Mark Twain State Park &038; Soaring Eagles Golf Course

Tucked into the rolling hills of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Mark Twain State Park stretches across 464 acres of wooded terrain and open meadows that overlook the southern end of the region’s iconic glacial lakes. Named for the literary giant who spent many summers writing in the area, the park carries a sense of place that feels both storied and unhurried.

The centerpiece for many visitors is Soaring Eagles Golf Course, an 18-hole layout winding through mature hardwoods with elevation changes that reward accuracy over power. The course is well-maintained and surprisingly affordable compared to resort-style alternatives in the Finger Lakes — a genuine draw for golfers passing through the region.

Beyond the fairways, the park offers hiking trails that cut through second-growth forest, picnic areas with grills and pavilions, and a playground that keeps younger visitors occupied. Birding is quietly excellent here, particularly during spring and fall migration when warblers and raptors move through the canopy. Fishing access to nearby waterways adds another option for a full day outdoors.

The Finger Lakes climate makes late May through mid-October the sweet spot for visiting. Summer weekends bring the most activity, but early fall — when the hardwoods turn and the crowds thin — is arguably the best time to experience the park at its most striking.

Expect a low-key, locally loved park that delivers on simple pleasures: fresh air, good walks, and a solid round of golf.

Explore Nearby

• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• McAuley Road Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Knapp’s Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Buttonwood Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Gateway to Amish Country — Scenic Byway in Ohio