If you're looking for beautiful places to photograph this winter, you don't need to go far. Cortland County can be a stunning real life snow globe in the colder months and we're hear to give you the scoop on the best places to snap a photo that you'll want to share on Instagram!
Bundle up, grab your camera, and check out our 10 most beautiful views in Cortland County in the winter. Don't forget to tag @experiencecortland and use #PictureCortland for a chance to win cool prizes!
1 - MORGAN HILL STATE FOREST
Morgan Hill State Forest spans 5,284 acres within Cortland and Onondaga Counties. This scenic state forest is perfect for outdoor recreation with its 13.1 miles of marked foot trails which can be used for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.
2 - TINKER FALLS
This beautiful 50-foot waterfall is located within Labrador Unique Hollow Area near Tully. The short quarter mile walk from the parking area will open up to its impressive natural rock amphitheater above a 30-foot rocky cascade. Please use extreme caution if you choose to take the trail leading up the right side and behind the falls. It can get very slippery.
3 - HOXIE GORGE
Encompassing 2,115 acres of land in Freetown and Virgil, Hoxie Gorge provides 2.6 miles of recreational access for those looking to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile. A portion of the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail/Finger Lakes Trail is located near its northern boundary.
4 - TRAX PUB & GRILL DECK
While the views at the top of Greek Peak Mountain Resort are breathtaking, the views can be just as beautiful at the base of the mountain. Take a seat on the heated, outdoor deck at Trax Pub & Grill, and warm up with a beverage from their impressive beer and wine menu.
5 - LIME HOLLOW NATURE CENTER
Lime Hollow Nature Center offers 12 miles of easily accessible and well maintained walking trails over gentle and varied terrain as well as a rich diversity of habitats, boasting 200 species of birds and a variety of plants and other wildlife. The winter months offer the chance to snowshoe or cross-country ski while listening for great horned, barred and screech owls.
6 - DWYER MEMORIAL PARK
Dwyer Memorial Park is a 1.6 moderately trafficked loop trail located near Preble. that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, and dogs are able to enjoy it as well, but must be kept on a leash.
7 - NOR'EASTER MOUNTAIN COASTER
The thrill-seeking individual can hop on the Mountain Coaster at Greek Peak Mountain Resort for the opportunity to slide down the 4,300 foot high hill at speeds up to 30 mph. The experience offers a scenic ride through a winter wonderland. Admission is $11/ride, $28 for three rides or $55 unlimited rides. Children 3-6 ride free with a paying adult. Reservations are required.
8 - CORTLAND CORSET BUILDING
Local artist, Crystal Lyon, painted a 42-foot tall steampunk mural on the west side of the 150-year-old Cortland Corset Building, featuring an adventurous-looking woman in a Victorian style gown wearing aviator's goggles. The building, which started as a wagon company and was once a corset factory, is now home to retailers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
9 - VILLAGE OF HOMER
Approximately 3 miles north of Cortland, lies the charming Village of Homer. The village contains a wide variety of historic buildings and architectural styles, ranging from Victorian to Romanesque Revival buildings, and more unique designs, such as Gothic and Octagon.
10 - KENNEDY STATE FOREST
James Kennedy States is located within an 4,422 acre forest in the towns for Harford, Lapeer, and Virgil. The trail system offers over 10 miles of the North Country Trail/Finger Lakes Hiking Trails for hiking, as well as four miles of cross country ski trails.
Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.