Cumming Nature Center
900 acres. 12 miles of trails. Unlimited wonder.
Get up close with nature at our 900 acre preserve nestled in the Finger Lakes. Explore 12 miles of hiking and ski trails, take in an exhibit at the Visitor Center, and enjoy year-round events and environmental education programs.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Wild Walks: Spring Naturalist Series
Explore spring-themed topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities! Alongside one of our expert educators, discover unique wildlife that thrive in the springtime. Next up: Longest Day, Longest Trail Hike!
Eco-Book Club
Our monthly book club explores fiction and non-fiction books with an environmental emphasis, pairing each book with a hike. Our monthly book club explores fiction and non-fiction books with an environmental emphasis, pairing each book with a hike. Next up: “Return to the Sky” on September 4!
2022-23 winter activities
Cross country skiing & snowshoeing at cumming nature center
With 12 miles of cross country ski trails & 3 miles of snowshoe and hiking trails, there is no end of winter wonder at the Nature Center!
TraIls & Exhibits
Is It Local?
View wildlife up close and explore each animal’s relationship to the local landscape.
Discovery Zone
Dive into a new, fascinating theme at the Investigation Station, tinker at the touch table, hide animals within their habitats, play in the Rain Garden Theater, and so much more in the Discovery Zone.
Take A Tour of the Visitor Center
Take a virtual tour of the visitor center before you visit to become familiar with the space!
Forest School
Forest School provides children with the space to nurture their relationship with nature through curiosity-driven learning, unstructured play, hands-on projects and basic outdoor skills development.
The Walden Project – NY is a year-long educational experience for high school and gap year students located at Cumming Nature Center in Naples, NY. We offer interdisciplinary education in an outdoor setting with an emphasis on academic independence and freedom.
Take your next event outdoors
The striking natural landscape of the Cumming Nature Center is the perfect place to create memories that will last a lifetime with family and friends. Whether you are dreaming of a wedding beneath the pines or planning the ultimate Forest School birthday, our staff will help you plan and host the event you imagine!
Take your learning outdoors
Explore a world of immersive environmental education programs at the Cumming Nature Center. From summer camps to field trips, there’s something here for everyone!
Field Trips
Bring your curriculum to life with a field trip to our 900 acre preserve. Our expert environmental educators offer engaging programs for every season.
Curiosity Camps @ CNC
Explore summer and break week Curiosity Camps with exciting opportunities for young minds ages 6-15.
Scouts
Whether your group wants to earn a badge or simply have a unique outdoor adventure, you’re sure to leave with a fun-filled educational experience.
Discover three floors filled with over 200 interactive science and history theme exhibits and science demonstrations.
Take a trip across the universe in our 65ft domed Star theater. Explore Star shows, laser shows, and featured giant screen films.