Cumming Nature Center
900 acres. 15 miles of trails. Unlimited wonder.
Get up close with nature at our 900 acre preserve nestled in the Finger Lakes. Explore 15 miles of hiking and ski trails, take in an exhibit at the Visitor Center, and enjoy year-round events and environmental education programs.
NOTICE: The Cumming Nature Center is temporarily closed from Saturday, November 18 to Tuesday, December 12. Building and trails are fully closed to the public during this time. We will reopen to the public on Wednesday, December 13. Please plan your visit accordingly!
Upcoming Programs & Events
Winter Solstice Celebration
Join us on our reopening weekend to celebrate the winter solstice.
Weekend Wild Walks
Explore ecology topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities alongside one of our expert educators!
Winter at CNC
Explore cross-country ski and snowshoe opportunities at Cumming Nature Center this winter!
HIGHLIGHTED EVENT
Holiday Gnome Roam
On Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16, join us for a lantern-lit, nighttime walk around the Gnome Roam, a .75 mile woodland loop. During this magical evening event, the trail will be full of twinkling lights and industrious gnomes getting ready for the holiday festivities.
TraIls & Exhibits
FROST TOWN: HISTORY & ECOLOGY OF A GHOST TOWN
Explore the story of the 19th-century town once located at the nature center.
Is It Local?
View wildlife up close and explore each animal’s relationship to the local landscape.
Nature Play Room
Unlatch animal boxes, tinker at the touch table, hide animals within their habitiat, and more!
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.