Swim In Water That Looks Straight Out Of The Caribbean At This Northeastern State Park
Imagine water that shifts between green, turquoise, and deep blue depending on the light. It's clear and crystalline, and you can feel the stress leaving your body as you gaze across the surface, watching the reflection of the trees and mountains. If your brain just took a trip to a place like St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, who could blame you? Caribbean spots are where we generally imagine settings like this. However, if you happen to be near Syracuse in upstate New York, you can find your peaceful spot right there. Just 10 miles from that college town is Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville.
The park has two lovely bodies of water: Round Lake and Green Lake, which are meromictic, meaning the colder water at the bottom and warmer water at the top don't turn over. Basically, the sediment at the bottom of these deep lakes doesn't float up to the top, nor does it rot, making the water extremely clear, reflective, and almost free of debris. That also makes it perfect for pictures. There is so much to do at Green Lakes State Park, no matter what time of year you visit. Here's what you need to know about the activities you can participate in, like swimming, hiking, and golf.
The waters of Green Lakes State Park
If your first thought when you saw this lake was a dip in those lovely waters — and who could blame you — you can do so at the swimming beach at the northern end of Green Lake. It's open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and there are lifeguards on duty. If you're there on a warm summer day (it gets into the 80s in the summer), it's easy to imagine that you're swimming in the Caribbean. The beach is also accessible with a Hippocampi Beach/All-Terrain wheelchair that is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
The inviting blue and green waters of the lakes were created during the last ice age by glaciers. In addition to being meromitic, the limestone that the lakebeds consist of dissolves into calcium carbonate, which adds a bluish color. The surface of the lakes perfectly reflects the foliage around them. With the trees mirrored in the water, you might even feel like you're swimming in a forest! If you plan to take the perfect social media swimming picture, it's a good idea to have a polarizing filter on your camera lens to help with reflection issues. It also helps to take the pic from a higher angle, even if you have a friend climb up on a rock. Do note that there is a vehicle entrance fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Camping, golfing, and more
In addition to swimming in this blue paradise, you can rent kayaks and row boats at the boathouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day, which is right near the beach. (No private boats are permitted.) While you're out there swimming and boating, keep an eye out for birds. There have been over 170 species spotted in the park, and there is a bird checklist available in case you spot something unusual.
You'll find plenty of amenities at Green Lakes State Park, including restrooms, picnic areas, a nature center near the campground, water fountains, grills, and a disc golf course. In addition, there is an 18-hole golf course designed by noted course architect Robert Trent Jones, with rates and tee times available online for planning in advance. Just don't forget to bring your favorite golf gear for staying cool and confident.
There are over 10 miles of hiking trails in the 2,100-acre park, some of which take you along the lakes. They're also groomed, so you can do some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding in the winter. Plan ahead and pick your spots by accessing the hiking trail map online. You can also camp at Green Lakes State Park from mid-May through mid-October. There are over 130 sites and seven cabins to rent, which you can do at Reserve America. It's even the perfect opportunity to try this simple pool noodle hack to keep your tent safe while you camp.