This Quiet Upstate New York City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Skaneateles, meaning “long lake” in Iroquois, is quite an impressive lakeside destination for those craving an adventure. Situated along a 16 mile-long-lake, the small town of roughly 7,000 residents is surrounded by laid-back pastures and scenic, jagged cliffs. Travelers hoping for a vacation on the lake can embark on a sailing cruise or rent a kayak. However, do not limit the town to its lakes—wildlife refuges, waterfall hikes, and state forests lie nearby as well. For those hoping to experience the natural diversity of New York, Skaneateles delivers it all in one place.
Parks & Green Spaces
There are several parks throughout Skaneateles, with one of the most popular being Clift Park, located in the heart of town. This park lies along the shores of Skaneateles Lake, with a swimming area available from the end of June through the end of August. In addition to the swimming area, there are also park benches and a gazebo where visitors can unwind.
Just a 15-minute walk north of Clift Park, travelers will reach Austin Park, a larger park with an incredible variety of amenities. Those wanting to enjoy an afternoon of sports have plenty of options to choose from, including six basketball courts, two playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, an exercise path, beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, and even horseshoe pits. If you have a special occasion you want to celebrate, or simply want to have a nice gathering with friends, you can also reserve a covered picnic shelter in the park that has picnic tables and grills.
Hiking & Walking Trails
Hiking trails in the Skaneateles area wind through all kinds of landscapes, ranging from wetlands and creeks to forests and historic mills. Just south of Lake Skaneateles, visitors can head to Bear Swamp State Forest for an interesting hike. Spanning 3,539 acres, some of the natural features in this area include wetlands and creeks. There are also 14.3 miles of multi-use trails, divided into three main trail loops, where travelers can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and cross-country ski. In the winter, the state forest also has 12.5 miles of trails suitable for snowmobiling.
In the northernmost section of Skaneateles lies the Charlie Major Nature Trail, a former railroad that once served the mills in the area. Today, the railroad has been converted into a trail that extends for about a mile, crossing a creek and three wooden bridges and passing through a forested corridor. Along the path, travelers will spot dams, railroad remains, and historic mills.
Travelers seeking a forested hike with waterfalls should make sure to add the Bahar Preserve & Carpenter Falls to their itinerary. Covering 53 acres, visitors can explore the reserve via its hiking trails, which meander through mixed northern hardwood and hemlock forests. The “Jug Path” is a popular trail among locals, which leads to the southern rim of Bear Swamp Creek gorge, offering spectacular views of a 100-foot-deep ravine. To view Carpenter Falls, meanwhile, hikers can take the White Trail, which stretches a little over a mile, ending at the gorgeous 90-foot Carpenter Falls.
Water-Based Recreation
Spanning about 16 miles long and one mile wide, there is plenty to do and see on Lake Skaneateles. There are various fish species found in the lake, including chain pickerel, yellow perch, small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and bluegill. Some of the more significant cold-water species include rainbow trout, lake trout, and land-locked salmon as well. In addition to the wild species in the lake, Lake Skaneateles is stocked annually with salmon and rainbow trout.
One of the best ways to take in the expansive lake is by sailboat, which travelers can do on a tour with Mid-Lakes Navigation. This sailing charter and cruise company offers a variety of experiences, including sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, and dinner cruises. Mid-Lakes Navigation has been part of the Skaneateles community since 1968 and remains a family-owned and operated business, making it a beloved tradition that has lasted for decades.
If you prefer to explore the lake at your own pace, consider renting a kayak, SUP board, or boat from the Skaneateles Marina, which is open seasonally. Located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Skaneateles, its a convenient spot for visitors to enjoy an afternoon on the water.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Finger Lakes region is home to an impressive variety of wildlife and bird species. About 25 minutes west of Skaneateles, travelers can visit the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, which features wetland, shrubland, grassland, and forest. The wildlife species that travelers may be able to spot change throughout the year, depending on the season. In late winter and early spring, thousands of Canada geese and snow geese flock to the refuge. In late fall, bald eagles and osprey hatch, with the osprey spending summer on the refuge before migrating in the fall. By fall, travelers should keep their eye out for shorebirds, including killdeer, plovers feast, and yellowlegs that often peruse the mudflats. Although Wildlife Drive is closed in the winter months, travelers are still welcome to explore the refuge by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or walking, with some of the winter animals including white-tailed deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.
The Hinchcliff Family Preserve is another excellent spot for a day of birdwatching. The preserve, spanning 303 acres, overlooks the eastern shores of Skaneateles Lake and features northern hardwood forests and mixed hemlock-hardwood forests, along with waterfalls, streams, and gullies. Scarlet tanagers and wood thrushes call the preserve home, along with other breeding songbirds and sparrows.
Final Thoughts
Although many travelers associate Skaneateles with water-based recreation, the surrounding natural attractions are just as compelling. Within a half-hour drive, you can easily reach lush wetlands, 90-foot waterfalls, and wildlife refuges home to osprey and eagles. The lake itself offers plenty to do as well, including canoeing, fishing, and enjoying a relaxing dinner cruise. However you prefer to connect with nature, Skaneateles makes it easy to find your own kind of refuge.
