Paddling Skaneateles Lake

Not everything good in life can come easily, they say. This holds true for Staghorn Cliffs at Dickinson Conservation Area on Skaneateles Lake.

To access this area, you must approach by water. Luckily for paddlers, that’s not too disappointing an option.

And the trip is well worth it! Lovely paddling along the shore for sure, but the real treat is pulling up and getting out to walk around. As you do, keep your eyes peeled for fossils - because the bedrock contains staghorn coral fossils from the Devonian Period, 350 million years ago. 

“Visitors will be amazed to find tens of thousands of individual fossil horn corals embedded in the exposed bedrock of the lakeshore here,” says the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

To preserve the area, collecting is prohibited, but taking pictures is encouraged, so bring your cell along in a waterproof case so you can take a souvenir home from this trip.

You can find staghorn coral fossils in the Dickinson Conservation Area, remnants of an ocean that covered the area 350 million years ago.

Getting there

• 📍Launch your vessel from Andrew R. Fuller Park in Scott, paddle up the eastern shore about 2.5 miles, Finger Lakes Land Trust signs mark the boundaries of the conservation area
• 📞 (607) 275-9487
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

• Conservation area: 21 acres
• Accessible only by water

• Abundance of staghorn coral fossils
• No collecting
• No dogs allowed
• Free entry

You can paddle the inlet of Skaneateles Lake at the southern tip. If you put in your kayak or canoe at the Andrew R. Fuller Park, you’ll paddle up the inlet to access the lake. 

Fishing is good in the inlet too, as well as wildlife viewing. If you come to fish, keep hope for some good-sized largemouth bass, among other species.

Highlights

• Paddling
• Boating
• Fishing
• Viewing wildlife

Getting there

Andrew R. Fuller Park launch area:

• 📍7330 Glen Haven Rd, Homer, NY 13077
• 📞 (607) 749-2902
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

• Launch at Andrew R. Fuller Park
• Paddle upstream to access lake
• Launch fee for non-residents

Located at the southern end of Skaneateles Lake, Andrew R. Fuller Park has both kayak and boat launches available. After launching, you’ll follow the inlet north before coming to the greater lake. 

The park also has a tennis court, facilities, picnic areas and more. There’s a small launch fee for non-residents.

Please note: There seems to be some dispute on whether this park is in Homer or Scott, NY. If you device is confused, plug in the alternative town.

Highlights

• Paddling
• Boating

Getting there

• 📍7330 Glen Haven Rd, Homer, NY 13077
• 📞 (607) 749-2902
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

• Municipal park
• Kayak and canoe launch
• Boat launch maintained by DEC
• DEC on site to check watercraft
• Picnic areas
• Facilities
• Dogs allowed on leash
• Launch fee for non-residents

Clift Park, located in Skaneateles, has a car-top launch area next to the iconic Skaneateles Gazebo.

You’ll have to leave your vehicle in metered parking while you’re on the water because there’s no special parking specific for the launch. But who cares?! As long as you can get out on the water, that's all that matters!

Highlights

• Paddling
• Fishing
• Swimming

Getting there

• 📍15 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
• 📞 (315) 685-1949
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

• Municipal park
• Kayak and canoe launch
• Swimming area with lifeguard
• Gazebo
• Free entry

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) maintains a boat launch site a few miles south of Skaneateles on the western side of the lake.

You can launch your kayak or canoe here and leave your car in the parking lot.

Highlights

• Paddling
• Boating
• Fishing

Getting there

• 📍NYS Boat Launch Fire Ln 15, Skaneateles, NY 13152
• 📞 (607) 753-3095
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

• NYS DEC maintained
• Hard-surface launch area
• Dogs allowed
• Free entry

If you need a paddle from someone who's “always on board,” reserve with the Sailboat Shop, based out of Skaneateles. They’ll deliver or you can pick up your rental, depending on whatever is most convenient.

Getting there

• 📍1322 East Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
• 📞  (315) 685-7558
• 🗺 Find on Google Maps