Join a coalition of Syracuse-based grassroots queer groups and organizers to celebrate summer, community, and nature! We’re gathering on the shores of Green Lakes State Park for a relaxed day of chilling, grilling, swimming, resting, and appreciating Mother Nature’s rare and very special Two Spirit (meromictic) lakes.

🏖️ We’ll be gathering on the shady grass and sunny sand just past the big, main bathhouse and concrete lifeguard platform. Look for the flags! Please BYOE (chairs, blankets, towels, water, food, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, shade tent or umbrella, etc).

🎟️ Admission to Green Lakes is $10 per vehicle, or free with Empire Pass (inquire with your local libraries about borrowing one!). Park picnic tables and charcoal grills available. Water fountains on site. Coolers allowed. No pets allowed on the beach. Check out Green Lakes State Park website to learn more.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Big Queer Beach Day Meet Up is brought to you by Meet Cute, CNY Hiking, FemmeCNY, WBB Club Syracuse, Syracuse Bears, Syracuse Guerilla Queer Events, Karina Jasmine, Pink Pegasus Press, Syracuse Queer History, 2Spirit Sanctuary, Syracuse Gaymers, and Front Porch Collective. Reach out to any of the tagged organizers with questions. We are all looking forward to spending a beautiful day outside together! All are welcome! 🤝

📅 Date: Sunday, August 16th 2026 from 11am-5pm

📍 Hike Location: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066 (Google Maps Directions)

Carpooling:

If you need help getting to the trail or want to offer a ride, feel free to message us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @cnyhiking and we’ll do our best to connect folks.

Accessibility & Notes:

There are gendered, all gender, and ADA bathroom facilities. Paths from parking lots to meet up area are paved and mostly flat. The Green Lakes loop trails are relatively flat but unpaved dirt paths, and occasionally gravel.

Feel free to shoot us a message if you have any questions!

Hope to hike with you soon! 💚

– The CNY Hiking Team

Our Last Event - Hike at Clark Reservation

Big thanks to everyone who made it out for our cliffside hike at Clark Reservation! We were grateful for the forested shade and lush foliage as we walked up and down the rocky hills on a beautiful sunny morning 💚🌿