Dryden New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dryden, New York.
1. Jim Schug Trail
SCENIC FLAT PATHWAY
The Jim Schug Trail offers a pleasant 4.2-mile flat and easy pathway perfect for walking, bike riding, and snowshoeing in Dryden. Visitors can enjoy the accessible trail year-round with its well-maintained surface and natural surroundings. The trail serves as the starting point for the larger Dryden Rail Trail system, making it an ideal beginning for longer adventures through the town.
2. Dryden Lake Park
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Dryden Lake Park provides a serene lakeside setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation in the heart of Dryden. The park features both playground facilities and natural areas for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife viewing, and easy access to the connecting trail systems that traverse the area.
3. Yellow Barn State Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Yellow Barn State Forest stretches over several miles offering extensive hiking and mountain biking trails through diverse woodland habitats. During winter months, the forest transforms into a cold-weather recreation area perfect for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing adventures. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the forest's natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife spotting throughout all seasons.
4. Bacchus Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Bacchus Brewing Company welcomes visitors to experience locally crafted beers in a friendly atmosphere in Dryden. The brewery offers a selection of handcrafted beverages that showcase regional flavors and brewing traditions. Guests can enjoy tasting flights, full pours, and the opportunity to learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff.
5. Dryden Rail Trail
CONNECTING COMMUNITY PATHWAY
The Dryden Rail Trail begins at the end of Jim Schug Trail in the Village of Dryden and extends through multiple communities including Freeville, Etna, and Varna. This extensive trail network allows hikers and cyclists to journey from Dryden all the way to Ithaca via interconnected pathways. The trail showcases the natural beauty and rural character of the region while providing a car-free transportation corridor between neighborhoods.
6. Monkey Run Preserve
CHALLENGING CREEK VIEWS
Monkey Run Preserve offers medium to hard difficulty trails that reward hikers with spectacular scenic views along Fall Creek. The preserve's paths wind through areas of beautiful foliage and natural features that change dramatically with the seasons. Visitors seeking a more challenging outdoor experience will find this preserve provides a perfect combination of natural beauty and physical engagement.
7. O.D. von Engeln Nature Preserve
GEOLOGICAL WONDER TRAILS
The O.D. von Engeln Nature Preserve features two trails totaling 1.75 miles that guide visitors through lush plant life and unique geological formations. These medium difficulty paths provide excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and appreciating the natural environment. The preserve's diverse ecosystems support a variety of flora and fauna, making each visit a new opportunity for discovery.
8. Tompkins Cortland Community College
EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Tompkins Cortland Community College serves as both an educational institution and community gathering place in Dryden. The campus features modern facilities, athletic fields, and occasional public events that welcome visitors throughout the year. Architecture enthusiasts appreciate the blend of traditional and contemporary design elements throughout the thoughtfully landscaped grounds.
9. Etna Nature Preserve
COMPACT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Etna Nature Preserve offers a quarter-mile trail through a 12-acre natural sanctuary teeming with wildlife and diverse plant species. This compact preserve provides an accessible nature experience perfect for quick visits and family outings within Dryden. Visitors can observe seasonal changes in the preserve while enjoying a peaceful respite from more developed areas.
10. Roy H. Park Nature Preserve
CREEK SIDE WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Roy H. Park Nature Preserve encompasses 241 acres of former farmland now returned to forest and wetlands along a pristine stretch of Six-Mile Creek. The preserve's inviting and relatively easy trails allow visitors to experience one of the area's most wild and beautiful waterways. Nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts particularly appreciate the preserve's combination of accessible trails and untamed natural beauty.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL ADVENTURES
Shopping options in Dryden include charming local establishments like Book Barn of the Finger Lakes where literary treasures await discovery. Time Square offers another retail destination for visitors looking to browse local goods and services. Shoppers can explore these and other small businesses that showcase the community's character and entrepreneurial spirit.
12. Dining
TASTY LOCAL FLAVORS
Dining in Dryden features establishments like Bacchus Brewing Company where visitors can enjoy craft beverages alongside menu offerings. The town's eateries showcase local ingredients and regional cuisines that reflect the agricultural heritage of the Finger Lakes region. Visitors can experience everything from casual fare to more refined dining experiences within the Dryden area.
13. Hiking
TRAIL NETWORK PARADISE
Hiking enthusiasts in Dryden can explore diverse trails including the flat Jim Schug Trail, the connecting Dryden Rail Trail, and more challenging paths at Monkey Run Preserve. Hammond Hill State Forest and Yellow Barn State Forest offer additional miles of hiking opportunities through varied terrain and ecosystems. The Genung Nature Preserve presents another option with its easy one-mile trail along the scenic Fall Creek.
14. Fishing
FRESHWATER ANGLING SPOTS
Fishing in Dryden centers around Dryden Lake where anglers can enjoy a peaceful day casting for local fish species. Fall Creek, accessible through several preserves including Monkey Run and Genung, offers moving water fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months. Six-Mile Creek, particularly the section running through Roy H. Park Nature Preserve, provides another scenic location for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping opportunities near Dryden include facilities at nearby state forests such as Hammond Hill and Yellow Barn where visitors can experience the tranquility of the Finger Lakes wilderness. The Dryden Lake Multiple Use Area offers additional outdoor recreation potential for those looking to connect with nature overnight. Campers appreciate the starry skies and natural soundscape that characterize the rural Dryden region after sunset.