Oswego River
Adventure-seekers can paddle down the Oswego River to Battle Island State Park. Suitable for beginners in both canoes and kayaks, this 11-mile trip begins 15 minutes from Clay in the town of Phoenix. This stretch of river is actually part of a wide, deep waterway known as the Oswego Canal. The canal was first opened in 1828 and connects the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. For those who are fit and crave more exercise, the full length of the canal is 24 miles. Boaters can celebrate completion of the shorter journey by having a picnic along the shoreline in Battle Island State Park. Alternatively, the park has a restaurant on its premises. Also, during the winter the park offers cross-country skiing trails.
Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area
Anglers can fly fish for giant Walleye in Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area. For fishing enthusiasts, this 3,500-acre park hugging the shore of Oneida Lake is known for its populations of Walleye, by far the biggest member of the perch family. Anglers will find Three Mile Bay is 27 minutes from the center of Clay. The bay can be reached via the fishing access site at the end of McCloud Road at Phillips Point. For those who don't like to fish, the management area is also worth exploring for bird lovers. Common visitors include coots, herons, bitterns, grebes, terns, woodpeckers, ducks, gulls and geese. Shorebirds, in particular, are abundant and those paddling a canoe and toting a camera will find the area fruitful. Lastly, for those who just want to take a hike in an undisturbed area, hiking trails can be accessed via Wheeler Road.
Long Branch Park
Those who dislike crowds can avoid them by visiting Long Branch Park during the winter. Though humming with visitors during the warmer months, this park sitting along Onondaga Lake is a good choice for those seeking a little solitude. Visitors will find Long Branch Park is located 18 minutes from Clay. For those who enjoy cross-country skiing, the park serves as trailhead for the 4.8-mile West Shore Trail, offering largely flat terrain with satisfying views of the lake. Other winter time activities include ice boating and a 100 foot sledding hill. During the summer months, this park hosts the Renaissance fair-like Scottish Games.
