Paddling Otisco Lake

Paddle with teensGo paddling in "the Pond" of Otisco Lake.

A lake with many faces

Though it's the eighth smallest Finger Lakes, Otisco Lake is a favorite escape for Syracuse residents to enjoy getting away from the city. As a result, much of the Otisco Lake shoreline is privately owned. But don’t let that deter you from a good paddle on this small lake.

Otisco Lake is broken into three notable sections: the section north of The Narrows, the greater lake, and the lower ⅓ portion below the causeway.

The Narrows is the tip of the lake slightly divided from the remainder of the lake by a pinch in the eastern and western shores. The damming of Otisco Lake to maintain yearly water levels resulted in its formation. If you’re on the water in a personal vessel, you can easily enter and paddle around the Narrows during your exploration of the lake.

The southern tip of the lake is drastically different from the upper portion because of the causeway, once a railroad that connected the two shores. After the bridge was washed out in the 1920’s, the two halves of the causeway continue to cut Otisco Lake in two. This southern portion of the lake, called the “Pond,” has an average depth of six feet and is great for fishing. 

In the middle, paddlers find a gorgeous lake to circumnavigate, if a little temperamental with Lake Ontario weather patterns. Don’t be surprised if you find the choppiness of the lake to change while you’re out. But even so, Otisco Lake is the Jewel of the East among the Finger Lakes and not to be  missed.

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time paddling on the water while you visit Otisco Lake.

Read on to find out about:

  • How far the waters of Otisco Lake flow
  • Where you can launch a kayak or canoe on Otisco Lake
  • Where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board (SUP) on Otisco Lake

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

All waters lead to the ocean

In the Finger Lake Region, we can safely say that most of the water in our lakes eventually ends up in the ocean.

This is especially true for the waters in Otisco Lake. That’s right, this marsh-turned-lake releases its extra waters at its northern end into Nine Mile Creek. This creek, which is actually 22 miles long, flows from Otisco Lake to Onondoga Lake. The waters of Onondaga Lake feed Lake Ontario, and from there eventually flow through the St. Lawrence River and out into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The big question now is, can you paddle from Otisco Lake to Onondaga Lake? The short answer is, no, unfortunately. The creek that flows out of Otisco Lake tends to get too low for paddling, in addition to dams and debris that prevent passage. Nine Mile Creek is more regularly navigated from the town of Marcellus to Onondaga Lake, but some of the same problems occur. I’d suggest calling the Onondaga County Parks to get updated information on paddling conditions before you head out.

Where can I launch my canoe, kayak, or SUP on Otisco Lake?

I'm glad you asked! There are a couple spots you can launch from on Otisco Lake. Read on to find out more.

SUP at sunsetSUP at sunset on Otisco Lake.

Otisco Lake Park

Located at the northeastern tip of Otisco Lake, the Otisco Lake Park is a pleasant spot for an old-fashioned picnic, a stroll, or to launch your canoe off the shore. 

At only 3 acres in size, Otisco Lake Park is considered a small park, but it provides paddlers access to the greater lake and is also known for its great fishing.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

  • 📍2525 Otisco Valley Rd, Marietta, NY 13110
  • 📞 (315) 451-7275
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park: 3 acres
  • Cartop launch only
  • Porta-potties
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Public Boat Launch

A public launch site maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), you can launch your kayak, canoe, or boat on this concrete launch site and then park your car for the day. 

Once on the water, you can troll around the south portion of Otisco Lake or journey north of the causeway to enjoy the greater lake.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

Features

  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Parking for 10-13 cars and trailers
  • Access to causeway
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Where can I rent kayak, canoe, or SUP on Otisco Lake?

Bringing all your luggage PLUS kayaks, a canoe, or SUPs can be a lot! Never fear, Otisco Lake will hook you up!

Otisco Lake Campgrounds and Marina

Located south of the causeway, Otisco Lake Campground and Marina is your spot to rent a pontoon, kayak, and also hook up your RV. 

They also allow public docking and launching on a daily or seasonal pass.

Getting there

  • 📍1544 Otisco Valley Rd, Marietta, NY 13110
  • 📞 (315) 636-9925
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Otisco Lake Lake is simply too breathtaking to experience without paddling out on the water!

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

Share this!

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