Clark Reservation State Park is a 316-acre New York State Park located south of Syracuse, NY, known for its unique geological history, a scenic glacial kettle lake, wooded hiking trails, picnic areas, and seasonal activities. Visitors enjoy walking paths, wildlife viewing, interpretive signage, and family-friendly outdoor recreation just minutes from the Syracuse metropolitan area. Nestled in the Town of DeWitt, Onondaga County, just south of Syracuse in Jamesville, New York, Clark Reservation State Park is a hidden treasure.  This state park, established in 1926, offers visitors a unique blend of stunning geological formations, diverse flora, and recreational opportunities, attracting over 160,000 visitors annually.  Often described as a “geologic wonder of the last ice age and a botanist’s paradise,” the park features rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and a remarkable glacial plunge basin lake where surface and bottom waters do not mix. 

A Rich History Rooted in Preservation
The land that now forms Clark Reservation State Park was originally inhabited by the Onondaga people before being allocated as military tracts for Revolutionary War soldiers in the late 18th century.  In 1840, Joshua Clark noted the area’s striking lake and cliffs, which later drew attention for their natural beauty.  By 1879, James Macfarlane acquired the site and briefly operated it as a resort, offering activities like picnicking, boating, and archery.  In a pivotal act of conservation, Mary Clark Thompson purchased the core 75 acres in 1915 to prevent quarrying and donated it to the New York State Museum in memory of her father, former Governor Myron H. Clark.  The park narrowly escaped closure in 2010 due to budget cuts but was preserved through legislative action. 

Geological and Natural Wonders

Formed approximately 10,000 years ago at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation, the park’s landscape tells a story of ancient megafloods and glacial meltwater.  The centerpiece is Glacier Lake, a 6.2-acre meromictic lake up to 52 feet deep, nestled in a plunge basin carved by a massive waterfall with a 180-foot drop—surpassing Niagara Falls in relief.  Surrounded by 180-foot-high limestone cliffs from the Onondaga and Manlius formations, the site showcases karst topography, including a deep sinkhole known as Dry Lake. 

The park is also a haven for botany enthusiasts, boasting 26 species of ferns identified in a 1994 survey, including the largest U.S. population of the endangered American hart’s tongue fern.  Birdwatchers can spot species like cedar waxwings, kingfishers, and woodpeckers amid the diverse habitats. 

Activities and Facilities

Visitors can explore five hiking trails, including the popular Cliff Trail, which offers a ledge overlook 175 feet above the lake.  Fishing is available for pickerel, bullheads, and sunfish, while the Nature Center—operated by the Friends of Clark Reservation—provides exhibits on geology, botany, and wildlife, open seasonally from mid-May through Labor Day.  Guided nature walks occur on weekends, and pavilions are available for rent for events, accommodating up to 100 people.  Other amenities include picnic areas, a playground, and open meadows for relaxation. Clark Reservation Local Hiking Trails

Planning Your Visit

The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with the park office operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Entrance fees are $5 per passenger vehicle, collected via an automated pay station from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., accepting cash, coins, and credit cards (no change provided).  An Empire Pass for $80 grants unlimited access to most New York state parks.  Pets are allowed in day-use areas (maximum two per visitor), but must be leashed and are prohibited in certain zones like playgrounds and buildings.  Proof of rabies vaccination may be required.

Whether you’re a hiker seeking dramatic vistas, a nature lover admiring rare ferns, or simply looking for a peaceful escape near Syracuse, Clark Reservation State Park delivers an unforgettable experience blending history, science, and serenity.

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