A few blocks from my hotel was this park. I decided after going about the day and seeing the sights…read moreI wanted to see, it was time to just leisurely walk around. What better place to do it than at a park. Especially one that has so much to offer. When I arrived I came at this park from the intersection of Madison & Ostrom. When I came here it was bit off putting to me as it was where the intersection was a bit wonky that allowed for vehicular to enter the park. So you needed to watch while you walking that no traffic was coming, or just walk about the grass, which is what I did. Being from out of town I had no idea what this park had to offer overall but I did do a lot of exploring which led me to a lot of different areas. I first just walked through the fields and along the tree lines. I backtracked a bit and stumbled upon the pool area. From there, I found the amphitheater and hung around there for a bit. After that, I found the football field and saw a lot of people using it for multiple reasons. From exercising, playing with their dogs, flying drones and many other things. I ended my time in the park at the rose garden. Roses were still coming into bloom, but I didn't mind that. I looked around at the different varieties of roses they had planted. I then sat on a bench for a few minutes to just take in this portion of the park. When I left, I was off towards Syracuse University campus. This park is enormous, and I am glad I was able to spend some time here.

Sometimes I'll take my dog for little road trips to new parks (driving an hour or two from home),…read moreand Thornden Park is one we've been to a couple times. It's a really nice, open park with lots of space to walk around. I do wish they had some sidewalks or something along the roads going up or down the hills, but that's one of the few issues I can think of. The park is maintained well, has a lovely rose garden (one of my friends volunteers here regularly, actually, which is how I found out about the park - they have a "Rose Day" in mid-June to celebrate, and I'm told that timing is mainly because that's when the roses are usually at their peak), and lots of fun features - like the amphitheater area, where my dog was especially interested in watching some folks who were preparing for a summer play. There's a pool area as well, tennis courts, concession area, and so on... and my pup especially seemed to love rolling down the hills just below the Thornden Park Water Tower (pictures included in this review, of course). It's worth noting that I *have* had a couple slightly sketchy experiences here... including one time being followed around by another park goer who seemed to be experiencing some mental health issues. As with anywhere, just be mindful of your surroundings.

I think this park is absolutely beautiful and is one of the newer parks in Syracuse. There are…read moremultiple areas for recreational use. There's also a large playground area that is very new and my daughter absolutely enjoys playing here as well. There's a large parking lot and usually there's not too many people here.

This little gem of a county park has recently updated it's parking lot and trails, adding more…read moreparking, better access for wheelchair bound visitors, additional restrooms, as well as more outdoor seating. There is also a hall available for rent which seats about 50. The rental cost is lower for residents of Madison County. The entire park is designated as non-smoking. The distance from the main parking area to the falls is approximately 200 yards.

We were at a disadvantages as it looked like the main part of the park was undergoing construction…read more- we parked at what appears to be a new parking area, and hiked up a new or newly renovated trail (gravel with lots of steps) but were not really able to see much (we could hear it!) until we arrived at an observation area near the top of the falls - what we saw was gorgeous! I'm sure the 'money shot' of the falls is at the bottom tho' ;) Looks like the facilities will be great when they are completed - Will have to make our way back to check it out!

This was an absolutely GREAT place to visit for a hike! The 11 miles of trails are really well…read moremarked with maps regularly placed along the trail with little "YOU ARE HERE" bubbles. Great Bear is relatively flat with some ups and downs and a number of one-person wide foot bridges. The River's Landing Loop and the Whiskey Island trail go by the Oswego River, which is beeeeautiful. Near the parking area there is a wheelchair friendly loop called The Apply Trail. The park is multi-use- open to hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders, snowshoes, cross country skiers, swimmers, and fishers. There didn't seem to be any specific activity allotted trails when I was there I would recommend keeping your eyes peeled and ears listening, especially for mountain bikers in the warmer months. There are maybe one or two picnic tables near the map kiosk and benches throughout. It's not necessarily a "picnic area" kind of park. On that note: I didn't see any bathrooms or porta potties. Maybe I missed them? Just something to keep in mind. I'll update this review if I find them on a return trip or someone reading may happily correct me. A small unpaved parking area can be found at the intersection of Hawthorne Rd, Rt 57, and Great Bear Road.

This could be a great place to run and bike and walk and let your dogs frolic and do the same…read more There's plenty of room for multiple parties to let their dogs roam free and to wander around while giving others some space. You're always going to bump into entitled people who want everything to be their own way so watch out for them. (you know, the people who think they are self-appointed junior police cadets of everyone else's business, etc. because they don't have any personal happiness). But the main concern here is boatloads of ticks. My canine companions were swarmed with them. At first I didn't notice because of their coat color, and then I realized in the car that the one I could see from the driver seat had a ton of hitchhikers walking all over their face and body. Of course then in the car I found some crawling on the seats etc. Kind of makes you wish you didn't live in upstate New York. Harrowing amounts of ticks. Beware.

My sister and I came here for the first time. When we went to the counter to get our skates, both…read morethe employees were sitting on their phones, not bothering to look up. Eventually when they did, they were rolling their eyes at us, giving us dirty looks, and giving us attitude. When we told them our skate sizes, they reacted like grabbing us skates was the biggest inconvenience for them, with a dramatic sigh from one of them, and a nasty dirty look/side eye from the other girl.

Amazing park that we found just by a nearby google search, and I'm so glad we did! Great play…read moreequipment, benches and a shallow stream for kids to play in. Absolutely perfect! There are bathrooms if you keep driving to the end (past the park) at the athletic center-- you're welcome. :)

The park is always clean and well maintained. The hikes are well marked. The lake itself manifests…read morebeautiful green or blue colors depending on sunlight. There are kayaks available to rent during summer season. Lake is also open for swimming and diving with life guards around.

This lake is unreal! Crystal blue/green clear water. You can see the bottom of the lake. It's…read morebreath taking. I've never seen a lake like this in America. Highly consider visiting June - October. There is a loop trail that goes around the lake that is approximately 3 miles. There are benches along the lake so you can sit and enjoy the view. Park is dog friendly!

Great path and is handicap accessible. Perfect for casual walks and can even be enjoyed in the…read morewinter time. Leash up your pups.

Been going to the canal park for a few years now, since I've moved out this way. My son and I enjoy…read moregoing here and riding bikes and everyone that goes there seems pretty friendly. They have bathroom sites throughout and separate parks along the trail and the scenery is great. They take good care of the trail system as well.

Parking lot is small, can fit maybe 6 cars, but this is a great spot! I take my dog here, leashed…read moreof course, and there are varying levels of trails. It stays pretty cool because of the tree covering. Some of the trails you have to go single file but it's a great location and beautiful views.

Sadly my recent visit was during this hot summer weather. Despite the falls being completely dried…read moreup, I enjoyed my strong along the three falls trail and the pond trail. I look forward to coming back when the falls are running again. This park is a part the Central New York Converservancy. Small parking lot. Good signage.