Highland Forest County Park

Highland Forest: The Adirondacks of Central New York

Nestled in the town of Fabius, New York, Highland Forest stands as a beloved county park within the Onondaga County Parks system, often hailed as the “Adirondacks of Central New York” for its stunning landscapes and outdoor offerings.  Spanning acres of rugged terrain, this natural haven provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts year-round.

At the heart of Highland Forest is its extensive trail network, boasting over 20 miles of paths suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and more.  One standout route is the Highland Forest Main Trail, a moderate 8.7-mile loop with 1,213 feet of elevation gain, praised by hikers for its challenging yet rewarding views.  In warmer months, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hayrides, and picnicking, while the North Country Trail bisects the park for longer adventures. 

Winter transforms the park into a snowy paradise, with 40 miles of cross-country ski trails—20 of which are groomed and track-set for all skill levels—plus dedicated skate ski loops.  Snowshoeing and sleigh rides add to the charm, with affordable rentals available on-site.  The iconic Skyline Lodge serves as a gathering spot for events and offers panoramic vistas, making it ideal for weddings or group outings.

Open daily with hours varying by season, entry costs just $2 per vehicle, ensuring accessibility for families and adventurers alike.  Whether seeking solitude on a forested path or thrilling winter sports, Highland Forest captures the essence of Central New York’s wild beauty.

Trail Maps for Highland Forest
Highland Forest offers over 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and more, with free printed maps available at the Skyline Lodge upon arrival.  For digital options, you can access interactive maps online through sites like Trailforks, which provides detailed mountain bike and hiking trail overlays.  AllTrails features user reviews and GPS tracks for popular routes like the 8.7-mile Main Trail loop.  Additionally, Onondaga County Parks provides a downloadable PDF map specifically for mountain biking trails, highlighting beginner loops and connections.  Other resources include CNY Hiking for trail descriptions and Komoot for customizable routes.  

Guided Hikes at Highland Forest
The park itself primarily supports self-guided exploration on its well-marked trails, with no regular park-led guided hikes mentioned on the official site.   However, local groups like the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) Onondaga Chapter frequently organize guided outings here, including moderate to strenuous hikes with leaders providing navigation and safety tips.   For instance, on November 15, 2025, the ADK hosted a long 8.8-mile loop on the Main Trail (rated B for moderately strenuous) and a shorter 4-5 mile option (rated C+), both starting from Skyline Lodge. They also held their November business meeting and potluck at the park.

Looking ahead, no additional guided hikes at Highland Forest are listed in the immediate future on the ADK calendar, but the group has other regional outings.  To stay updated, check the ADK Onondaga Chapter website (adk-on.org) for their outings schedule or the Onondaga County Parks events calendar (events.onondagacountyparks.com) for occasional programs like “Get to Know Your Parks” hikes.   Reservations are often required for group-led activities, and bringing essentials like water, snacks, and sturdy boots is recommended.