If you\u2019ve survived a Syracuse winter before, you know that the weather doesn\u2019t stay sunny for long. Lake effect snow typically arrives by early November, and temperatures can start dropping at any time, so take advantage of the nice weather while you still can! Whether you\u2019re into being active or tailgating, Syracuse has plenty to offer. Here\u2019s a list of things to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you haven\u2019t been hiking in Upstate New York, you\u2019re missing out! There are many state parks within driving distance of campus, including Green Lakes, Clark Reservation and Chittenango Falls. Green Lakes also has a beach where you can tan, bring food for a picnic or go swimming \u2013 perfect for a hot day! Some flatter trails, more accessible for walking and running, can also be found close by at the Erie Canal Park and Onondaga Lake Park, where you can hop over to the pickleball courts afterward for some fun competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Barnes Center at The Arch offers Outdoor Adventure trips<\/a> to several parks, with beginner, intermediate and advanced day hikes. For experienced hikers, the University also organizes several overnight backpacking trips at James Kennedy State Forest and Mariposa State Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apples are a Syracuse staple, and whether you\u2019re on the hunt for the best apple cider donut or you\u2019re looking for apples to bake into a pie, there\u2019s plenty of orchards to visit! Abbott Farms<\/a> is the closest, and for just a few dollars, you can go and pick a small basket of apples through the Barnes Center<\/a>. Other local orchards you can visit with your friends on the weekend include Beak and Skiff<\/a>, Navarino Orchard<\/a> and Woznica Orchards<\/a>, but the fun doesn\u2019t stop at apple picking. Most orchards also offer cider, donuts and other festivities, so have fun exploring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a car to easily venture off campus? No problem, you can take a campus shuttle<\/a> to the SU Soccer Stadium for Women\u2019s and Men\u2019s Soccer games! The Men\u2019s Soccer team won the national title three years ago and hopes to replicate that success this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not a soccer fan, field hockey games are also held \u200b\u200bon South Campus at J.S. Coyne Field. Football, volleyball and basketball games are also great indoor options! If the weather cooperates, you can join the herd of Syracuse fans and enjoy some tailgating before the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, the Syracuse Mets<\/a>, the city\u2019s Minor League Baseball team, will close out their 2025 season next week, but they\u2019ll return next semester, in late March. The team will announce a new name next year, so keep an eye out for the opportunity to vote on potential choices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who enjoy playing sports more than watching them, there are many opportunities to join a club sport<\/a> or form an intramural team<\/a> with a few friends. The Barnes Center organizes a number of intramural sports teams that compete in tournaments across different leagues each semester. With everything from 3 vs. 3 basketball to Canoe Battleship, there\u2019s something for everyone to try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone knows about the Rosamond Gifford Zoo<\/a>, but it\u2019s a must-see during your time at Syracuse. From reptiles to jungle cats, this conservation-focused zoo hosts over 300 species in both indoor and outdoor habitats. While the outdoor animals can handle Central New York winters, exploring the zoo and all the exhibits is much more enjoyable in pleasant fall weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another fall activity offered by the Barnes Center is whitewater rafting<\/a>. The program includes transportation to the Black River, which empties into Lake Ontario, and a professional guide for your rafting adventure. Get your wetsuits and hop on a raft for a thrilling, fun ride you won\u2019t want to miss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last but certainly not least, horseback riding<\/a> is also offered through the Barnes Center in the fall. The trip takes you to Highland Forest, where you\u2019ll experience some of Upstate New York\u2019s natural beauty on a one-hour guided horseback trek.<\/p>\n\n\n\nApple Picking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syracuse Athletics Games<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Recreational Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Local Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whitewater Rafting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Horseback Riding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n