Sunday November 12th 2023 - Nichols Pond Park Trails - Nichols Pond (Near Fenner NY) - About 2.5 miles, little elevation gain

In my continuing hunt for things to do and places to visit, I identified 3 somewhat under the radar minor parks which, in broad terms, could all be considered ‘in the Syracuse area’.  This was the day to visit them.

First up was Nichols Pond which was really an afterthought because it was mentioned on the website for Delphi falls since both are run by the same county parks department.  This was slightly farther away from home than the other 2 parks so we headed to this one first.  It also had the least information available so I had low expectations.  

It turns out this was the site of a historically significant battle involving Samuel deChamplain in 1615, Samuel generally more associated with Vermont and the lake Champlain named after him.  There were 2 modest loop trails that went around part of the pond which was very scenic And another that went down a hill to a natural spring which was significant to the history of the Indian settlement which was here.  A third trail hugged a different part of the pond’s shore and included a boardwalk leading into the pond.  It was an enjoyable isolated feeling little gem of a historic park.