​​Ithaca Area Gem: Green Lakes State Park 🏞️💚​​

📍 ​​Green Lakes State Park​​, located just ​​east of Syracuse​​, is a ​​1-hour drive​​ from Ithaca and worth every minute! With ​​$10 parking for the whole day​​, this park is famous for its ​​crystal-clear, emerald-green waters​​—yes, the lakes really look this magical in sunlight! ✨ 🏊 ​​Weekend Vibes​​ = Crowded but lively! The ​​designated swimming area​​ was packed (like "dumplings in a pot" 🥟), but you can also ​​rent kayaks​​ to explore freely. 🚶‍♂️ ​​The Lake Trail​​ (a ​​1-hour loop​​) was my favorite part—​​shaded by trees​​, with soft wood-chip paths underfoot. So peaceful, with only the sounds of ​​rustling leaves​​ and ​​gentle waves​​. Benches along the way are perfect for ​​reading, relaxing, or people-watching​​ (lots of sweet elderly couples here!). 🐟 ​​Wildlife Spotting​​: The lakes are teeming with ​​fish​​, while ​​dragonflies and damselflies​​ dart around the shore. 🍂 ​​Seasonal Perks​​: ​​Summer​​ = Perfect for cooling off! ​​Fall​​ = Foliage must be stunning here. ​​Who’s been here?​​ What’s your favorite season to visit? Share below! ⬇️ #NYStateParks #UpstateNY #GreenLakes #Syracuse #NatureEscapes