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New York
Onondaga County

Mattydale

The best running trails around Mattydale

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 1, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan your next jogging route around Mattydale, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which trails are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in: komoot's community has explored, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best jogging routes Mattydale has to offer, saving you the guesswork.

Jogging around Mattydale means you get a fantastic mix of urban green spaces, historic pathways, and natural features. You can expect everything from flat, paved paths along the waterfront to more varied terrain with gentle hills in nearby parks. The landscape here truly offers something for every runner, whether you're looking for a relaxed lakeside jog or a more challenging workout through parkland.

For a truly scenic and accessible run, we'd start with the Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Liverpool. At 8.8 miles (14.1 km), it offers fantastic views along Onondaga Lake's shoreline and is a moderate effort that feels incredibly rewarding. If you're after something a bit shorter and flatter for a relaxed outing, the Onodaga Lake (East Shore) – Onodaga Lake loop from Liverpool is a perfect choice at 4.9 miles (7.9 km) with minimal elevation gain. With more than 280 runners already exploring Mattydale's varied terrain with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Onondaga Creek – Armory Square loop from Syracuse
  2. 2

    Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Liverpool
  3. 3

    Onondaga Creek – Thornden Park loop from Syracuse

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Onondaga Creek – Armory Square loop from Syracuse

20.7 km

110 m

Hard

Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Liverpool

14.1 km

30 m

Moderate

Onondaga Creek – Thornden Park loop from Syracuse

17.2 km

150 m

Hard

Onodaga Lake (East Shore) – Willow Bay loop from Liverpool

7.89 km

0 m

Moderate

Niagara Hudson Building loop from Syracuse

9.93 km

20 m

Moderate

Armory Square – Onondaga Creek loop from Syracuse

5.31 km

20 m

Moderate

Armory Square loop from Syracuse

21.1 km

90 m

Hard

Running loop from Henninger High School

7.75 km

70 m

Moderate

Meadowbrook Detention Basin loop from JMA Wireless Dome

7.13 km

20 m

Moderate

Thornden Park loop from Syracuse

10.3 km

110 m

Moderate

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1.

Onondaga Creek – Armory Square loop from Syracuse

20.7km

02:09

110m

110m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2.

Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Liverpool

14.1km

01:28

30m

30m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8.

Running loop from Henninger High School

7.75km

00:49

70m

70m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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10.

Thornden Park loop from Syracuse

10.3km

01:07

110m

110m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

View route

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Tips from the Community

trai
September 20, 2025, Willow Bay

Cute, but be mindful of ebikes going high speed

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Lisa
June 25, 2025, Thornden Park

76-acre Thornden Park is a pleasant urban refuge with almost anything you could want: Flowers? There's a rose garden and a lily pond. Performing arts? There's an amphitheater and stage. Sports? You'll find a football field, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor exercise equipment, playground equipment for the kids, and a lot more... plus public bathrooms.

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There's a turnoff from the Onondaga Creekwalk to Franklin Square, the park that marks an old industrial neighborhood, now revitalized for residential and commercial use. Technically, this is part of the Lakefront neighborhood.

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Onondaga Lake provides a picturesque setting for leisurely walks or bike rides along its shores. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views across the lake.

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Alexandra P
December 11, 2023, Willow Bay

Situated on the shores of Onondaga Lake, Willow Bay is a special place to enjoy a break and great views of the lake. The lake is considered sacred for Onondaga Nation.

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Alexandra P
November 17, 2023, Willow Bay

Situated on the shores of Onondaga Lake, Willow Bay is a special place to enjoy a break and great views of the lake. The lake is considered sacred for Onondaga Nation.

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0

Alexandra P
November 17, 2023, Onodaga Lake

Onondaga Lake provides a picturesque setting for leisurely walks or bike rides along its shores. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views across the lake.

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0

oliviakellis
November 13, 2023, Thornden Park

Thornden Park in Syracuse, New York, invites with 76 acres of greenery, playgrounds, and recreational spaces. Renowned for its amphitheater and rose garden, it's an ideal spot outside the city for a pleasant walk in nature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many running routes are available around Mattydale?

You can explore nearly 50 diverse running routes around Mattydale on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and fitness levels.

Are there easy running routes suitable for beginners in the Mattydale area?

Yes, Mattydale offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners. There are 5 routes classified as easy on komoot. Many of these are found on flat, paved paths like those along the Erie Canalway Trail or sections of Onondaga Lake Park.

What kind of terrain can I expect on jogging routes near Mattydale?

The Mattydale area offers a varied running landscape. You'll find mostly paved paths along waterfronts like Onondaga Lake, flat and well-maintained sections of the Erie Canalway Trail, and urban green spaces. For those seeking more varied terrain, nearby Green Lakes State Park provides trails with gentle hills and meadows through old-growth forests.

Are there any scenic running trails with water views around Mattydale?

Absolutely! Onondaga Lake Park is a prime location for scenic runs with water views, offering over 10 miles of trails along the lake's shoreline. A great example is the Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Village of Liverpool, which provides beautiful vistas of Onondaga Lake.

What interesting landmarks or natural features can I see while running near Mattydale?

While jogging near Mattydale, you can encounter several notable features. The Erie Canalway Trail offers historic views, and Onondaga Lake provides expansive water scenery. In Syracuse, Thornden Park is a beautiful urban green space, and you might even spot the Jerry Rescue Monument.

Are there any running routes that are suitable for families or those with strollers?

Yes, many of the flatter, paved sections of trails are suitable for families and strollers. The Bear Trap Creek Bikeway in Mattydale and the extensive paved trails at Onondaga Lake Park are excellent choices for a smooth and accessible running experience.

Can I bring my dog on the running trails around Mattydale?

Many outdoor areas in the Central New York region are dog-friendly, especially on leash. Onondaga Lake Park and sections of the Erie Canalway Trail are generally welcoming to dogs. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out, as rules can vary.

Are there any circular running routes available?

Yes, many of the routes around Mattydale are designed as loops, offering a convenient circular experience. For instance, the Niagara Hudson Building loop from Syracuse is a moderate 10 km circular route, and the Willow Bay – Onondaga Lake Outlet loop from Village of Liverpool is another popular moderate option.

What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Mattydale?

The komoot community highly rates the running experiences around Mattydale, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility to diverse running environments, from scenic waterfront paths to tranquil parklands, and the variety of routes suitable for all skill levels.

Are there options for longer distance running or more challenging routes?

Certainly. For those seeking longer distances or a more challenging run, there are 8 routes classified as difficult. The Onondaga Creek – Armory Square loop from Syracuse is a demanding 21.2 km (13.2 miles) route that follows Onondaga Creek through varied urban and green areas.

Is there parking available near the running trails?

Yes, most major parks and trailheads in the Mattydale vicinity, such as Onondaga Lake Park, Green Lakes State Park, and Thornden Park, offer designated parking areas for visitors. For specific routes, checking the komoot tour details will often provide information on nearby parking options.

When is the best time of year to go running around Mattydale?

The Central New York region offers running opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially on shaded trails or along the waterfront where breezes can be refreshing. Winter running is possible, but trails may be snowy or icy, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.

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