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boardwalk trails

Trails Overview

As a research station, Rice Creek is dedicated to the study, conservation, and restoration 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, over 5 miles of nature trails provide access to the numerous habitats around Rice Creek.

To help preserve Rice Creek, please practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes removing pet waste and other litter, staying on trails, and observing wildlife and plants without disturbing them. Hunting, fishing, and boating are not permitted. Following these principles helps make Rice Creek a better place for everyone to enjoy. See more of what to do and not to do below. 

Activities

  • Biking (Orange Trail only)
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Dog-walking, on leash
  • Hiking
  • Nature observation
  • Snowshoeing
download trail map (pdf) Live google map interactive ecological map

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. Currently, only the PDF map includes the Purple Trail, Rice Creek's inclusive access trail, which opened in 2026.

Trails

Rice Creek's trail system includes five trails that together total over five miles, providing visitors, researchers, and students with access to varied terrain and natural habitats.

Trail through the woods with stone dust and boardwalk

Purple Trail (Accessible)

Distance: 0.56 miles (0.9 km)

Rice Creek's newest trail, the Purple Trail was designed to provide inclusive access to nature. Built to U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, the trail's sturdy boardwalk and crushed stone surfaces and gentle slopes offer universal benefits while allowing three-season access to individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and other assistive devices. This out-and-back trail traverses young forest, mature forest, wildflower plots, and a rotationally mowed field. It passes next to a woodland vernal pool, and crosses Rice Creek with views of wetlands and beaver-modified areas. The Purple Trail also hosts rotating interpretive information and a summer Story Walk courtesy of Oswego Public Library.

Green trail

Green Trail

Distance: .75 miles (1.2 km)

The Snygg Trail (Green Trail) is a gentle, intermediate loop. It meanders through young woods and wetlands along Rice Pond and Rice Creek. The trail passes beaver activity areas, a locust grove, shrublands, and an evergreen plantation. It features a variety of local trees and native wildflowers.

Blue trail

Blue Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)

Our Blue Trail is rich in diverse plant and animal life. It guides hikers through several distinctive habitats, including a conifer plantation, a willow grove, and open meadows. The trail also features transitional hardwoods and wetland forests along Rice Creek and Rice Pond.

Red trail

Red Trail

Distance: .93 miles (1.5 km)

Exhibiting the full range of natural succession, the Red Trail passes through hedgerows and young woodlands. It then moves into a spruce and pine plantation. The trail skirts Hilton Pond, crosses an open field and a stone fence, and leads into a mature hardwood forest. Along the way, you'll see remnants of past farm use.

Orange trail

Orange Trail

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)

This trail features the most diverse terrain. It traverses the drumlin ridge and slopes, passes through fallow fields and young woodlands, and continues through an evergreen plantation. The trail then leads into a mature hardwood forest at the northeast corner of the property. Along the way, you'll see remnants of abandoned orchards and evidence of glacial activity.

While at Rice Creek

Please do:

  • Stay on designated trails 
  • Only take photos and observe wildlife and plants
  • Practice leave no trace, carry out any trash you create or find
  • Keep dogs on a leash and carry out pet waste
  • Respect the property of adjacent neighbors and landowners; stay on Rice Creek property

Please do not:

  • Remove or disturb wildlife or vegetation
  • Camp on Rice Creek property
  • Boat, kayak, or canoe
  • Swim in Rice Creek waters
  • Hunt, trap, or fish
  • Smoke or vape while visiting

Contact

193 Thompson Road
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: 315.312.6677
Email: [email protected]

Hours

Building Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm
Saturday, 9 am–3 pm

Trail Hours
Dawn to dusk

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