Rand Tract Park — Attraction in City of Syracuse

I never knew this place existed until a couple of weeks ago. I found out about it on a trail map app. Google maps took us to the residential trailhead. I felt strange parking on the dead end since I don’t know the neighborhood well and saw no other cars, only houses and one of them had a yard full of junk. There is a small green and white sign to mark it’s an actual trail. We were on the main trail which is marked on the ground with spray painted roots or rocks. Some light uphill/downhill walking. It’s challenging enough for a regular trail hiker but not so much that beginners would get discouraged. The trail is mostly dirt with tree roots and small rocks and tree trunks to be aware of, and it gets narrow in 2 spots I can think of but not too hard to pass. The other entrance is where we ended up before going back which was a cemetery. I believe that was where everyone else entered from. My daughter and I ran into 3 regulars with dogs (it’s a dog friendly trail!) who explained some of the history. I guess early spring there’s lots of water coming down from the hill but it was dry as far as I could see in August. There’s another part of the trail up there that’s more rocky and challenging according to them for those interested. There’s plenty of overhead cover with sunlight seeping in enough to see. There’s space between the trees and growth to be able to see what or who’s there. It has a forest feel which I like. I took some pictures which I’ll post. I wouldn’t mind going back since it’s somewhat secluded and good for me, a...

This is a pretty big area. GPS took us to what looks like a dead end but it turned out to be one of the entrances to the park. We just parked in front of the houses but made sure not to block their driveways. Didn't have a problem with any of the residents coming out and telling us to move or anything. The trails aren't well marked. I don't know if it's because everything is covered with leaves or what. We ended up following the stream to where we hoped it would end up: at the big pond. There was one sign closest to the pond telling us the direction. The pond was nice. Tons of ducks. There were a few hills and it all made for...

Getting to this trail was difficult with a bike as you have to go through the duck pond, that does not allow cyclists of any sort. There is a back way to the trial that's behind the church next door and I'm sure there's other entry points that I don't know of. Nice trail, though, with very steep inclines almost as soon as the trail starts. Narrower trails open up to show nice streams running throughout, with one trail leading to the valley cemetery. Might make for a better hike than...