All seasons are amazing here on campus! Expand the sections below to learn how to enjoy nature here throughout the seasons.
Fall
Stroll through a sunlit orchard, hand-picking crisp, juicy apples fresh from the tree while soaking in the sweet scents and simple joys of autumn.. Parishville Center Apple Orchards and Goodwin’s Orchard are within 5 miles of campus providing a unique opportunity to pick quality, local grown fruit.
Each orchard charges a small fee
There’s something very special about a 360 view of the beautiful fall colors. Coney Mountain is a small one-mile, moderate hike to the top and is about 50 miles from campus. From the top, you can see several other mountain peaks. Don’t have a car? Consider carpooling with a group. Other mountains you may want to try are Azure, Ampersand, or Arab.
photo by Catherine Wheeler
Every Saturday from 9 – 2pm until the end of October there are many vendors under or near the pavilion in Ives Park. Markets include local produce, eggs, meats, maple, honey, jams, plants, baked goods, handmade crafts, fitness activities & more! Potsdam is one of many Farmer’s Markets in the area.
Farmer’s Market Field Guide in St. Lawrence County | Visit STLC
photo by Martin’s Farmstand
A short 5-mile drive from campus, Martin’s allows free end-of-season flower picking. Brighten a friend’s day by bringing them some flowers! Call to check for availability.
photo by The Wild Center
Although a bit further from campus (45 minutes to an hour drive), consider visiting The Wild Center or The Nicandri Nature Center. The best times to go are between May – October. Although, during the winter the Wild Center has a forest lite up with colorful lights and music called Wild Lights.
Winter
Grab a sled and enjoy a classic winter activity, racing down powdery hills with the wind in your face and laughter echoing through crisp winter air. It’s a great low budget thrill. Be safe!
The perfect way to explore winter without needing any extreme skills or gear. It’s peaceful, a great workout, and way easier to learn than you’d think. It’s a fun, affordable escape that gets you outside and moving—with way fewer crowds than the ski slopes. Find rentals at Nicandri Nature Center, Higley Flow State Park, or through CUOC. Explore the snow-covered trails.
Skiing is an adrenaline-packed way to fly down snowy slopes, soak in mountain views, and feel totally alive. Whether you’re carving turns or just cruising, it’s a fun mix of speed, fresh air, and good vibes. Titus Mountain is about 45 miles from campus. Check out the website for fees. There’s a student discount on Fridays.
Ski Resort | Titus Mountain Family Ski Center | United States
A snowball fight is pure, carefree chaos—running, dodging, and laughing with friends as snow flies through the air. It’s the perfect way to shake off stress, get a little competitive, and turn an ordinary winter day into fun. build snow sculpture.
Building a snow sculpture is a chance to turn a snowy day into a creative adventure—part art project and part winter fun, taking your mind off of the stressors of college.
Notice a unique set of tracks in the snow? Try to identify which animal it is. You can also observe, which direction did it come from and is it going? What can you learn about them from their tracks? Why might they be in that spot?
Even sitting by a window and looking at nature can be helpful. Curling up by a window with a warm drink, watching the peaceful beauty of nature outside, feels like a quiet pause—comforting, calming, and perfectly cozy.
Many students enjoy Jernabi’s coffee shop or Potsdam Public Library (it’s free to get a library card and use the space)
Spring
In the spring these beautiful flowers begin to bloom. Take a friend with you and see if you can find them. It’s a refreshing escape into early spring, where you explore serene woods in search of vibrant, rare blooms—each one a small, stunning reward from nature’s awakening.
As the temperatures begin to rise, the birds will begin to emerge. Each bird, whether a flash of vibrant color or a subtle shape against the branches, tells its own story. The delicate flutter of wings, the gentle hop of a sparrow, or the regal flight of a hawk are all moments of wonder. Consider getting an app to help identify the birds by sound, such as Merlin.
As the snow begins to melt, the river at Stone Valley makes a majestic, roaring sound as it leads to serene outlooks and waterfall views provide stunning photo ops. Although the whole trail is 8 miles, many people walk as far as they like and then turn around.
Accessible via Bear Buses or carpool.
Set up a mat and practice yoga or stretching outside in the fresh spring air. Doing yoga outdoors is a soulful blend of serenity and vitality, where each breath harmonizes with the natural world. As you stretch and flow, the earth beneath your feet grounds you, while the sky above offers a sense of infinite peace. Check out what the yoga club is doing.
St. Lawrence County is home to over 15 waterfalls. Stone Valley and Allen Falls are both under 10 miles from campus. It’s a breathtaking escape—feeling the cool mist, hearing the powerful rush of water, and soaking in the beauty of nature’s raw energy all around you.
Summer
Lay on the grass and enjoy the clear summer skies. As you lie beneath the stars, time seems to stretch, and the endless constellations whisper ancient stories. The cool night air wraps around you, while the soft glow of distant stars creates a sense of wonder and awe.
Cool off in the water or relax by the beach. Swimming in nature’s waters is pure freedom—cool, refreshing, and alive with the sounds and sights of the great outdoors, it’s an instant reset for body and mind.
Postwood Park is in Hannawa Falls just 5 miles from campus and Higley Flow State Park is about 15 miles from campus. Free entry and swimming is available when lifeguards are on duty.
Explore campus and the surrounding area by bike among the various trials. Bike riding through the woods is a joyful escape into nature’s embrace. The path winds through towering trees, their leaves whispering in the breeze, while the earth beneath your tires hums with quiet energy.
Pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars. Camping is a peaceful return to simplicity, where the rhythm of nature becomes your guide. As night falls, the crackling of the campfire fills the air, and the sky unfurls into a blanket of stars.
Affordable camping sites available for a small fee.
Rent a kayak or canoe for a peaceful afternoon on the river. With every paddle, you move through a world that feels both timeless and refreshing, as the gentle flow of the current guides you deeper into tranquility. It’s a dance of movement and stillness, where the water becomes both your path and your companion.
Rentals available at Postwood Park.