Bear Swamp State Forest spans 3,539 acres across the uplands west of Skaneateles Lake. Roughly 14 miles of marked multi-use trails (red, yellow, and blue loops) serve hikers, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, and snowmobilers in winter. The swamp at the forest's center feeds Bear Swamp Creek, which drops over Carpenter Falls and then enters Skaneateles Lake as its largest tributary. Rare Cerulean Warbler habitat. Hunting permitted in season. Roads into the forest are unmaintained and better suited to high-clearance vehicles.















