Camping - Youth Groups

Available year-round 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

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, Due to Covid-19, rentals are not available for the 2020-21 season.  Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps. 

Cross Country Ski Season Passes - New for the 2020-2021 ski season, all passes must be purchased using our online application. Click here for more information and the application.
Please note: Season Passes will NOT be available to purchase at the park.

Click here for the latest condition report.

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

Concession type foods available weekends mid-December - mid-March, 11am-4pm. 

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 trails are open May 1 - October 31. Explore Highland Forest on specially designated horseback trails. All riders must register in the Skyline Lodge, fill out an equestrian permit, be prepared to show Coggins Papers and pay the $3 daily park admission or purchase a $25 horseback riding pass (good for unlimited use for 1 year, within season, and includes entry gate access.) All riders must use the Highland Forest Horseback Riding Map. For details, parking and gate information, call the office at (315) 683-5550.

Horseback Rides
Enjoy an outing on horseback at Highland Forest. Rides provided by Highland Outfitters, are $35 per person per hour, available for ages 5 & up and are by appointment only, call (315) 289-3775.

2020 Hours of Operation:
May 9 - June 21 • Friday, Saturday & Sunday • 10:00am-5:00pm
June 23 - September 6 • Tuesday - Sunday • 10:00am-5:00pm
September 11 - October 25 • Friday, Saturday & Sunday • 10:00am-5:00pm

Group Reservations and Rates available upon request

Hunting

Bow/Deer Hunting is permitted in the Fall while Turkey Hunting is allowed in the Spring at Highland Forest. Permits can obtained in person at the park during park hours.
Click here for Bow/Deer Hunting Map & Rules. Click here for Turkey Hunting Rules & Map.

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

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

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.  Due to Covid-19, rentals are currently not available.

Rentals: Snowshoes

Snowshoe rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Adults $10, Child $5 (15 & under). Due to Covid-19, rentals are currently not available.

Sleighrides

Enjoy a picturesque 20 minute sleigh (or hay) ride through the Highland Forest's winter woods.  Due to Covid-19, all rides are by prior RESERVATION ONLY, call (315) 289-3775. Masks are required.
Please note, Skyline Lodge is currently closed.

2020 - 21 Hours of Operation:
December 12 - March 14 • Weekends 

• 11am - 3:30pm, last ride leaves at 3:30pm
• $8 per person; $5 for ages 5 & under

For more information about Highland Outfitters Inc., our ride vendor, or to book a private sleigh ride, call (315) 289-3775.

Sledding

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

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.) Due to Covid-19, rentals are not available.

Daily Admission: $3 per person
Annual Park Pass: $25. Passes are valid for a calendar year. Click here for more information/application. This pass is valid for snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding. This pass is not valid for Cross Country Skiing.

Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Map.

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.