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Spencer Crest Nature Center (2424 Spencer Hill Rd, Corning, NY?) is a place for hiking, cross country skiing, and dog walking. It has beautiful scenery to discover. As the Spencer Crest website says, “The Center features 250 acres and 7 miles of trails with two ponds, a stream, and a museum of natural systems…” It is located near Corning Community College.

My girlfriend and I love visiting Spencer Crest. Our dog Shayla loves it even more! When we were living in another city, there were several dog parks. When we moved here it was important for us to find a place for Shayla to run outside. The changing terrain and scenery make a great place for all of us to get some exercise. I would love to see a fenced-in off-leash dog park here. Dogs love being social, and this would be a great place for them to meet new friends.

Easy hikes wind along mowed paths and raised platforms. More adventurous hikers will find sloping trails through the woods. Exploring is what it’s all about here. Directional Signs and tail maps are posted throughout the area. You’ll also find information posts on a particular flower or tree.

I began visiting Spencer Crest in the late fall / early winter, so I haven’t been able to see everything in full bloom. However the winter season is beautiful, fun, and provides pretty good exercise. The ponds are frozen over and the trees droop with snow. I recommend visiting right before sunset. The lighting really brings out some great colors if your a photographer.

You can also find some pretty cool events at Spencer Crest. On February 28th Spencer Crest is holding it’s annual auction at the Corning Museum of Glass with special guest Thurman Thomas (former star running back for the Buffalo Bills. More info here).

To view a slide show of Spencer Crest, click here.