Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is a New York State Park located east of Syracuse in the Town of Manlius. The park is strikingly scenic, and has a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Green Lake itself is perhaps the most studied meromictic lake—one in which layers of water do not mix—in the world. The park preserves the largest stand of old growth forest in Central New York, and Round Lake has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The park includes two small lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, which have an unusual blue-green color. The lakes and the gorge are remnants of the ice ages, and exemplify some of the unusual geology of upstate New York. The park has an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, a beach, rowboat and paddleboat rentals, and a network of hiking trails. The park also offers camping and cabin facilities, as well as picnic areas and a playground. The park is family-friendly, with a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair available for use at no charge, and a variety of programs and activities for groups and children