Location: Sterling, NY
This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. The Lake Trail provides access to the 1.9 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline that are part of the Sterling Nature Center. We hiked down to the shoreline from each of the two ends of this trail.
- The northern wooded path down had an uneven surface with a lot of rocks and roots especially at the end of the path when it reaches the shore. There were some benches in the woods. This trail connects to the Heron Trail.
- The southern wooded path was a bit less uneven and easier to navigate down the hill to the shore. From this spot on the shore, you can see McIntyre Bluff and can walk toward it in good conditions.
The changing shoreline conditions may make a shoreline walk challenging at times. When we visited, we were not able to walk the entire shoreline. The trails and shoreline are uneven and would not be considered stroller friendly. Leashed dogs are allowed. Restrooms are available when the nature center is open.
Rules (from the Official Website):
- Wheeled vehicles are NOT allowed on trails, and snowmobiles are only allowed on the designated trail.
- NO picking or collecting of plants, berries, flowers, fungi, or other features.
- NO hunting or firearms are allowed within the Sterling Preserve.
- Swimming is prohibited, and lifeguards are not provided.
Trail Map: Trail Map
Official Website: Sterling Nature Center; Cayuga County; Official Facebook; Official Instagram
Other Websites: Go Finger Lakes
