Verona Beach State Park, located on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, is a picnicker's and camper's delight. Shaded picnic areas and the campground are adjacent to the beach with an excellent view of the water.  The eastern side of NY 13, the park boasts that it has 14 miles of trails, although most are unmarked old woods roads.  A police shooting range is located near one of the trails on the eastern side of the park, which can make a hiker nervous if you were unaware hearing the numerous gun shots.

The lake, Black Creek, cattail marshes, and bottomland hardwood swamps give Verona Beach one of the most diverse aquatic habitats in the Central Region. It's well worth trying a hike on the "Woods and Wetland" nature trail to explore the area. The winter season hosts snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and ice fishermen. The eastern portion of the park is open for hunting deer, small game, and waterfowl, in season.

Directions

• Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: Thruway (I-90) east to exit 34 (Canastota); NY13 north to park entrance.
• New York, Albany, Utica: Thruway (I-90) west to exit 34 (Canastota); NY 13 north to park entrance.

Hiking the Nature Trail

Black Creek

Campsite 43 at Verona Beach State Park