Keywaydin State Park, Alexandria Bay Covering only 179 acres, Keywaydin State Park squeezes in a lot of scenery for its size. The place is primarily known for its campsites, marina and two antique gazebos perched atop an outcrop high over the Saint Lawrence River. Not nearly as obvious are trails on the northeastern end. Located at the edge of the park road just beyond the last campsite, they cut through heavy brush, ending in ruins of camps that burned down long ago. It's easy to spend a couple of hours exploring the grounds along pathways partly buried under moss and squeezed by the encroaching forest.
Concrete stairs lead to river walls and a tiny island from which anglers fish.
Take I-81 north to the Alexandria Bay exit. Head east on Route 12 for about three miles to the entrance. Hikers' Checklist Autumn is hunting season. Although the activity is on the decline, and most hunters are safety-conscious to a fault, it's still a good idea to wear something bright red or blaze orange while walking through the woods. Manco, an Avon, Ohio, firm, offers X-treme Duck Tape in blaze orange.