Page 14 - 2024 Cortland Travel Guide

OUTDOORS
Paddling Playgrounds

Take the less traditional route to explore Cortland County from the water! There’s
nothing quite as thrilling (and relaxing) as paddling. Grab your life
vest and a kayak and head out to explore the open water!

THE SOUTH END OF PARADISE
TIOUGHNIOGA RIVER

The Tioughnioga (pronounced Ty-off-nee-o-ga) is a 34.2-mile-long tributary of the Chenango
River. It is comprised of two branches. The East Branch begins in Madison County, while the West
Branch issues from Tully Lake, and both meander into Cortland County, mainly through agricultural
lands, until they combine in the City of Cortland to form the Tioughnioga River. This narrow water-
way features twists, turns and easily navigated rapids for an engaging paddle, often running parallel
to roads. Wildlife sightings, including bald eagles, are common, and there are four miles of Public
Fishing Rights along the river.

LITTLE YORK LAKE
Nestled in the Preble hamlet within Dwyer Memorial Park, Little York Lake is an easily navi-
gated, 1.1-mile-long waterway. It stands apart as one of the more serene kayaking destinations in N estled on Skaneateles Lake’s southern
Cortland, with a backdrop of rolling hills and a shoreline dotted with homes and the historic Little York
shore, The Glen Haven is a water lover’s
Pavilion. Bring binoculars to spy on the abundance of wildlife or cast a line to take advantage of the
diverse fishery. Perfect for laid-back paddlers who believe the journey and destination go hand in dream. The inn and restaurant is located a
hand. Extend the kayaking fun by heading north to charming Green Lake or east to Goodale Lake, stone’s throw away from Andrew R. Fuller Park
both reachable through a narrow waterway.
for a quick launch spot for your water adven-

SKANEATELES LAKE (SOUTH END) tures. Post-lake exploration, grab a hearty bite
on the patio—the smoked wings or Glen Haven
Skaneateles Lake is the fifth largest of the Finger Lakes, and you can easily access it from the
south end via the Andrew R. Fuller Park launch in the town of Scott ($3 fee). This lake offers Bison Burger are top picks. Cap off the day with
one of Cortland’s most beautiful paddling experiences, framed by wooded hills and steep hillsides. a cocktail to-go, and relax by the shoreline
Admire charming boathouses and cottages along the sparkling blue-green waters. Keep paddling
while catching the sunset. No need to venture
north just beyond the county lines to reach one of New York’s premier paleontological sites, the
far for a good night’s sleep; stay upstairs in the
Staghorn Cliffs. Optimal paddling times are early morning or evening, avoiding boat traffic
and wind. 4-bedroom space for a hassle-free snooze.

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