As a research station, Rice Creek is dedicated to the study, preservation, and management of the environment. It's a living laboratory for SUNY Oswego students and faculty and others interested in learning about local ecology and conservation. In an effort to increase environmental awareness, nature trails (almost 5 miles in total) provide access to the numerous habitats around Rice Creek.

Please practice "leave no trace" principles during your visit by keeping dogs on leash, removing pet waste, and refraining from hunting, fishing, and boating (including kayaking/canoeing). 

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Dog-walking (only on leash; please remove waste)
  • Biking (Orange Trail only)
  • Nature observation

Mobile users with the Google Maps app can view their current location in reference to the RCFS trails using the Live Google Map linked above.

Trails

Green Trail

Distance: 1.2 km [.75 miles]
The Snygg Trail (Green Trail) is a gentle, intermediate loop that meanders through young woods and wetlands bordering the upper reaches of Rice Pond and Rice Creek, past areas of beaver activity, through a locust grove, and through shrublands and an evergreen plantation. It features a number of local trees and native wildflowers.

Blue Trail

Distance: 1.8 km [1.1 miles]
This trail, rich in a diversity of plant and animal life, takes the hiker through several distinctive habitats. These include a conifer plantation, a willow grove, open meadows, transitional hardwoods, and wetland forest along Rice Creek and Rice Pond.

Red Trail

Distance: 1.5 km [.93 miles]
This trail, exhibiting the full range of natural succession, passes through hedgerows and young woodlands, progresses through a spruce and pine plantation, skirts Hilton Pond, passes through an open field, crosses a stone fence, and then takes the hiker into a mature hardwood forest community. While on this trail you'll see remnants of prior farm use.

Interpretive Walking Guide

Orange Trail

Distance: 3.2 km [2 miles]
This trail has the most diverse terrain and traverses the drumlin ridge and slopes, passes through fallow fields and young woodlands, continues through an evergreen plantation, and then takes the hiker into a mature hardwood forest community at the northeast corner of the property. You'll also see remnants of abandoned orchards and glacial activity.

While at Rice Creek

Please:

  • Stay on designated trails and do not remove or disturb wildlife or vegetation
  • Leave no trace: carry out any trash you create or find
  • Respect the property rights of neighbors and adjacent landowners and stay on Rice Creek property

Please no:

  • Camping
  • Boating, kayaking, canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting, trapping or fishing
  • Smoking