This lovely preserve is a perfect hiking destination for nature lovers and novice hikers, with three flat trails that wind through the woods. However, what made this preserve so amazing is that it provides access to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, leading to Seneca Lake State Park and the shores of Seneca Lake.
The Trails
Bishops Nature Preserve features flat trails, making it ideal for an easy, low-impact hike through the woods. There are three trails: the Yellow Trail, Blue Trail, and Red Trail. The Blue and Red Trails are dirt paths that may get muddy, as we experienced after a recent thaw. Both are designated for hiking only. In contrast, the Yellow Trail is a more durable gravel path that is less prone to mud; it serves as both a hiking and bicycle trail. There is less than a mile between the three trails; however, the Yellow Trail leads to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, a 6.7-mile rail trail that runs between the towns of Waterloo and Geneva.
Walking to Seneca Lake
From Bishop Nature Preserve, the walk to Seneca Lake State Park via the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail is not very far. On our first visit, we didn’t have the opportunity to hike all the way to the Lake. However, we returned soon after and hiked all the way to Seneca Lake.
At the far end of Bishop Nature Preserve, where the Yellow Trail concludes, a junction meets the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail. If you turn right, this trail takes you through a dense woodland area, following the canal and offering views of a charming pastoral landscape and serene wetlands. The trail travels 4 miles to Lock #4 in Waterloo.
If you turn left onto the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, it will lead you to Seneca Lake Park, which is about half a mile away. The trail is a multi-use recreational path and is wheelchair accessible.
This easy, flat walk takes visitors under Route 96A over to Seneca Lake Park. We visited on a cold winter day, and Seneca Lake Park was almost entirely deserted, except for a massive flock of geese whose honking was deafening. The top of the Lake was beginning to freeze, so it was a beautiful time to visit. If you haven’t visited the Seneca Lake in the Wintertime, you are in for a treat. The north end of the Lake freezes before any other part of the Lake, and it is beautiful, especially if you are lucky enough to catch a sunset.
Out and About With Nova
Bishop Nature Preserve welcomes dogs. Nova loves our adventures; she loves to explore, and the more natural the location, the better she likes it. So, this was a great hike for her through the forest.
On our return trip, she was in heaven when we walked to Seneca Lake. She loved seeing all the birds and enjoyed walking down to the lakeshore.
Dogs need to be on a leash while walking here, and please remember to clean up after them. Nobody likes to see dog poop on the trail; it tarnishes the reputation of all dog owners.
Getting to Bishop Nature Preserve
Address: Boodys Hill Rd, Waterloo, NY
Google Map Link
