Highland Forest

Highland Forest


Over 20 miles of year-round trails are the prime attraction at the "Adirondacks of Central New York." The oldest county park contains more than six square miles of rugged forest terrain detailed in free maps available at Skyline Lodge. 

Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps 

An interactive trail map can now be downloaded to your mobile device using Maprika. Among other features, this free app allows you to locate friends anywhere in the park and track your route. Once you download the app in the Apple Store or Google Play, download the map here


XC Pass Sale Graphic
Purchase Season Passes ONLINE: Highland Forest Cross Country Ski Season & Hunting Passes 
can be purchased AND paid for online beginning one month before season opening dates. Click here for more information. 


 

Host your next special event at Skyline Lodge!

The spectacular view and unique Adirondack style of Highland Forest's Skyline Lodge will make your event one to remember. Our staff is ready to work with you to create the wedding, or any other event, of your dreams. Click here to learn more about Skyline Lodge.

 

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During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Highland Forest

  • Camping - Youth Groups

    Camping - Youth Groups

    Highland's rustic cabins & tenting sites are a primary destination for scouting and other youth events. The cabins are available for all types of organized minor (18 & under) youth group outings with adult (21 & up) supervision. In addition to scout groups, the groups may be youth school groups, youth religious groups or youth community groups.

    Available year-round, the cabins rent from $95-$140, while tenting areas are $6-$35 per night. Click here for more information including prices, capacities, amenities and more. To request a cabin or tenting site, click here to visit our reservations webpage or call the Parks Reservation Department (315) 451-6249. For more information about the campsites, specific amenities and the facilities, contact Highland Forest at (315) 683-5550 or highland@ongov.net.

  • Cross-Country Skiing

    Cross-Country Skiing

    Highland boasts 40 miles of cross-country ski trails, 20 of which are groomed and track-set for all ability levels, and 3 skate ski loops. It is the ideal place for skiers, snowshoers and hikers who are looking to experience the pristine nature that Southern Onondaga County has to offer. Ski, boot & pole rentals are available. 

    Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps.

    Click here
     for the latest condition report.

    Cross Country Ski Day Pass: $10; $5 child (15 & under)

    Cross Country Ski Season Pass: $30; $20 child (15 & under)

    Cross Country Ski Season Passes can be purchased AND paid for online beginning November 1. Click here for more information.

  • Dogs Allowed

    Dogs Allowed

    Dogs must be a 6 ft. leash and remain on hiking trails. They must be under control at all times, inoculated for rabies and never left unattended.

  • Food

    Food

    The Skyline Lodge Cafe will be open winter weekends beginning mid-December from 11:00am-3:00pm. Run by our exclusive caterer, Bull & Bear Roadhouse, hearty fare will be featured on the menu. The cafe will open weather permitting, when the trails are skiable.

  • Historic Sites

    Historic Sites

    Pioneer Museum
    Discover the unique history of Highland Forest and Fabius through an array of photographs and artifacts. Open June - August, Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm. Free admission.  The museum is operated by the Fabius Historical Society. 

  • Horseback Riding

    Horseback Riding

    BYOH...Bring Your Own Horse!

    Horseback trails are open May 1 - October 31. Explore Highland Forest on specially designated horseback trails. All riders must register in the Skyline Lodge, complete an equestrian permit, and be prepared to show Coggins Papers. All riders must use the Highland Forest Horseback Riding Map. For details, parking and gate information, call the office at (315) 683-5550.

    Please note: Guided horseback rides are not available at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Hunting

    Hunting

    Bow/Deer Hunting is permitted in the Fall while Turkey Hunting is allowed in the Spring at Highland Forest. Purchase of a season hunting pass is required.

    Highland Forest Hunting Passes can be purchased online beginning one month before season opening date. Click here for more information.

    All passes purchased will need to be picked up at Highland Forest's Skyline Lodge. Lodge hours are 8:30-4:00pm, daily.. Hunters will need to supply vehicle information and present hunting license. 

    Click here for Bow/Deer Hunting Map & Rules. Click here for Turkey Hunting Rules & Map.

  • Mountain Biking

    Mountain Biking

    Mountain Biking trails are open May 1 - September 30. There is no better place to give your bike a workout than on the 20 miles of trails at the "Adirondacks of Central New York." Highland offers a mix of country road, mountain trail and backwoods adventure while opportunities for Off-Road Bicycling can be found on park roads and on fire lanes. All bikers must park in the Skyline Lodge lot and register inside the lodge. Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps or pick one up at the park office.

  • Picnic Areas

    Picnic Areas

    Highland Forest features two outdoor shelters, Community and Torbert (available May-October) perfect for your next casual family function or group outing.

  • Rentals: Skis

    Rentals: Skis

    Package (includes skis, Boots and Poles) $15 for Adults, $10 for Children ( 15 and under). 
    Individual items, Skis, Boots and Poles all $7 each. 

  • Rentals: Snowshoes

    Rentals: Snowshoes

    Snowshoe rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Adults $10, Child $5 (15 & under). 

  • Sleighrides

    Sleighrides

    Enjoy a classic, horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride through the woods at beautiful Highland Forest Park. Rides are approximately twenty minutes long, run with or without snow, and reservations are required.

    Saturdays & Sundays, December 16 - mid-March, weather permitting
    11:00am-3:30pm (last ride leaves at 3:30pm)
    Additional days of operation: Tuesday-Friday, December 26-29 & Monday, January 1

    $10 per person, under 5 free.

    Click here to reserve online. For more information, contact CNY Carriage Company at (315) 225-3343.

    Private group rides available, ask about that when you call.

  • Sledding

    Sledding

    There is no charge to use the sledding hill which is 300'. Please note: The sledding hill is not supervised.

  • Snowshoeing

    Snowshoeing

    Highland Forest trails offers all levels of snowshoers a chance to enjoy the forest on 6 trails of varying lengths: .5 miles to 8. 7 miles. Snowshoes are rented daily during park hours, conditions permitting, for $10; $5 (15 & under.) 

    Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Map.

  • Trails (Walking/Hiking)

    Trails (Walking/Hiking)

    The best way to experience the great outdoors is to explore the wooded trails of Highland. Click here to download the Highland Forest Trails Map. Some of the trails at Highland Forest are part of the Finger Lakes Trail which begins at the Pennsylvania -New York border in Allegany State Park and continues to the Long Path in the Catskill Preserve.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Highland Forest

Open Daily

Park Hours:
April - November: Dawn to Dusk
December - March: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Office/Skyline Lodge Hours:
April - November: 8:30am - 4:00pm
December - March: 9:00am - 4:30pm

Closed Christmas

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Highland Forest

Highland Forest Trail Use

All park users must register inside the Skyline Lodge or at the ticket booth during the winter season.

Admission
: Free for hikingmountain bikinghorseback riding and snowshoeing.
Not valid for Cross Country Skiing. 

Cross Country Ski Day Pass: $10; $5 child (15 & under). Purchase at Skyline Lodge or ticket booth.

Cross Country Ski Season Pass
: $30; $20 child (15 & under). Purchase online.

SAVE TIME!! Purchase Season Passes ONLINE
Cross Country Ski & Hunting Passes can be purchased AND paid for online beginning one month before season opening dates. Click here for more information. 

Horseback Riding Pass: $25 per person
Passes are valid for a calendar year.
Click here for more information/application. This pass is valid for horseback riding only.
Parking for all daily users is in the general parking lot at Skyline Lodge.  Click here for more information on individual horseback riding requirements.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Highland Forest

Highland Forest Park
1254 Highland Park Road
PO Box 31 - Mailing Address
Fabius, NY 13063

Park Information
(315) 683-5550
Fax: (315) 683-5147
highland@ongov.net

Reservation Information - Skyline Lodge, Shelters & Youth Group Camping
(315) 451-6249
reservations@ongov.net

Find Us On Facebook

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Highland Forest

Current Weather
scattered clouds
Hi 37.8 F° | Lo 27.45 F°
scattered clouds

Rentals

Rentals are NOT available.

Snowfall

No new snow overnight.

Conditions

No base. Spring like conditions.

Additional Information

PARK OPEN: 8:30am. to 4:30pm.

SKYLINE LODGE OPEN: 8:30am.  to 4:30pm.

SLEDDING HILL: CLOSED 

NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SKI TRAILS.

Cross Country Ski Season Passes are now available to purchase ONLINE.
Click here for more information

Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps

Visit Highland Forest on Facebook »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last updated: March 27th, 2024 @ 6:21am

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

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