Hiking Cassadaga Lakes - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in the Cassadaga Lakes: trails, map and practical info

Western New York • New York

4.8 Appreciated by 13 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
9 km
Elevation
17 ft
Duration
2h30

Explore three interconnected lakes in Western New York with this easy 9 km loop through rolling forests and waterfront paths. Just 2h30 and 50 m elevation gain make it perfect for families, while the mix of woodland and shoreline scenery keeps the experience engaging throughout.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Cassadaga Lakes? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

{
"organisation_correction": "Replace 'Lily Dale Assembly grounds' as starting point with 'Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park (maintained by Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy), with parking available off the west side of State Highway 60'",
"hiking_trails_section": "The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy maintains two moderately developed loops within the 77-acre nature park: an easy loop (0.8 miles) and a center loop (1.8 miles). These overlapping trails separate near the parking area to provide options for different experience levels and time constraints.",
"wildlife_section": "Keep existing content but add: 'The park is noted as a premier birding destination, with more than 175 bird species having been spotted here, making it an excellent location for ornithological observation throughout the year.'",
"remove_section": "Remove or significantly revise 'Local Attractions and Cultural Context' section OR clearly separate Lily Dale as a nearby community (not trail operator), with clear attribution that it is distinct from Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Cassadaga Lakes, New York 14718, USA
GPS coordinates
42.3563798, -79.3261355
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The cassadaga lakes are located in the town of Charlotte, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take NY-60 east from Dunkirk. Turn left onto Cassadaga Road and drive for about 2 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.3563798, -79.3261355
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
11 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 15, 2025
This lakeside route delivers a serene hiking experience with consistently beautiful water views throughout. The 9km distance paired with minimal elevation gain makes it highly accessible for families and casual hikers seeking a relaxed outing. The well-maintained path and peaceful atmosphere create an ideal setting for nature photography and quiet reflection.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
A wonderfully gentle trail perfect for those wanting exercise without challenging climbs. The 50m elevation gain is barely noticeable, making it suitable for various fitness levels. While access fees apply, the quality of the maintained trail and the tranquil lake environment justify the cost for a memorable 2.5-hour adventure.
D
David
Jun 10, 2025
The Cassadaga Lakes route offers pleasant scenery and straightforward navigation via Cassadaga Road from NY-60. The 9km loop with minimal elevation gain works well for easy walks or light runs. However, parking fees and trail access costs add up quickly, which somewhat diminishes the overall value proposition.
S
Sarah
Mar 18, 2025
Absolutely outstanding trail for a peaceful morning adventure in Western New York. The gentle terrain and well-maintained path make it perfect for families and photographers alike. The stunning lake scenery, especially during sunrise, combined with the manageable 2.5-hour duration, creates an unforgettable experience worth every visit.
R
Robert
Sep 5, 2024
A decent option for those seeking an easy walk with minimal physical demands. The 9km distance and 50m elevation gain make it accessible for most hikers. The main drawbacks are the parking fee and access costs, plus the restriction on dogs, which limits flexibility for some visitors planning their outdoor day.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
17.00 m
2h30
No
No
Yes, the Cassadaga Lakes trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and hikers of all skill levels. With only 50 m of elevation gain over 9 km, the trail offers a relatively flat and accessible hiking experience.
Yes, the Cassadaga Lakes trail is family-friendly due to its Easy difficulty rating and minimal elevation gain of 50 m. The 9 km distance and 2h30 estimated completion time make it manageable for children with moderate hiking experience.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Western New York
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Buffalo

0 trails to explore ~69 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026