Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is a protected area in Fayetteville, New York, centered on two glacial lakes whose water appears in shades of deep blue and green. Forested slopes and exposed limestone ledges ring the shorelines, creating a quiet and enclosed landscape.

New York State established the reserve in 1928 to protect the geological formations and native plant communities around the lakes. Recreational facilities and trails were developed gradually over the following decades.

The environmental education center provides programs about local ecology, geology, and conservation through guided tours and outdoor activities.

Around 15 miles (24 km) of trails wind through the woods and along the lake edges, with kayak rentals available near the water. Campsites and an 18-hole golf course lie within the grounds, offering overnight and day-use options.

The two lakes are among the few meromictic bodies of water in the world, meaning their layers never fully blend. This characteristic supports organisms that cannot survive in lakes where water mixes freely from top to bottom.

Location: New York

Inception: 1928

Fee: No

Charge: 10 USD/Vehicle

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Opening Hours: sunrise-sunset

Phone: +13156376111

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/172/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 43.04900,-75.97300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:31