From 2W Lake, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a 20 minute drive. There are activities for the whole family throughout the year, including hunting, fishing, boating, environmental education, interpretation and photography. There is also a wonderful winery in case you get thirsty! The Montezuma Winery is at the top of the Cayuga Wine Trail and is about one mile past the entrance of the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge heading West on Route 5 and Route 20.
Nearby Hiking Trails
Charlie Major Nature Trail (Local)
10 Minute Drive
10 Minute Drive
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Cayuga Lake)
20 Minute Drive
Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Local)
10 Minute Drive
Other Recommendations
Carpenter Falls
Just a short drive from 2W Lake, you can enjoy a wonderful hike into the falls. Carpenter Falls reaches 90 ft tall. It falls as a powerful ribbon that cuts through a notch in the massive overhanging limestone caprock, and plunges over 80 feet into a deep pool. Using caution, one can walk right behind the falls. You can get a decent view of Carpenter Falls from the top in just 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to make your way down the gorge to wind up at the lake, plan for at least an afternoon to allow yourself enough light.
Directions: From Route 20 in Skaneateles, head south on Route 41-A for about 8 miles. After Derby Road on your right, you will see Appletree Point Road on your left. Turn down Appletree Point Road and follow it for a quarter mile to the junction with Carver Road. Park there.
Charlie Major Nature Trail
Another short drive from 2W Lake. Enjoy the natural and historic aspects by walking the Charlie Major Nature Trail along Skaneateles Creek (between Old Seneca Turnpike and Crow Hill Road). A rail line, known as the Skaneateles Short Line, helped to maintain prosperity in the community by serving the industries along the outlet. It also carried passengers from the New York Central Railroad at Skaneateles Junction to Skaneateles where they could board the steamboats for trips around the lake.