It seems that New York has an endless supply of beautiful nature preserves, you can find plenty of places to take a hike in nature. Some of these preserves are really spectacular and have something special to offer visitors. Owasco Bluffs is a fantastic hiking destination on the Eastern Shore of Owasco Lake, where visitors can hike through fields, woods, and along a cliffside trail that culminates in a breathtaking view of Owasco Lake from the top of the bluff.
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Hiking Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve
The hike to the Overlook travels through several habitats, such as meadows, forests, and alongside a farmer’s field. (The farmer was out, cutting his field when we visited, and we had to double-check that we were on the right trail, it felt weird hiking alongside his field but he didn’t seem to mind.)
The trail is marked with yellow-tipped wooden stakes or yellow blazes on trees. The trail is a bit hard to follow at the beginning of the hike, you really need to keep your eyes peeled for the yellow-tipped stakes in this portion.
Once you reach the woods, the trail is easy to follow and weaves through the forest down to the cliffside. We visited in the Fall and this was a stunning hike through a mature forest, with colorful leaves raining down and covering the ground.
The Bluff Trail and Lookout
The trail eventually leads down through the woods to the cliffside, where the trail weaves through trees and provides the occasional view of the lake as you go. This is a beautiful trail and as long as you don’t get too close to the edge, is perfectly safe.
Eventually, the trail leads to a large opening in the trees and a bench to sit and appreciate it with. You can get some great pictures of the lakes and the western shore from this vantage point. There is currently no trail down to the lake shore, we looked. (Or at least nothing I would consider safe.)
This is a good hike for kids, but please watch them carefully neat the cliffside, otherwise, it is an easy hike and not too long that it would be overwhelming.
Out and About With Nova
This is a very dog-friendly destination, provided that your dog is leashed. There is a sign at the entrance warning that off-leash dogs are not welcome at the preserve. The trail is wide enough that people with dogs can give hikers and other dogs lots of space.
Nova really enjoyed her hike here as there were lots of squirrels, which she finds fascinating. She also loved playing in the leaves that were all over the ground.
Getting to Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve
Address: 4364 Sam Adams Lane, Auburn, NY