Clark Reservation State Park

Closed — The park is open year-round for day use from sunrise to sunset. Pavilion rentals and the Nature Center operate seasonally from mid-May through Labor Day. This is a day-use only park with no overnight camping facilities.

About

Clark Reservation State Park is a remarkable 365-acre natural area that preserves a unique glacial landscape formed during the last ice age. At the heart of the park lies a rare meromictic plunge basin lake, a geological phenomenon where the surface waters and bottom waters do not mix. The park's dramatic topography includes rugged cliffs rising 175 feet above the water, rocky outcrops, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Visitors can explore five distinct hiking trails, including the challenging cliff trail with spectacular overlooks. The park is renowned among botanists for its exceptional plant diversity, particularly its many fern species that thrive in the unique microclimate created by the glacial basin. Anglers can fish for pickerel, bullheads, and sunfish, while birdwatchers may spot cedar waxwings, kingfishers, and various woodpecker species. The volunteer-operated Nature Center, housed in a historic 1930s stone building, offers exhibits on the park's geology, botany, and wildlife, along with guided nature walks and environmental education programs. The park features picnic areas, a playground, and two reservable pavilions. Clark Reservation State Park operates as a day-use facility and does not offer overnight camping.

Directions

Located at 6105 East Seneca Turnpike in Jamesville, New York, approximately 5 miles southeast of Syracuse.

Nearby Campgrounds