Winter at Green Lakes

Green Lakes State Park stays open all winter, from dawn to dusk, and outside the summer season there is no vehicle fee. NYS Parks says about 15 miles of the park's trails are open to cross-country skiers, and snowshoeing is allowed. The beach, boat rentals, campgrounds and golf course close for the season, and the golf course entrance off Route 5 is closed in winter, so use the main entrance off Route 290.

What's Open

• The park and trails: dawn to dusk, every day.
• Cross-country skiing: about 15 miles of trail, according to NYS Parks.
• Snowshoeing: allowed on park trails.
• The Green Lake Trail: the flat lake loop is the easiest winter walk. Bikes are never allowed on it.
• The Environmental Education Center: NYS Parks says the center "has heat, so visit us any time of year." Its October 2026 hours were noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; check the park page for winter hours.

What's Closed

• The beach, boat rentals, the camp store and the campgrounds and cabins close for the season.
• The golf course closes, and its entrance off Route 5 is marked "closed for winter" on the park map.

Skiing and Snowshoeing Tips

• Pick your trail by the map. The lake trails are flat; the western and southern trails climb steep glacial slopes. See the trail map.
• Stay off the ice. The lakes are deep and meromictic, and NYS Parks does not list ice skating or ice fishing among Green Lakes' activities. Treat the ice as closed.
• Daylight is short. The park closes at dusk; start early.
• Hunting: NYS Parks issues a self-issued hunting permit for Green Lakes and publishes a hunting map. Wear a bright colour on the outer trails in hunting season. See rules.

Getting There in Winter

Use the main entrance off Route 290, on the park's north side, and park in the lots by the beach. There is no fee outside the summer season. See parking and directions.

Other Winter Walks Nearby

The Old Erie Canal towpath runs flat past the park's north edge, and NYS Parks lists snowmobiling among its uses.