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, serving 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 relatively short. 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 from Route 96A to Seneca Lake Park via a zig-zagging boardwalk. Please exercise caution when crossing the railroad track in this area. The trail runs alongside the boat canal, which features numerous boat slips. When we visited in the summer, we noticed many people fishing here.
You can either continue your walk to the shore of Seneca Lake or take advantage of the park’s various amenities, which include picnic areas, playgrounds, and a Sprayground with over 100 water jets. The highlight of the park is its beautiful shoreline. Notably, this end of the park feels much quieter than the other end.
Visiting in Wintertime
Winter is a wonderful time to visit Bishop Nature Preserve. Both times we visited in the winter, the place was almost entirely deserted, and it was a beautiful walk among the towering evergreens. The paths are very clearly marked, even in the wintertime.
We visited for the first time 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 surface of the lake was beginning to freeze, making it a beautiful time to visit. If you haven’t experienced Seneca Lake in the winter, you’re in for a treat. The north end of the lake freezes before any other part, and it is especially stunning if you’re 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
