The Lake Ontario Overlook Trail at Sterling Nature Center in Sterling, New York is an easy 0.7-mile out-and-back hike that features two views of Lake Ontario.
Hike Description
This hike begins at the first parking lot for the Sterling Nature Center and follows the trailhead (located across the street) as it heads north toward the lake. Hikers will follow a small path that leads along the entrance road and then due-west alongside the largest parking lot (which was under construction as of May 2023). Once at the back of the large parking lot, hikers will spot the wooden overlook structure that sits on the bluff of Lake Ontario.
Overlook - Mile 0.2
At mile 0.2, hikers will reach the Lake Ontario Overlook which provides a nice view of the lake. This is the best view along this hike, but not the last.
From the overlook, hikers can head north along the Heron Trail and Lake Trail as they make their way out to another lakeshore view. Keep left at most trail junctions to continue on to the next lake view.
Lake View - Mile 0.35
At mile 0.35, hikers will reach a sloping embankment on the shores of Lake Ontario where the Lake Trail spits hikers out onto the shore. From here you can get a decent view of Lake Ontario and the option to hike along the shore for a loop; however, due to the trees washed ashore, the Lake Trail (which follows the shoreline) seemed less-inviting than hoped, so we turned back here.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided at Sterling Nature Center. The lot is large enough to fit a couple dozen vehicles. As of May 2023, there was a much larger parking lot under construction which, when opened, will provide even more parking access.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Garter snakes: The lakeshore is teeming with garter snakes during the Spring and likely Summer time. While harmless, these snakes can be found on or just off-trail sunning themselves. On this short 0.7-mile out-and-back hike in mid-May we encountered at least 4 snakes. If you hate snakes, this hike may not be for you (during warm/hot months).
Hike Description
This hike begins at the first parking lot for the Sterling Nature Center and follows the trailhead (located across the street) as it heads north toward the lake. Hikers will follow a small path that leads along the entrance road and then due-west alongside the largest parking lot (which was under construction as of May 2023). Once at the back of the large parking lot, hikers will spot the wooden overlook structure that sits on the bluff of Lake Ontario.
Overlook - Mile 0.2
At mile 0.2, hikers will reach the Lake Ontario Overlook which provides a nice view of the lake. This is the best view along this hike, but not the last.
From the overlook, hikers can head north along the Heron Trail and Lake Trail as they make their way out to another lakeshore view. Keep left at most trail junctions to continue on to the next lake view.
Lake View - Mile 0.35
At mile 0.35, hikers will reach a sloping embankment on the shores of Lake Ontario where the Lake Trail spits hikers out onto the shore. From here you can get a decent view of Lake Ontario and the option to hike along the shore for a loop; however, due to the trees washed ashore, the Lake Trail (which follows the shoreline) seemed less-inviting than hoped, so we turned back here.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided at Sterling Nature Center. The lot is large enough to fit a couple dozen vehicles. As of May 2023, there was a much larger parking lot under construction which, when opened, will provide even more parking access.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Garter snakes: The lakeshore is teeming with garter snakes during the Spring and likely Summer time. While harmless, these snakes can be found on or just off-trail sunning themselves. On this short 0.7-mile out-and-back hike in mid-May we encountered at least 4 snakes. If you hate snakes, this hike may not be for you (during warm/hot months).
