Cortland: Glacial Valley, Trails and Culture

Cortland offers a wide range of ways to explore: at Labrador Hollow Unique Area, paddling meets an impressive glacial valley; hiking trails, museums and seasonal events add further highlights. You can plan your trip around whether nature, water or culture takes center stage.

Glacial Valley, Water and Long-Distance Trails

Labrador Hollow Unique Area lies in a glacial valley that runs from north to south. Its walls rise steeply for several hundred feet, giving the landscape a distinctive shape. Paddling is possible on Labrador Pond, which has a hand-carry boat launch on its west shore. More than 107 different bird species have been recorded in the area—another reason to visit for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

There are trails for a range of hikes: James Kennedy State Forest has 16 miles of Finger Lakes hiking trails. The Finger Lakes Trail, by contrast, is a long-distance hiking trail stretching more than 560 miles from the Pennsylvania border at Allegany State Park to the Long Path in Catskill Forest Preserve. Its route through Cortland County runs mainly from Cuyler in the northeast to Harford in the southwest; there are numerous trailheads with convenient parking along the route. At the Lime Hollow Nature Center, the Action TrackChair can be used free of charge on many trails. Check before your visit whether a reservation is required.

Water and Activities at Different Paces

Dwyer Memorial Park combines boating facilities with nature trails. From June through August, performances by Cortland Repertory Theatre take place in the park’s Main Pavilion—a seasonal cultural event you can combine with time outdoors. At Greek Peak, rides on the Mountain Coaster are offered year-round at the Adventure Center. The Bike Park has 20 different trails, and a chairlift carries riders and bikes up the mountain. Zipline rides are another way to take to the air.

Cascades Indoor Waterpark at Hope Lake Lodge offers water-based fun year-round. Attractions include a wave pool, water slides, interactive play features and a heated outdoor pool. This gives you a contrast between outdoor trails and activities and a water park that’s open year-round. Which of these experiences suits your trip can also be a helpful starting point when looking for a vacation rental.

Museums and Stages with Varied Themes

CNY Living History Center comprises three museums, each with a distinct focus. Homeville Museum covers military and local history, Brockway Museum explores the history of Brockway Trucks in Cortland, and Tractors of Yesteryear Museum focuses on agricultural history. 1890 House Museum tells the story of the global wire industry built by inventor Chester Wickwire, as well as the lives of the Wickwire family, their servants and factory workers.

At Rozanne Brooks Museum, collection objects complement the program: the collection comprises nearly 200 objects, about half of which are on display at any given time. The museum also hosts an annual lecture series featuring up to five speakers on regions such as Africa, Asia and the Americas, and offers educational programs for visiting school and after-school groups. Educational programs such as artist talks, lectures, performances and workshops are part of Dowd Gallery’s exhibitions.

Events and Discoveries Along the Way

June Dairy Parade is considered the largest parade of its kind in New York State. The annual summer festival program in Cortland County includes arts, wine and live music events; as the program can change by season, it’s a good idea to check the dates for your trip.

Cortland County Ice Cream Trail is a self-guided route with 14 stops throughout the county and is available seasonally. Participants collect stamps at each stop and can receive a pin after collecting all 14. Another way to explore the county is the Experience Cortland GeoTour, which has 20 geocaches; individual caches may not always be available. Submit the code words in the correct order to receive a free GeoTour pin. Check the current participation guidelines in advance, as procedures may change.

Choosing where to stay can become part of planning your trip, without limiting yourself to just one kind of experience.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cortland, Marathon, Mcgraw, Seneca County, Yates County, Rockland, Cayuga County, St. Lawrence.

For the main travel overview: New York.