Members of the public are invited to enjoy some fresh air this wintertime with a walk, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or fat bike excursion on one of Rice Creek Field Station's four trails. Trails are open daily, from dawn until dusk (roughly 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.), and can always be accessed from the upper parking lot adjacent to Thompson Road.

The lower lot and trailheads will be generally accessible on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 p.m. during Cruisin' the Campus (Dec. 26 – Jan. 5), pending unexpected closures, and excluding New Year's Day, January 1. The building will not be accessible during this time, due to limited staffing.

Tips for enjoying the trails:

• Dusk comes early this time of year. Even if you plan to be off the trails before dusk, it is a good idea to carry a charged cellphone and flashlight or headlamp.
• Fat biking is welcome on the Orange Trail (accessible from the upper lot by Thompson Road), but bikers are asked not to use their bikes on the other trails.
• Trails may be muddy or icy in spots, depending on weather. Please choose sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots.
• Please leash pets at all times. Rice Creek is a research and wildlife reserve; pets off leash can disturb wildlife and affect research activities.
• Please avoid walking or snowshoeing in cross-country ski tracks; walk to the side of these to keep the tracks in good condition for skiers.
• Unfortunately, Rice Creek's trails are not accessible to those who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices. If you have questions about trail accessibility, please contact rcfs@oswego.edu