Discover Broome: Nature, Culture and Excursions

The options vary considerably, from hikes with different elevation changes and paved routes to cultural and recreational activities. This lets you think ahead about which themes matter for your stay.

Nature Areas, Lakes and Hiking Trails

The Aqua-Terra Wilderness Area covers 466 acres of largely untouched natural landscape. Its 6-acre pond offers a secluded spot for fishing. The hikes also differ depending on which side of the area you choose: the southern route climbs more steeply, while the northern route near the pond is flatter and easier. If you pay attention to elevation changes when hiking, this comparison is especially useful when choosing a route.

At Hawkins Pond Nature Area, about 4 miles of nature trails wind through woods and fields and around a 24-acre pond. The approximate trail length and changing scenery offer a different point of reference from the shorter loops around individual lakes. At Nathaniel Cole Park, a 1.25-mile trail loops around the lake. The park has a 53-acre lake and the largest protected beach in the Broome County park system.

Greenwood Park offers swimming areas along a sandy beach. Availability of activities on the water may vary by season; rental boats are available seasonally. You can fish from the shore or from a rental boat. If you’re planning water activities, it’s worth checking seasonal availability before your visit.

Trails for Walking and Cycling

The Binghamton River Trail is 1.5 miles long, paved, and designed for walking or cycling. It runs along the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers. The Whitney Point Community and Lake Walkway/Bikeway offers a different route: the 2.0-mile trail runs from Dorchester Park along the southern shore of Whitney Point Lake to Keibel Road in Whitney Point. When planning, you can therefore consider both the paved surface and the two rivers, as well as the lakeside route and the stated endpoints.

Ross Park Zoo also has an approximately one-mile loop trail that visitors can use to tour the zoo. Founded in 1875, the zoo was America’s fifth zoo. Visitors can see red wolves there. The different trail lengths—from the loop inside the zoo to the longer nature and shoreline trails—can help you estimate how much time to allow for your planned activities without assuming a specific walking time.

Museums, History and Unique Experiences

The Roberson Museum presents collections and interactive exhibits on art, science and history. It also has the region’s only digital planetarium. The Cutler Botanical Garden combines horticulture with education about environmental issues. Those interested in history can visit the Phelps Mansion Museum, where a home built by Sherman D. Phelps and his family has been preserved.

Greater Binghamton is home to six hand-carved wooden carousels; all six are listed on both the New York State Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally features concerts and rides. If the festival affects your travel plans, check the event dates and current program.

For public observing, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center has three professional telescopes. Castle Berries is a family-owned pick-your-own blueberry farm in Castle Creek. Pick-your-own blueberries are a seasonal activity; the farm has 5 acres of blueberry fields with about 3,000 blueberry bushes. Before visiting, check whether this seasonal activity fits your travel dates.

Transportation Options in Broome County

BC Transit offers fixed-route bus service in Broome County, the ADA paratransit service BC Lift, the rural transportation service BC Country, and a minibus operated by the Office for Aging for people aged 60 and older. These services differ in type and intended audience. When planning your trip, you can check which service may be suitable for your particular journey.

Discover more destinations: Whitney Point, Endicott, Vestal, Binghamton, Deposit, Tioga County, Wayne County, Essex.

For the overview of the wider region: New York.