Syracuse.com - Figura Challenge: Readers talk about their visits to Green Lakes, Taughannock Falls (Week 3)

[HuntingNY-News]

The challenge consists of visiting 15 prime Central New York outdoors locations this summer.

We're entering Week 3 of "The Figura Challenge." The challenge consists of visiting 15 prime Central New York outdoors locations this summer.

All are within an hour's ride of Syracuse. Do yourself a favor. Check them out.

Meanwhile, I'm writing this week about the offerings at one of the 15 prime locations -- the great blue heron rookery at the Sterling Nature Center in northern Cayuga County. It's one of nature's wonders that should be seen.

When you visit one of these locations, send me a note about your impressions and photos to show you were there. Send your stuff to [email protected].

Meanwhile, here's comments supplied by two readers who've taken me up on the challenge.

Marguerite Dodd wrote:

"I've attached pictures from my recent visit to Green Lakes State Park. Green Lakes is truly one of my favorite places to go in Central New York.

"I grew up coming here quite often, with my grandma, family, for swimming lessons, camping with friends, when I took up running and when I'm looking to escape in a hike. Green Lakes literally has something for everyone to enjoy, camping, hiking, swimming, biking and golfing.

Marguerite DoddMarguerite Dodd 

"It has what has the be the most scenic golf course in CNY, many miles of hiking trails that takes out out by the water, in the depths of the largest stand of old growth forests in Central New York and camp sights. Not to mention one of its coolest assets, the crystal green/blue color of both Green and Round Lakes.

"If you're curious what causes the beautiful colors of the lakes, what an old growth forest is, what species of animals live in the park, there are educational opportunities in the trail signs all along the trail around both lakes. It's $8 to enter the park during the day, however its free after 7 and the park closes at dawn."

Lindsay Watkins wrote the following about his hiking trip on the gorge trail at Taughannock Falls on the western side of Cayuga Lake:

"I must say - this was a perfect hike! I just recently moved back to the area and I am once again in love with upstate.

A scene at Taughannock Falls State ParkLindsay Watkins 

"This hike was a perfect combo of breathtaking views with just enough glute blast from the north rim trail to make me not feel guilty eating Ithaca's own Purity Ice cream.

"On the way home we stopped and purchased growlers from a new farm brewery hopshire. Delicious! Thanks for the challenge!"

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog