March Folkmarch Onondaga Lake (West Shore)

Walk at your own pace • Non-competitive • All ages & abilities welcome

Join us the second weekend of every month for a walk across Central New York!

📅 When

  • Saturday, March 14 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Sunday, March 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Walkers may arrive at any time during event hours to register and begin their walk.

📍 Where (Registration)

Onondaga Lake Visitor Center
266 Restoration Way
Syracuse, NY 13209 

Located at the boat launch just off Exit 11–12B from I-690 (New York State Fair exit).

Get Directions to Check In
View Walk Schedule
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About This Walk

Join CNY Folksmarch for a scenic walk along the west shore of Onondaga Lake. This popular location offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as winter transitions into spring, with open views of the lake and chances to observe local wildlife.

The walk follows a section of the Empire State Trail, providing a flat, accessible route for walkers of all abilities. 

What to Expect

  • Approximately 5K (3 miles) (walk as much or as little as you like)
  • Flat, paved trail suitable for most walkers
  • Views of the lake and surrounding natural areas
  • Opportunities to see early signs of spring
  • Wildlife viewing, including waterfowl and birds of prey

🦅 Special Feature

Staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be available at the Visitor Center to answer questions about the site, conservation efforts, and wildlife along the west shore.

Walkers may want to bring binoculars to look for nesting or hunting eagles and other birds.

Download Our Footnotes Newsletter

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What is a Folksmarch?

CNY Folksmarch is inspired by the German volksmarch tradition—non-competitive walking events designed to encourage fitness, fresh air, and social connection.

  • No set pace
  • No competition
  • Open to all ages and abilities

Whether you walk the full route or just a portion, you’ll find a welcoming community.

💲 Participation Options

  • First-Time Walkers: FREE
  • Adults: $4
  • Youth (6–18): $1
  • Children (5 & under): FREE
  • Family Maximum: $9
  • Annual Membership Pass: $40 
  • Veterans Half Price!
Annual Pass

    👟 What to Bring

    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Layers for March weather
    • Water
    • Binoculars (optional)

    March weather can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly. 

    🌟 Join Us!

    Whether you’re a longtime walker or joining us for the first time, we invite you to come out and enjoy a relaxed, scenic walk along Onondaga Lake.

    Bring a friend, enjoy the fresh air, and experience the simple joy of walking together.

    February Folksmarch at Beaver Lake Nature Center

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Beaver Lake Nature Center , Baldwinsville, New York.

    Join CNY Folksmarch for our February walk at the beautiful Beaver Lake Nature Center, one of Central New York’s most scenic natural areas. [link]

    This self-paced winter folksmarch will take place over two days:

    • Saturday, February 14 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Sunday, February 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Walkers may arrive at any time during the scheduled hours to register their walk and then head out on the trails at their own pace.

    Beaver Lake offers a network of well-maintained, mostly flat trails that wind through forested areas and along the lake’s shoreline. In winter, the landscape is especially peaceful, with open views across the water and opportunities to observe seasonal wildlife. Depending on weather and trail conditions, walkers may enjoy traditional walking, and Beaver Lake may also offer snowshoe rentals or allow cross-country skiing on designated trails.

    CNY Folksmarch is inspired by the German volksmarch tradition—non-competitive, community walks that promote fitness, fresh air, and enjoyment of the outdoors. Our walks are open to people of all experience levels, with no racing and no set pace.

    Whether you’re a longtime folksmarcher or new to our group, we invite you to join us for a refreshing winter walk and a chance to experience Beaver Lake in a quieter season.

    Find out more in our February 2026 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202602feb_newsDownload

    New Year Destiny Walk

    SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Destiny USA, Syracuse, New York.

    Once again, we will hold our first Folksmarch of the year at the centrally located mall: Destiny USA. January weather is unpredictable in our area. We may have a relatively warm winter day for Folksmarchers to walk outside along the Inner Harbor and a portion of the Creek Walk which is a short distance from the mall entrance on Hiawatha Blvd. Others may choose to see what’s new inside the mall by walking the perimeter of the 4 retail floors in order to complete a 5k. 

    Find out more in our January 2026 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202601jan_newsDownload

    December Walk in Jordan

    SATURDAY, December 13 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, December 14, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Christ Episcopal Church, located at 25 North Main Street, Jordan, NY 13080.

    Our local communities often look so festive during the winter holiday season. On the weekend of December 13 and 14, CNY Folksmarch will explore the Village of Jordan, just a short drive west of Syracuse, to enjoy that local feel. Our registration site is Christ Episcopal Church, located at 25 North Main Street, Jordan, NY 13080. This lovely church has a moderate-size parking lot. Convenient street parking is available.

    Find out more in our December 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202512dec_newsDownload

    October Walk at Jamesville Beach

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Rd, Jamesville, NY 13078.

    Jamesville Beach Park located at 3992 Apulia Rd., Jamesville, NY 13078 has changed a lot since Folksmarch was last there 17 years ago. On Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 we will meet at the Overlook Shelter for sign-in. Walking sticks suggested.

    The park has added a huge white tent for gatherings (taken down now), a disc golf course, updated the small playground near the beach (beach is not open at this time of year), and added a huge off-leash dog park starting on the east edge of the developed part of the park. With luck, the leaves will be changing. The walk on grass and dirt trails starting out near the reservoir and along Butternut Creek will lead into the off-leash dog park trails, so be prepared to meet friendly dogs and people. There are a few short ups and downs where walking sticks would help. If it rains on or before the FM, be prepared for some muddy patches. For those who prefer smooth walking, there are paved and dirt roads available.

    Find out more in our October 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202510oct_newsDownload

    Fair Haven on Little Sodus Bay in for our September Walk

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Fair Haven Fire Department, 14447 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven, NY 13156.

    We move south and slightly west from our August location to enjoy a September Folksmarch in and around the Village of Fair Haven. We last visited this lovely village in Cayuga County in July 2022. Walkers will enjoy the chance to walk the vibrant main street and explore shops and businesses. Part of the route will take walkers along residential streets with a view of the bay. There is also a one-mile stretch along a former railroad bed and wooded path.

    Find out more in our September 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202509sep_newsDownload

    North Country Walk

    SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Salmon River Fish Hatchery 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, NY 13302. [website]

    Folksmarch walkers will experience two sites in the north country as part of our walk the weekend of August 9 and 10, 2025.

    First stop for registration will be the Salmon River Fish Hatchery at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, NY 13302. Visitors will be able to watch an information video as well as hear information provided by hatchery staff.

    The second part of our northern walk will be at Salmon River Falls, 186 Falls Road, Richland, NY 13144. The first quarter of a mile is wheelchair-accessible and takes walkers to the Falls.

    Find out more in our August 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202508aug_newsDownload

    Canal Landing Park in July

    SATURDAY, JULY 12 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Canal Landing Park, 120 Limestone Plaza, Fayetteville, NY. (website)

    CNY Folksmarch will be walking along a feeder of the Erie Canal in the Village of Fayetteville in July. Join your fellow walkers on the weekend of July 12 and 13 at Canal Landing Park, 120 Limestone Plaza, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Registration will be at the covered area between the parking lot and the playground.

    Find out more in our July 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202507jul_newsDownload

    Walk Into Summer at Lime Hollow Nature Center

    SATURDAY, JUNE 14 , 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland, NY.

    CNY Folksmarch heads south in June to a spot we explored a few years ago. The
    weekend of June 14th and 15th will have walkers enjoy the trails at Lime Hollow Nature
    Center, just a short drive south of the city of Cortland.
    Registration will be at the Visitor Center at 338 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045.

    Find out more in our June 2025 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

    202506jun_newsDownload