The word Otisco means “water dried away” in the Iroquois language. Otisco Lake is the easternmost Finger Lake, and it is the 3rd smallest of the 11 lakes. At one time, this lake was only marshland but became a lake through the building of dams.
Lake Facts
Elevation: 787 feet
Area: 1,877 acres
Shoreline Length: 15 miles
Length: 5.4 miles
Maximum Width: 0.75 miles
Maximum Depth: 76 feet
Mean Depth: 34 feet (north of causeway) and 6 feet (south of causeway)
What To Do
We have gathered all the things in the vicinity of Otisco Lake in every direction. (We have not visited all of these places…yet. But as we do, we will have more information for you about them, and we will add it here. If we’ve missed anything, please let us know.)
Parks, Beaches, and Nature
Otisco Lake Preserve
This is one of the nicest lakeshore preserves we have visited in the Finger Lake. The hill is fairly steep, so be ready for a climb back up. The beach here is breathtaking, with artfully carved shale cliffs.
Otisco Lake Park
When it comes to a peaceful setting, this park is about as peaceful as it gets. Enjoy relaxing along the shores of Otisco Lake. If you are looking for a place to read a good book…this is it.
Otisco Shore Conservation Area
This preserve allows visitors to hike right down to the lakeshore. This is an easy hike with a rewarding view. You can enjoy a completely unobscured view of Otisco Lake and the rolling hills on the other side. Visit in the Autumn and you will be in for a real treat. The colors are fabulous.
High Vista Nature Preserve
“Find peace and solitude in this diverse hillside forest, high above the shores of Skaneateles Lake.“
Hinchcliff Family Preserve
“The 206-acre Hinchcliff Family Preserve peers over the eastern shore of Skaneateles Lake, offering impressive vistas, diverse habitats, and a unique window onto the human history and changing natural landscape of the property.”
High Hickory Wildlife Sanctuary
“High Hickory contains four streams and a man-made ½ acre pond; one of those streams has formed a picturesque series of small falls, chutes, and rapids. The property contains 41 acres of mixed forest and 46 acres of open fields. Many species of birds are present due to the diversity of habitat.”
Baltimore Woods Nature Center
“Located on over 180 acres of land including woodlands, fields, and streams, Baltimore Woods has over 6 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and nature-watching enthusiasts.“
Otisco Lake Causeway
This is a unique destination in the Finger Lakes. The Causeway was once a wagon road that spans the width of Otisco Lake. There is now a large gap in the road that allows boats to travel from one side to another. The north end of the lake is significantly deeper than the south end. The Causeway is a popular fishing destination. However, what is really fantastic about the Causeway is the one place you can get an amazing view of the whole lake from the center of it.
Waterfalls
Carpenter Falls/Bahar Nature Preserve
Although this waterfall is technically located on Skaneateles Lake, it is not very far from Otisco Lake and it is an absolute must-visit. There are several waterfalls at this preserve and you can even hike down to the shore of Skaneateles Lake.
Bucktail Falls
Bucktail Falls is a roadside waterfall. It can be easily viewed from the comfort of your car or by a very short walk. This waterfall was particularly alluring in the winter because the water runs off the tall rock walls surrounding the falls and creates a curtain of ice that runs along the face of the rock. It is breathtaking. Honestly, this waterfall is beautiful at any time of year. We revisited it in the Fall and it was just beautiful but in a whole new way.
Boating
Kayaking/Canoeing
Otisco Lake Park
Otisco Lake Park is an excellent place to launch a canoe or kayak. We noticed a lot water birds sun bathing in the water around the park.
The Otisco Lake Causeway
The Causeway is a popular fishing destination but it is also a perfect launching place for kayaks and canoes. The south end of the Causeway is quite shallow and has less boating traffic, making it a ideal paddle destination.
Boat Launches
Otisco Lake DEC Boat Launch
Located on the west side of the Lake -1490 West Valley Road, Spafford. This boat launch has a concrete ramp. There is parking for 13 cars and trailers. There is no fee to launch here.
Otisco Lake Marina
Located on the east side of the lake – 1697 Otisco Valley Rd, Marietta. This is a popular launching site and can get congested since the marina sits right on the road.
Otisco Lake Campground and Marina
Located on the east side of the lake -1544 Otisco Valley Road, Marietta. There is a boat launch as well as boat slips. Boat slips can be rented daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally.
Boat Rentals
Yearning to get out on Otisco Lake but don’t have a boat of your own? Have no fear… There are places around Otisco Lake where you can rent a boat.
Otisco Lake Marina
Otisco Lake Campground and Marina
Fishing
Otisco Lake is known for being the best place in the state to fish for tiger musky. Other species found in Otisco Lake are Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger musky, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, white perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, common carp, white sucker, golden shiner, and alewives.
The Otisco Lake Causeway is a popular place to fish.
Where To Eat
Exploring can work up an appetite, and you can refuel at one of the great restaurants located around Otisco lake.
The Loft – 4291 Octagon Rd, Tully – The unique food at this restaurant is yak meat. Their list of burger options here is quite impressive. The view of the Lake from this restaurant is pretty incredible.
Lakeside Vista Restaurant – 2437 New York Highway 174, Marietta – Gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and wraps with a great view of the Lake.
Marietta House – 2819 State Route 174, Marietta – On Friday & Saturday Night Only – Casual dining with a simple menu offering favorites like chicken parmesan, fish fry, and smoked pull pork sandwiches, just to name a few.
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard – 2708 Lords Hill Rd (Rt.80), Lafayette – Come for the cider tasting and stay to enjoy some delicious food.
Where To Stay
If you are thinking of turning your visit into a vacation, you will need to find a place to stay. There are a lot of great options.
Cottage Rentals
Get the most out of your vacation by renting a cottage is the way to go. Airbnb has a long list of cottages available for rent on the lake. You can adapt your search to include cottages that come with kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, jacuzzis, and other amenities.
Bed and Breakfast
Bed and breakfasts are very romantic places to stay, and Otisco Lake has lots of great establishments available to book for your getaway. We have found a few great B&B for you, but Bedandbreakfast.com is a great resource for finding a clean and reputable place to stay if you are looking for more suggestions.
Camping/Cabins
Otisco Lake Campground and Marina
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.