Owasco Lake

Even though Ithaca borders Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake is actually the easiest finger lake to bike around from Ithaca. The Finger Lakes are truly gorgeous, but a common problem is that most roads that hug the shores are very busy. Owasco Lake is a rare exception making it a special gem for cyclists.

Overview

When leaving Ithaca, you have to travel about 3 miles on Route 34, the first out of three sections of busy roads during this ride. A quick descent brings you to a hamlet called Ludlowville. It is definitely worth to step off your bike to view Ludlowville Falls which is visible from Ludlowville Park.

Next, you will follow the bottom of a forested valley along Salmon Creek, a stretch that is very popular among local cyclists. After six scenic miles, you get to the first categorized climb of the route. The climb is very mellow, some might not even notice the fact that it’s a climb, so it’s nothing to worry about. The road continues to follow Salmon Creek, but this time on a ridge instead of inside the valley. This section of the route provides scenic views of the countryside in the valley below.

If you need to refill your water bottle or get a snack, you can go right when you cross Route 90 and go to the gas station at the intersection with Route 34 in Genoa. However, it this is not recommended because you will have to go back up a steep hill to get back to Indian Field Rd. Notice that there are no other good places to refuel between Ithaca and Auburn, so be prepared.

Auburn is a city located at the Northern tip of Owasco Lake and marks the halfway point of your ride. It is roughly the size of Ithaca, so there are more than enough options to find a snack or a meal. Island Park is a perfect spot to take a break, eat lunch if you brought some with you, and take some selfies in front of the lake.

The second part of the route, starts with a stretch of busy roads. After 5 miles on Route 38A, you turn onto Rockefeller Rd. This road is what sets Owasco Lake apart from many of the other Finger Lakes. There is little traffic and it provides scenic glimpses of the lake below.

Moravia is the next opportunity to refuel. There are plenty of options to find food in the village. Moravia is also the birthplace of Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, and it is also where famous capitalist John D. Rockefeller spent most of his childhood.

From Moravia, you have to pass through the last section of busy roads, a length of 4.2 miles. If you forgot to refuel in Moravia, don’t worry, the hamlet of Locke has a little market with any extra food you might need for the last stretch. Not far out of Locke, you encounter the last climb, Bird Cemetery Rd. This climb may not be so bad on paper, but after almost 60 miles, 14% can really sting. From the top, mostly flat country roads will take you back to Ithaca.

Traffic

This route does have three sections of busy roads, but for the most part they all have wide enough shoulders. Other than those busy stretches, the route travels along very pleasant, lightly-traveled country roads.

Scenery

The main attraction of this route is the lake, of course. Owasco Lake's location in a narrower valley makes it look somewhat different, and arguably prettier, than Cayuga Lake. The views on Indian Field Rd are also not to be underestimated. And when biking along the busy road between Moravia and Locke, don't forget to look around at the surrounding steep green slopes.