The Deer Run Trail is located just west of the entrance to Green Lakes State Park, off of Route 290 (Green Lakes Road) in Fayetteville, New York. According to All Trails, this trail is 2.7 miles but my dad and I explored different paths and turned it into 4 miles!

My dad had found this trail because he would drive by it on his way to the canal to go bike riding with my mom! He would often see a few cars parked in the tiny parking lot and figured it was worth a shot to hike.

I loved this hike because it was very easy and relaxing. The trail was full of wild flowers and also offered different vantage points of the surrounding area! I feel like it can be hard to find spots in Upstate New York that show off vantage points of the surrounding area since often times the trees get in the way of our view.

Post-Hike Lunch

After our hike, we stopped at my favorite cafe in Syracuse, Hope Cafe and Teahouse! I love Hope Cafe and Teahouse not only for their amazing Peruvian dishes, but also for their mission. They are a not-for-profit business that donates their profits to The People Project, which is an organization that helps people in need around the globe. You can see how they have made an impact in the picture below. I ordered their guanabana smoothie and my dad and I each had a panini! In addition to their delicious food and incredible mission, the staff is always so friendly and happy to see me when I come home from college :)

The Sunset at Deer Run Trail

When my dad and I first hiked the Deer Run Trail, we noticed a small hill you can climb at the very beginning of the hike when you first leave the parking lot that brings you to a view of the surrounding area. From here, my dad and I noticed this view faced west, which meant this spot would be ideal for watching the sunset! We decided to come back another night and see for ourselves, and we weren’t disappointed.

This sunset spot is great not only because it has a good view of the surrounding area, but also because we had the spot all to ourselves! I would say this spot would be good for a small sunset picnic, as long as you’re able to carry the food up a steep, unsteady path.

After the sunset, my dad and I stopped at my favorite ice cream shop in the Fayetteville area, called Gabrielle Chocolates and Ice Cream. I mentioned them in another blog post as well! They have very rich and creamy homemade ice cream with soo many flavor options! You definitely need to check them out next time you’re in the area!

Location:

Parking lot for Deer Run Trail: 43.054, -75.997

Sunset Spot: 43.053, -75.999

Where is your favorite place to watch the sunset in Syracuse? Let me know in the comments below!