Once known as the Central Leatherstocking Region, Central New York in the Empire State is a region full of historical attractions and areas for hiking and biking. The region extends from the Central Adirondack Region in the north to the border with Pennsylvania in the south. It encompasses eight counties with summer activities to suit the whole family. According to Frommer's, Central New York has seen better days, but you can still find things to do that won't cost you a dime.
State Parks
New York state parks charge a small fee for vehicle access, but travel on foot and once inside you'll find dozens of free adventures. Gilbert Lake State Park lies at the foothills of the Catskills and is known as the "wildlife" park of the region. It has miles of nature trails, a beach, playgrounds and tables for a summer picnic. Walk the platforms that traverse the fragile dunes at Sandy Island State Park on Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland System, the only significant freshwater dune site in the northeast.
Cooperstown
The historic town of Cooperstown is the best place to get your bearings and find free summer activities. Start with a walk along the banks of Lake Otsego, catch a baseball game at Doubleday Fields and wander round the farmers market sampling seasonal produce in Pioneer Alley. There are free concerts in Sharon Springs in July and August and you can take a self-guided walking tour on warm summer days with an almost-free map from the Chamber of Commerce (in 2010 maps cost 50 cents).
Binghamton
Take in a summer festival at Binghamton, such as the Vestal Festival at the free Vestal Museum, which features free activities. The two-day July Fest is where you can enjoy a 5K run, farmers market, arts and crafts and live entertainment. Admission to the Finch Hollow Nature Center is free and features a short trail system and a nature interpretive museum. If the heavens open and you need some shade, head for the Roberson Museum and Science Center, free on the first Friday of every month.
Madison County
Hike miles of scenic trails suitable for the whole family in Madison County. Stop off at the free Fenner Renewable Energy Center to learn about the Fenner Wind Farm, hike the historic Fingers Lake Trail and take a bike tour of the Ridges of Madison County. Join the festivities at the festival that celebrates the life of Wizard of Oz creator Frank L. Baum in Chittenango in June. Enjoy 45 acres of nature trails in the wetlands of Nichols Pond County Park set on the site of an historic Oneida Indian Village.
Montgomery County
Catch the Amsterdam Mohawks as they play baseball in Shuttleworth Park at the ParkFest in June and July. In summer, Montgomery County residents take to the water with ample opportunities to boat. The farmers markets are flush with summer fruits, jellies and jams. Hiking the Mohawk Valley, Charlestown State Forest or the wetlands of Mosher Marsh is always fun on warm summer days.
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