventually back into nature. The park reflects the dynamism of both art and nature, as every exhibition brings new work and every season takes some away. The Art Park is open year-round, everyday from dawn to dusk. We are located one mile east of Cazenovia, NY, off of U.S. Route 20. See our website for directions and lots of details on our art exhibitions and artists.

The towpath runs the entire length of the county and provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and canoeing. The forested land adjacent to the canal is a mixture of hardwoods and conifers and is home to many species of wildlife.

Contains 1,469 acres of multi-use land with 13 miles of cross country ski trails and a pond populated with a variety of fish and wildlife. Camping is allowed in designated areas. A County Forest is located adjacent and has trail on 205 acres.

Toggenburg is family owned and operated, located on Toggenburg Rd. off NY route 80 one mile east of Fabius and only 15 minutes from Cazenovia. We have 22 trails, including 2 Terrain Parks, serviced by 4 lifts. Our main Lodge has a cafeteria and a full service restaurant offering daily lunch and dinner specials. Our state of the art rental shop has skis and snowboards for all ages.

Marked hiking trails on almost 3,100 acres. Contains the Muller Hill Historic Site, the now dissipated ruins of a 27,000 acre estate owned by a French nobleman, who after returning to France was believed to have ascended to the throne of France as King Charles X.

Family and friends can share a memorable winter experience with a snowmobile excursion in beautiful Madison County. Give the perfect birthday, Christmas or Valentine\’s Day gift to any adventurous soul in your life. Ride the scenic trail system on your own or with a tour guide to ensure peace of mind and the greatest experience. On site lodging is available. Enjoy winter Experience beautiful Central New York and treasure the memory. Call today to reserve your snowmobile.

Download 15 maps of hiking trails in and around Madison County.

The Finger Lakes Trail is a footpath for hikers which stretches 560 miles from the PA/NY border in Allegheny State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve, crossing beautiful and remote areas of the Southern Tier of NYS. Information for obtaining detailed maps is on the website. The Finger Lakes Trail is connected to Madison County via the Link Trail.