Hiking Otisco Lake

Bald eagle on winter branchIt's easier to see bald eagles in the winter while hiking Otisco Lake.

More hiking as the years go by...

At only 5.3 miles long and quite popular with city residents looking for a relaxing spot to…well…escape the city, Otisco Lake is that destination. A lovely little lake divided into two parts by the causeway, it hosts a few opportunities to hike trails that lead to the lakefront. 

Over the years, some private withholdings have been passed to conservation organizations, and more and more land is becoming open for hiking and exploring. Two of these areas open to the public are the Otisco Lake Preserve and the Otisco Shores Conservation Area.

You can read about them below to find out what makes them unique and how to get there. You can also read about a very special bird which nests on the shores of Otisco Lake.

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time on the trails and at the incredible Finger Lakes waterfalls while you visit Otisco Lake.

Read on about:

  • Bald eagles nesting on Otisco Lake
  • County parks with hiking trails on Otisco Lakes
  • And more...

Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more hikes to add to your itinerary!

Bald eagles nestingOtisco Lake Preserve provides ample nesting habitat for bald eagles.

Bald eagles nest on Otisco Lake

The trail that winds through Otisco Lake Preserve is known by a few different names in the online world, including Otisco Lake Trail and Willowdale Rd to Otisco Lake, but it's one you may not want to miss.

A trail that draws hikers because it's quite challenging (think a 400-foot change in elevation across less than half a mile) but it also allows access to the shore of Otisco Lake.

Likewise it does something else impressive - whether hikers are aware or not: it also provides prime nesting habitat for our national bird. 

Majestic yet shy of humans, bald eagles lay their eggs and raise their young on huge nests that are typically 6-feet across and 3-feet deep. 

Bald eagles will reuse old and abandoned nests they or other raptors made, adding more branches to reshape and build it up yearly. There’s a record of a nest somewhere that was 8-feet-tall and weighed two tons. That wasn’t on Otisco Lake - but is still really cool!

Bald eagles are typically monogamous and both parents help care for the young. They typically lay between 2-4 eggs, with the young fledging in September. 

Raising babies the size of bald eagles takes a number of months between egg and fledging. In New York, nesting season can last from January to August. 

If you're planning to hike Otisco Lake Preserve, call ahead to inquire if the trail is open because it's closed for part of the year while the eagles are raising their babies. We love that our bald eagles are thriving - and you should too! So please help us protect and cherish them!

Where can I hike on Otisco Lake?

I'm glad you asked because Otisco Lake boasts numerous hiking gems just waiting for you to discover and enjoy.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

The Baltimore Woods Nature Center is a privately run nature center focused on education and getting folks outside. It's free to enter and park, and has over 6 miles of trails to explore. Bring your snowshoes if you visit during the winter!

The interpretive center at Baltimore woods also hosts plenty of programs for the public, including book clubs, a winter farm market, and programs for children.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

  • 📍4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
  • 📞 (315) 673-1350
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Nature Center: 180 acres
  • Hiking trails: 6 miles
  • Interpretive center
  • No dogs
  • Free entry

Bucktail Fall

A very easy hike, Bucktail Waterfall only takes a very short walk off the road to access. Actually, you can see the 35-foot cascade from the road, but you can also park and walk to it. Additionally, hike up around it for an interesting view. 

While hiking, please be respectful of posted signs and private property. This is a carry-in/carry-out location.

Highlights

  • Hiking

Getting there

  • 📍Moon Hill Rd, Preble, NY 13141
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • 35-foot cascade
  • Extremely short hike
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Otisco Lake Preserve

If you take on this challenging hike with a 400-foot change in elevation on this out-and-back trail, you’ll be rewarded by 1,300 feet of lakefront access on Otisco Lake. 

Owned and operated by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, this hike is less than half a mile, but has a significant incline to navigate upon returning from the shore. 

A site with multiple pairs of nesting bald eagles, you may be surprised with a double prize of lake-side vistas and our national bird.

Please note: Otisco Lake Preserve is closed to visitors while the eagles are nesting. Call ahead to make sure the trail is open.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

  • 📍1729-1585 Willowdale Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 📞 (607) 275-9487
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Preserve: 36 acres
  • Hiking trail: 0.4 miles
  • Bald eagle nesting sites
  • 1,300 feet of lakefront access
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Onondaga Shores Conservation Area

Located at the southeastern side of Otisco Lake, the Otisco Shores Conservation Area has 35 acres you can explore. It features trails from the time it was held as a private property and with the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Today, it's opperated by Onondaga County Parks and the NYS DEC.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

Features

  • Conservation area: 35 acres
  • Hiking trails
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Spafford County Forest

If you are up for a challenging hike, Spafford County Forest is considered an undeveloped wilderness, but hikers may go in to explore. 

With 701 acres of contiguous forest, Spafford County Forest is just waiting for you to go bushwacking.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

Features

  • County forest: 701 acres
  • No maintained trails
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Otisco Lake has too many amazing hikes to miss!

Which hiking option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary? 

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