Verona Beach State Park is located on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake. Shaded picnic areas and the campground are adjacent to the beach with an excellent view of the water. The lake, Black Creek, cattail marshes, and bottomland hardwood swamps give Verona Beach one of the most diverse aquatic habitats in central New York.
Running diagonally through the eastern half of the park is an unpaved rail-trail, which follows the former Lehigh Valley Railroad through lush woodlands. The rail-trail is less than 2 miles long, but connects to other nature trails in the park, which total 8 miles.
Take the Thruway (I-90) to exit 34 (Canastota), then follow Rt. 13 to the park entrance.
Rode through the state park with a rigid 29” mountain bike for a slow day ride. The brush-hogged trails I found to be exceptional. They are fairly wide and have some low spots with water. It is just rugged enough to give you good woodland immersion, but smooth enough where you don’t have to hike-a-bike a lot because of water or trail construction. Signs/arrows are posted at most intersections along with a few trail head maps at the start. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a “hiking trail” you can ride on.
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