This lovely 6.5 mile hike begins south of the concession at Southwick Beach State Park and heads into Lakeview Wildlife Management Area.

This hike ought to be classified as a stroll. The beautiful sandy shores of Lake Ontario seem to naturally slow one's pace. The trail begins south of the concession / picnic area. Within just .25 mile, the trail departs Southwick Beach State Park and enters Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Signage is good. Low dunes and cottonwood trees grace the landscape where at .5 mile, you'll come upon a boardwalk that travels over the dune. You'll see Lakeview Pond on the interior. Visitors to the beach include shorebirds searching for a meal. This quiet sun-drenched beach offers amazing relaxation with its pleasant winds, blue sky, sparkling waters and driftwood strewn shores. At 3.25 miles, you'll reach the outlet for Sandy Creek and Floodwood Pond. The other side of the pond is accessed only by boat. From here, you must retrace your steps back to Southwick State Park. When you reach the northern end of Lakeview Pond, there is a tiny spur trail looping around the the pond's eastern side and back again.

Directions: From Watertown, NY, Travel 2 miles southwest along SR 3 to reach the park. After passing the ranger station, continue on the main park road to the large lakeside parking lot.

Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Difficulty: Easy

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