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Binghamton University Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 146 Google reviews · Running trail in Vestal, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Binghamton University Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
182-acre nature preserve with many bird species & a beaver pond, plus trails & a wooden foot bridge.
What runners say about Binghamton University Nature Preserve
“This is a very beautiful preserve with well maintained trails, many bird species and it's dog friendly (on-leash).”
“Most of the trails are well marked but some like the Anthill Trail were not.”
“It was quiet when we visited and we only came across a few other hikers.”
I love this place . I have been coming here since the early 1970's. Many, many trails to discover and hike on. One can do an easy 1 mile flat hike from the parking area along the main lakes, across the bridge and back on the other side. Or one can go on hikes dor 2, 3, 4 miles.. beautiful scenery..
We had time on our hands so we searched for a place to go hiking. Binghamton University Nature Preserve did not disappoint! It was buggy, muddy and steep, but the vista and challenging climb was worth it. Warning though, you have to enjoy the challenge.
I love this place! There's several levels of difficulty depending on which trail you take. My kids absolutely loved it and requested we go again! Gorgeous views. Don't forget bug spray though
We moved here recently from Colorado so we certainly wouldn’t consider this “hiking” by any stretch of the imagination, but we love to come walking here every day we have off. It’s very peaceful, serene, and well maintained! Gets muddy and buggy but that is to be expected.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a very beautiful preserve with well maintained trails, many bird species and it's dog friendly (on-leash).”
“The trails were mostly dry (after 10 days of no rain) with just a couple of muddy spots.”
“One can do an easy 1 mile flat hike from the parking area along the main lakes, across the bridge and back on the other side.”
“It was quiet when we visited and we only came across a few other hikers.”
“Most of the hiking is in the shade,but there is a lot of elevation changes (especially on the western side trails) so it will be hot, bring water.”
“This is a very beautiful preserve with well maintained trails, many bird species and it's dog friendly (on-leash).”
“Most of the trails are well marked but some like the Anthill Trail were not.”
“One can do an easy 1 mile flat hike from the parking area along the main lakes, across the bridge and back on the other side.”
Plan your run at Binghamton University Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebinghamton.edu
- Phone(607) 777-2000
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Vestal
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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