Paddling Owasco Lake

Paddling Owasco LakeOwasco Lake is small yet mighty - and a great place to paddle.

Little lake, big views

With its unique surrounding geography and small size, paddling Owasco Lake is pleasant whether you put in from the northern or southern tip. 

You can launch at Emerson Park in Auburn to explore the northern tip. I personally find it pleasant to look at the lake homes, little Finger Lakes beaches, and the surrounding hills while I'm kayaking. 

From the southern tip, you can launch at the Owasco Flats and then head out to the greater lake, enjoying the wild areas and mud flats at the point. 

Take note: Sometimes the mud flats are muddy. Plan for it.

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 Owasco Lake.

Read on to find out about: 

  • Paddling the Owasco Inlet
  • Where you can launch your kayak or canoe on Owasco Lake 
  • Where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board (SUP)  on Owasco Lake

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

Paddling the Owasco Inlet

You can stream paddle the Owasco Inlet as well. If you're up for a more challenging paddle and some white-water adventure, take to the Owasco Inlet, putting in at the fairgrounds in Moravia and paddling upstream toward Route 38. Launching at Route 38 and heading north to the lake, a paddle a little over 4 miles, is more leisurely.

The inlet has some excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, from birds of prey to beaver, and more.

Canoe on lakeBring your own or rent a canoe to explore Owasco Lake.

Where can I launch my kayak or canoe on Owasco Lake?

Brought your own kayak or canoe and need to launch? Add one of the following spots to your itinerary to get out onto the lake.

Emerson Park

You can launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP from Emerson Park to access the northern end of Owasco Lake.

The park also has multiple hard-surface boat launches if you bring a trailer.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Paddling
Rent or bring your own kayak to enjoy Owasco Lake from the water.Rent or bring your own kayak to enjoy Owasco Lake from the water.

Getting there

  • ๐Ÿ“6877 E Lake Rd, Auburn, NY 13021
  • ๐Ÿ“ž (315) 253-5611
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park: 135 acres
  • Boat launch
  • Walking trails
  • Iconic pier
  • Picnic grills
  • Playground
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Facilities
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Owasco Inlet

Paddling the Owasco Inlet gives you a few options. 

You can launch at the Owasco Flats, at the southern tip of the lake, and then access the greater lake.

You can also launch at Route 38 to paddle the four miles up to where the stream meets the lake.

Alternatively, you can launch at the fairgrounds in Moravia and paddle the rapids to Route 38, and then paddle the rest of the way up to Owasco Lake. 

Bring mud shoes if you launch at the flats. Just sayinโ€™!

Highlights

  • Padding
  • Viewing Wildlife
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Fishing

Getting there

๏ปฟOwasco Flats Wildlife Management Area:

  • ๐Ÿ“2799 Firelane, Moravia, NY 13118
  • ๐Ÿ“ž (315) 253-5611
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

Route 38 launch area:

  • ๐Ÿ“Route 38, Moravia, NY 13118
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

Moravia VFW/Fairgrounds launch area: 

  • ๐Ÿ“14 Adams St, Moravia, NY 13118
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Wildlife Management Area: 54 acres
  • Leisurley and more challenging paddling
  • Three separate parcels of land
  • Hiking trails
  • Important Bird Area (IBA)
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

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

You've got a couple of choices. Read on to find your best fit.

Owasco Paddles

Located in Emerson Park, Auburn, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board (SUP) from Owasco Paddles. 

They are dog-friendly and have life-jackets for your pooch as well as non-slip pads your dog can safely sit on in the kayak.

Getting there

  • ๐Ÿ“1 Circle Drive W, Auburn, NY 13021
  • ๐Ÿ“ž (315) 567-1437
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

South Shore Marina

If youโ€™re visiting the southern end of Owasco Lake and need a kayak, canoe, or SUP, South Shore Marina offers rentals by hour, half-day, or whole day. 

They also rent out cabins and pontoon boats if you are in need of either of those as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

Getting there

  • ๐Ÿ“2810 Fire Lane 1, Moravia, NY 13118
  • ๐Ÿ“ž (315) 497-3006 
  • ๐Ÿ—บ Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Owasco 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? 

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