Lakeland Trails via Onondaga Lake Park. is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Syracuse, New York, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 118.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
An alternative to Onondaga Lake Park’s popular West Shore Trail, you get off the beaten path and see more of Lakeland. There is traffic noise from the interstate, but lots of pretty natural sights, a pond, a lake, cattails, woods, birds and other wildlife. Experience walking over a 6 lane highway via 2 pedestrian bridges. On the west side of I690 there are few people on the lightly used trails of Lakeland. Its more of a natural setting, used mainly by locals.
The trail surfaces on this walk vary, including blacktop, gravel, grass and dirt. Bike friendly.
I started on Pleasant Beach Rd. at the I690 pedestrian overpass. There is a small parking lot there which was convenient. After crossing over via the pedestrian bridge you will be on the West Shore Trail.
Waypoint 2
Staying straight, you will leave West Shore Trail, and head onto the Lakeland Trail.
Waypoint 3
Walking along a long, thin body of water on your left and woods on your right, enjoy the natural setting where there are opportunities to view wildlife. At the end of the pond there will be another pedestrian bridge.
Waypoint 4
You will “T” back into the West Shore Trail. Take a right and enjoy the views of Onondaga Lake. You can walk back to the West Shore Trail/Lakeland Trail split, or use a cut through. I used the cut through.
Waypoint 5
Cut through
Waypoint 6
Pedestrian bridge over I690.
Waypoint 7
View over Interstate 690
Waypoint 8
I turned around at the I 690 (Exit 5) underpass. The trail continues on if you so desire.
Waypoint 9
At this point you can 1) return on the Lakeland Trail/West Shore Trail, 2) walk through a quiet residential neighborhood via Beach Rd to Beachview Ave (past Lakeland Park) to Alhan Pkwy, or 3) walk the RR tracks back to your starting point.