Small town or big city New York, it’s always hard for college students to find cool things to do over the summer. Sure we could go to the mall or Lake Ontario, but how many times can we really visit the same places? What else can we do? One of my favorite things to do is going on “road trips” down all those little side roads I’ve always wondered about. These adventures often lead to previously unknown to me places that are crazy fun to hang out at and enjoy the view! These five places are some of my favorite little-known locations!
1. Green Lakes
This gem is located just outside of Syracuse and just like the name suggests, the lakes are GREEN! The algae growing in the lake allow for the reflection of green across the lakes. Many people know about the main lake with the beach and killer diving board, but if you follow the trails around the lake you’ll come across several other more quiet lakes. The water tends to be ice cold making it a great destination for when the weather finally warms up.
2. Pixley Falls
- This collection of water falls provides all the electricity for the town of Boonville. The main waterfall, which can be accessed by a quick walk down two separate trials, is a great jumping point with a little lagoon at the base! Not only can you jump off the waterfall, you can walk behind it! It’s not exactly the most quiet place but there’s something so magical about watching the water rush over the rocks around. The water falls aren’t the only highlights of Pixley Falls, there’s a vast system of trails accompanied by streams and a giant boulder perfect for practicing your best Jack and Rose pose!
3. Rome Sand Plains
- The Rome Sand Plains can be accessed from Oswego Rd, Hogsback Rd, and Lauther Rd. all just outside of Rome, NY. Here you can find 15,000-acre of forestry, trials, streams, random pop up ponds, hills, and plenty of sand! There’s space for four wheeling, hunting, biking, and my personal favorite wandering around with your favorite furry friend! Not many people know of this place making it the perfect place for some peace and quiet among the trees.
4. Erie Canal Lock 22
- A recent discovery of mine, located a couple miles down a road off of Route 49 heading towards Sylvan Beach is another quiet spot, but this one has plenty of water! An old lock of the Erie Canal waterway not only rich in history, but with greenery, trials, and expansive fields. Enjoy a nice stroll along the water’s edge or back through the woods. Endless opportunities for a fun afternoon picnic and enjoying the views!
5. Lake Delta
Lake Delta is another hidden gem of Rome, NY. Here you can find a state park full of trails and a multitude of access points to the lake including a beach and less swimmer friendly trials, as well as campsites along the lake. I caught my first fish in the waters of Delta and spent many summers jumping off docks at the old campground across the lake from the state park. Along the shores are several homes, but perhaps the more interesting story is the homes beneath the water. Lake Delta is a man-made lake; made right over the old town of Delta in 1908. A dam was built to support surrounding areas which would flood the town of Delta. Residents vacated the area never to return, but all the building remained standing. Today, when the water levels of the lake get low enough, it’s possible to see the peak of the old Delta church! A rare piece of history is now a popular spot for Romans to go boating and all types of family fun, with the memories of a pastime beneath you.
Spend your summer finding new places to love! We all have our favorite popular destinations like the mall or more well-known destinations, like the Adirondacks, but there are hidden wonders much closer to home than you would think. Some of these places are within five minutes of my house and it took me 18 years to find them. Don’t waste your time and gas going to the same old places, make new ones you’re yourself and your friends to enjoys! Kick on your hiking shoes and get exploring!
