One of the things I love most about living in New York State is just when I think that I have discovered all the cool places, I turn around only to find another one just waiting to be explored. This state seems to have an endless supply of amazing places. I was incredibly excited to visit the Dickinson Conservation Area, locally known as the Staghorn Cliffs. The only way to reach this stunning site is by boat, but if you can make it happen, it is so worth it.
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Skaneateles Lake
It is hard for me to definitively claim to love one spot in this fantastic state over another. However, after this kayaking trip on Skaneateles Lake, I suddenly found myself in love with this spot. There is just something so magnificent about this Lake. The water is crystal clear and, in places, has that amazing bluish-green color that you only see in the ocean. What really makes Skaneateles Lake incredible to me is the Staghorn Cliffs at the Dickinson Conservation Area. When we were kayaking around these enormous cliffs, for a moment I had to remind myself that I wasn’t in the Caribbean. That is what kayaking around the base of the shale cliffs formations jetting out into the water made me feel like. There are even several small waterfalls, that just adds a bit of majestic to an already fantastic spot.
Like every Finger Lake, Skaneateles Lake is a popular destination. We arrived early in the morning, which made all the difference in the world as far as traffic on the lake. There were very few boats out and about when we arrived, but when we were heading in the lake began to really fill up. The inlet, where the south end boat launch is located, had a steady stream of boats pouring into the lake. If you want to enjoy kayaking without dealing with constant wakes from boats, arrive early.
Paleontological Hot Spot
What is truly amazing about the Staghorn Cliffs is that is actually an important paleontological site. It is an ancient Devonian coral reef. If you look carefully around you when near the shoreline, you can find lots of fossils embedded in the rocks of both the cliffs and the lake floor. Take your time and explore but remember that it is illegal to remove the fossil from this site.
Getting to Staghorn Cliffs
As I mentioned, you can only access Staghorn Cliffs from the water. The closest boat launch is in the Town of Scott, at the south end of Skaneateles Lake. It is on the Skaneateles Inlet. You must paddle down the inlet a little way and into the Lake. The Cliffs area on the east side of the Lake (to the right) is about 1.5 miles from the mouth of the lake.
7330 Glen Haven Road
Google Map Link
Other Places to Visit in the Area
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake is a popular destination for boating, recreation and just getting away from it all. Explore all the things to do in and around Skaneateles.
Carpenter Falls & Bahar Nature Preserve
This is a very beautiful and agrestal area. This park is not very developed but the scenery is fantastic. If you are looking to step up your hiking game, this is the place to do it.
Have you visited the Staghorn Cliffs? What did you think? Do you know of another spot that you find amazing? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below.