Campus Nature
A sanctuary of water, woods, and wetlands in the heart of the Cornell campus. The natural area surrounding the lake has a well-maintained trail encircling the shoreline, allowing visitors to enjoy a high diversity of native and naturalized plants, including abundant wildflowers. This is one of the Cornell Botanic Gardens on-campus natural areas.
Highlights
With the wide open lake, this location has many amazing views. You might enjoy reading or relaxing at the rocky beach at the entrance near the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center, which has a great open view of the lake. Also check out Sackett Bridge, which is a great place to take photos. The trail around the lake contains several other beautiful overlooks and hidden locations. Canoeing is offered periodically through Cornell Outdoor Education.
Entrance
There are many places to enter this natural area, including off Triphammer Footbridge, Sampson Trail near Helen Newman Hall, a trail next to the Tang Welcome Center, and off Forest Home Drive near Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Nevin Welcome Center.