Onondaga

The Onondaga Nature Trail begins at a small parking area off Sour Springs Road in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge near Basom, New York. This easy route follows a mostly flat path through wetland and marsh habitat, offering opportunities to spot waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. A short distance from the trailhead, hikers can take a side loop around a small pond before continuing on the main trail to its endpoint near a larger marsh area. This route is best from spring through early fall, as the refuge closes the trail to non-hunting visitors during New York’s regular deer shotgun season from mid-November through late December. Expect boggy sections after rain and mosquitoes during warmer months. The refuge’s quiet setting and abundant birdlife make this a peaceful option for beginner hikers and anyone seeking a short wetland hike in Genesee County.