Hiking in Chenango County New York State Parks Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake State Park is a remote, secluded park.  Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests to shady campsites. There is a sandy lakefront for swimmers and sunbathers with several picnic areas nearby. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds.

The park also has a nature center that has a self-guiding trail for those who wish to stroll the nature trail around the lake. Hikers can enjoy a part of the 550+ mile long Finger Lakes Trail than runs through the park or the Kopac Loop Trail.  The Kopac Trail is part of the much larger 900+ mile Finger Lakes Trail System.  In winter, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers enjoy outstanding scenery on eight miles of designated trails, which can also be hiked during the summer and fall.

Directions

• Off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford.  The GPS coordinates are N42 30.979 W75 40.667 for those who have a GPS devise.