Fayetteville can be explored through its waterways, trails and industrial history. Historic Limestone Creek is part of both the natural setting and the history of the local waterways. Parks and greenways add different ways to spend time outdoors. For planning, it is worth making a clear distinction: Limestone Creek Greenway is a natural area with several listed recreational activities; Ledyard Canal Greenway, however, is not currently developed as a recreational area.

At Limestone Creek: Nature and Birdwatching

Limestone Creek Greenway is a natural area along historic Limestone Creek and extends to the boundary of the Village of Fayetteville. Visitors can walk, kayak, fish, cross-country ski and snowshoe there. This brings water-based activities together with trails for the colder months. Which activities interest you will also depend on when you visit Fayetteville and what kind of outdoor experience you are looking for.

Gramlich Bird Sanctuary was established in 1933 as a “forever wild” area along Limestone Creek. It welcomes both casual birdwatchers and experienced ornithologists. Plan your visit during daylight hours. At Limestone Plaza, the historic creek flows through the plaza; fishing is common at the bridge there. Fishing is therefore listed both as an activity at Limestone Creek Greenway and as a common use of the bridge at Limestone Plaza.

Near Fayetteville, Round Lake and Green Lake are located in Green Lakes State Park. Both lakes are meromictic. This designation offers a specific geological perspective on the lake landscape. The park also offers a guided hike around Green Lakes, adding another way to explore the area on foot to the nature experiences at Limestone Creek.

Canal History and Historic Heritage

Ledyard Canal was built in 1849 to supply water power from Limestone Creek in Manlius to mills and factories in Fayetteville. The canal thus represents a specific connection between water and local industrial history. Limestone Plaza offers another historic connection: the plaza is part of the Limestone Plaza Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, the canal’s construction and historic preservation offer insight into two different aspects of Fayetteville’s history.

Those wishing to combine nature and local history will find both landscape features along the creek and the background to the canal’s construction. The locations and their roles are distinct: Ledyard Canal is part of the history of water-power supply; at Limestone Plaza, the flowing creek and the Historic District designation provide the historical connection.

Parks with Different Features

Canal Landing Park has a large playground for children of all ages, a shaded picnic area, fitness stations and trails. A pedestrian bridge gives access from the park to the historic Erie Canal, as well as to its associated trails and other facilities. The focus here is on park amenities and access to the Erie Canal; by contrast, Limestone Creek Greenway is described as a natural area with the activities listed there.

The trails at Duguid Park are marked and maintained for non-motorized trail riding, walking or running, and cross-country skiing. The park is also home to Do Good Dog Park. Compared with the playground and picnic area at Canal Landing Park, Duguid’s clearly stated focus is on its marked trails and their intended uses.

Huntington Beard Memorial Park is commonly known to locals as “Beard Park.” It offers residents and visitors an expansive green space, as well as pond wildlife such as ducks, geese, birds and fish. The Fayetteville Festival is held in the park each year. If you’d like to combine your visit with the festival, check the event dates when planning.

The parks and natural areas offer different ways to enjoy a stay: birdwatching at Gramlich Bird Sanctuary, trails and recreational activities along the creek, marked trail uses at Duguid Park, and playground, picnic and fitness facilities at Canal Landing Park. Together with the canal history, these features make Fayetteville a destination for exploring nature or culture, depending on your interests.

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For the broader travel overview: Onondaga.