We love finding unspoiled stretches of lakeshore in the Finger Lakes. Often, these are parcels of land that have been purchased by land trusts and designated for public use. Such as this gorgeous gem on the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake. Formerly known as the Bell Station property, formerly owned by NYSEG, was recently purchased by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and it boasts 3,400 feet of stunning Cayuga Lake shoreline. In 2024, this property was once again purchased, this time by the State of New York, where it was renamed Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area.

Beach

The beach at Cayuga Shores is beautiful, and you can relax or walk along the shore of this stunning Finger Lake. Although swimming is prohibited, they say nothing about wading. This beach is phenomenal because it feels completely separated from all the development around the lake. This is a pristine piece of natural beauty. When we visited, we had the entire preserve to ourselves and it was just fantastic.

Trails

There are a few trails throughout the 287-acre preserve. However, the main attraction here is the trail leading down to the beach and the trail that runs along the shore. You can walk a portion of the beach before encountering shrubbery that blocks you from proceeding any further.

There is a trail that runs parallel to the shoreline. This is a wooded trail that has breaks in the thicket, allowing visitors an occasional glimpse of the lake. I found this trail so peaceful and pretty. The trail has shale cliffs on one side, which adds some rustic beauty to this already lovely trail.

Almost all the trails at this preserve are fairly flat until you get close to the lake, then the trail makes a steep descent.

Waterfalls

When we visited, the Finger Lakes were in the middle of a drought, and most of the creeks were dry. However, I know there are a few waterfalls at Cayuga Shores; there are some obvious places where waterfalls would be if there was water. We need to come back and see this preserve when the water is flowing, because some of these waterfalls look like they would be incredible.

Getting to Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area

Cayuga Shores WMA is located on the east side of Cayuga Lake on Nut Ridge Road (off of 34B)

Follow Nut Ridge Road down to the end. There is a private road to the right; please do not block this road. Vehicles should park on the south side of the road.